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News Room - 2006


Hector Cazares, Animal Care Services Manager, 916/808-7433
Rhea Serran, Media and Communications Specialist, 916/808-1869

July 3, 2006

CITY ANIMAL CARE SERVICES POINTS TO DANGERS OF
INDEPENDENCE DAY FOR PETS

The City of Sacramento's Department of General Services, Animal Care Services Division cautioned pet owners to take extra care to ensure the safety of their animals on the July Fourth holiday this week. Animal Care Services staff asked pet owners to remember that the same fireworks that amuse and entertain humans can be terrifying to animals.

Every year at this time, City animal control officers respond to many calls to pick up stray animals who have wandered from home after being frightened by fireworks, assist animals who have become trapped trying to hide from the loud sounds, and even pick up dead animals who have become victims of accidents caused by their attempt to flee from fireworks.

City Animal Care Services asks pet owners to:
  • Keep their pets indoors on July 4th, even during daytime hours, ideally in a room with no windows or darkened windows. Fade out outdoor sounds by playing the television or radio for pets.
  • If your animal is easily frightened and/or has a history of panicky behavior around the Fourth, consult your veterinarian to see if tranquilization might be an appropriate option.
  • Double-check that your pet has identification on its collar (and a microchip, ideally - microchips can be implanted at City Animal Care Services at 2127 Front Street for a small fee as well as at most veterinarian offices) so that if it does become separated from you, it can be returned safely.
  • Check the City's Animal Care Services Center regularly (as well as the Sacramento SPCA and Sacramento County Animal Care and Regulation) if your animal does become lost. Also, utilize the City's Web site www.sacpetsearch.com to look for lost animals.
  • If you see an animal that appears to be lost or hurt, please call City Animal Care Services at 916/808-PETS (7387) or the City Operator at 916/808-5011 (after hours) to immediately dispatch a City animal control officer. If outside of City limits, call County Animal Care and Regulation at 916/875-5232.

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Kathy Vos, Chief Animal Care Officer, 916/808-5855
Rhea Serran, Media and Communications Specialist, 916/808-1869

June 23, 2006

2nd Annual Hawgs 4 Dogs & Cats, Too! Benefits City's Animal Care Services
Sunday, June 25, 2006
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

WHO:

City of Sacramento, Animal Care Services and Folsom Harley Owners Group Chapter invites motorcycle riders and animal supporters to sign-up at the Folsom Harley-Davidson between 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. on Sunday, June 25 for the 2nd Annual Hawgs 4 Dogs (& Cats, too!) motorcycle ride.

A $20 donation includes the ride from Folsom to William Land Park, lunch and a prize drawing ticket. The first 200 riders will receive a collectible ride pin. Non-riders are also invited to attend and purchase lunch with a $15 donation at William Land Park beginning at 11:30 a.m. on the day of the event. All participants are asked to bring a toy or comfort item for a dog or cat. Please no dry pet food, only canned pet food donations will only be accepted.

WHAT:

The 2nd Annual Hawgs 4 Dogs (and Cats, too!) is a benefit for the City of Sacramento, Animal Care Services. Donations directly benefit the City of Sacramento's Animal Care Services FOCAS fund. The FOCAS fund provides unfunded care to animals in need of comfort items and medical services.

WHEN:

Sunday, June 25, 2006
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

WHERE:

Ride beings at the Folsom Harley-Davidson (115 Woodmere Rd), Folsom, CA
Ride ends at William Land Park (Freeport & Sutterville - Village Green, Group Area 4)

Visuals to Support the Story: Members of the media are invited to attend a photo opportunity at the City's Animal Care Services (2127 Front Street) at 11:00 a.m. Riders will arrive from the Folsom Harley-Davidson Poker Run starting point and deliver their pet toy or comfort item and receive a tour of the shelter.

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Shannon Asquith, Volunteer and Special Events Coordinator, 916/808-8166
Rhea Serran, Media and Communications Specialist, 916/808-1869

May 11, 2006

Councilmember Steve Cohn and City Animal Care Services Invite Pets of
Low-Income District 3 Residents to Participate in a FREE Spay/Neuter & Vaccination Clinic
Sunday, May 14, 2006
8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

WHO:

District 3 Councilmember Steve Cohn and the City of Sacramento, Department of General Services, Animal Care Services Division, invite pets of District 3 residents to participate in a FREE spay/neuter and vaccination clinic. Councilmember Cohn has provided special funding to offset costs of the event.

WHAT:

The clinic is offered to pets of low-income residents of District 3. District 3 neighborhoods include: Arden Fair, Ben Ali, Boulevard Park, Cal Expo, Campus Commons, Cannon Industrial Park, CSUS, East Sacramento, Erikson Industrial Park, Hagginwood, Mansion Flats, Marshall School, Midtown / Winn Park / Capital Avenue, New Era Park, Point West, River Park, Sierra Oaks, Swanston Estates.

Proof of District 3 residency and low-income status required (please call 808-7383 for eligibility requirements).

Residents are required to make a spay/neuter appointment for their pet. Please call Animal Care Services at 916/808-7383 to schedule an appointment. The vaccination clinic is a walk-up service and does not require an appointment.

Low-cost microchipping at a reduced rate of $10 for District 3 pets is also available. No appointment required.

WHEN:

Sunday, May 14, 2006
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

WHERE:

John Muir Park (1515 C Street), Sacramento, CA

To learn more about adopting an animal or spaying and neutering, please visit the City's Animal Care Services Center at 2127 Front Street, call (916) 808-PETS (7387) or log on to www.SacPetSearch.com.

Event visuals: Councilmember Cohn will be available for interviews at 10 a.m. Colorful spay and neuter surgery suite, staff, volunteers and members of the public, plus dogs and cats will be on site.

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William Conner, Structural Maintenance Supervisor, 916/808-6255
Christian Punsal, Media & Communications Assistant, 916/808-2257

May 10, 2006

The City of Sacramento Seeks Volunteers for Graffiti Abatement Program

The City of Sacramento's General Services, Neighborhood Services, and the Sacramento Police departments are working together to promote the Graffiti Abatement Program (GAP). The goal of GAP is to partner with Sacramento citizens to remove graffiti from private and public property. Volunteers are needed to assist in removing graffiti throughout the City. To be a volunteer, the City ask that you are 18 years of age or above, attend a brief orientation on how to use equipment to remove graffiti, and documentation.

The City is working to keep its neighborhoods clean and attractive through various activities, including graffiti removal programs, educational outreach, community involvement, and police enforcement. Residents, neighborhood associations, and business owners throughout Sacramento have joined efforts with the City to help prevent and clean graffiti. Property and business owners understand that prompt removal of graffiti reduces the chances of a reoccurrence.

For more information about the Graffiti Abatement Program (GAP) or to volunteer, please contact 916/808-3951 or 916/808-6255.

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Rhea Serran, Media and Communications Specialist, 916/808-1869

May 3, 2006

Sneakers' Adventure
Implanted Microchip Reunites Cat with Owner After 10 Years

Allison MacEwan of Seattle received a surprising phone call from the City of Sacramento's Animal Care Services. Miles away from Seattle, her cat, Sneakers, was at the City's animal shelter. Allison was also shocked because Sneakers had been missing for 10 years.

Last Saturday, Sneakers, a male, long-haired black cat was surrendered to Animal Care Services. Like all animals that are brought to the shelter, Sneakers was scanned for a microchip. After a microchip was located, the serial number was used to located Allision, Sneakers's original owner. Allison told Animal Care Services her cat was lost in 1996 when her daughter was only four years old. She had placed ads in the local newspaper and went door to door with fliers hoping that someone would find her cat. After months of waiting for Sneakers' return, Allison hoped that she had found a new home. Although the details of Sneakers hairy adventure to Sacramento are unknown, he will be reunited with Allison and her family this weekend. Now Allison fourteen year old daughter will have the opportunity to rekindle a new friendship she had ten years ago with her childhood pet.

The City's Animal Care Services encourage all pet owners to properly collar, tag and microchip their cat or dog. If your pet becomes lost, most California animal shelters have the ability to scan the animal for microchip. Once the microchip is found, the microchip number is used to identify the owner. Microchipping your pet is also available at the City's Animal Care Services Reception Desk, Tuesday through Friday, 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. for only $20 and includes registration of the owner's information with the microchip company.

To learn more about microchipping your pet or to adopt an animal, please visit the City's Animal Care Services Center at 2127 Front Street, call (916) 808-7387 or log on to www.sacpetsearch.com.

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County Contact: Chris Andis, 916/875-4047
City Contact: Rhea Serran, 916/808-1869

March 29, 2006

County and City Animal Shelters Host Tour for Life Adoption Event
World's Largest No-Kill Animal Rescue Organization to Make Stop in Sacramento
Friday, March 31

Sacramento, CA - The City of Sacramento, Department of General Services, Animal Care Services Division and the County of Sacramento, Department of Animal Care and Regulation will host the North Shore Animal League's (NSAL) mobile adoption unit in Sacramento during its nationwide "Tour for Life" campaign.

In partnership with The House Rabbit Society, Purina, Bayer Animal Health, Fort Dodge Animal Health and Nylabone Products, the agencies are sponsoring this event to help adopt as many shelter animals across the nation.

"The North Shore Animal League travels to 300 shelters across the United States, United Kingdom and Canada to promote the adoption of shelter animals," said Hector Cazares, Animal Care Services Manager for the City of Sacramento. "This will be an exciting event featuring a great selection of adoptable dogs, cats and rabbits."

"We will bring a selection of highly adoptable cats, dogs and rabbits to the event. This is a great opportunity for the community to see the variety and quality of animals that come to the shelter and need good homes," said Pat Claerbout, director of County Animal Care and Regulation.

Free giveaways, pet care tips and shelter volunteer information are also available. Anyone interested in adopting a new animal friend should plan to attend. For more information about the event please call 916/875-5848 (County) or 916/808-8166 (City) or to view the North Shore Animal League's mobile adoption unit visit www.nsalamerica.org.

About the Event:

When: Friday, March 31
Where: Cesar Chavez Park - 910 I Street, Sacramento
Times: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Visuals: Colorful Adoption Bus, staff and volunteers with dogs, cats, and rabbits, topic experts on nutrition, health and training

Animal Care Services at 916/808-8166 or email Shannon Asquith
County Animal Shelter at 916/875 -5848 or email ACR-Temp@saccounty.net

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Shannon Asquith, Volunteer and Special Events coordinator, 916/808-8166
Rhea Serran, Media and Communications Specialist, 916/808-1869

March 16, 2006

Councilmember Rob Fong and City Animal Care Services Invite Pets of Low-Income District 4 Residents to Participate in a FREE Spay/Neuter & Vaccination Clinic

Sunday, March 19, 2006
8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

WHO:

District 4 Councilmember Rob Fong and the City of Sacramento, Department of General Services, Animal Care Services Division, invite pets of District 4 residents to participate in a FREE spay/neuter and vaccination clinic. Councilmember Fong has provided special funding to offset costs of the event.

WHAT:

The clinic is offered to pets of low-income residents of District 4. District 4 neighborhoods include: Alhambra Triangle, Curtis Park, Downtown, Freeport Manor, Greenhaven, Land Park, Little Pocket, Mangan Park, Newton Booth, Old Sacramento, Poverty Ridge, Richmond Grove, South Land Park, Southside Park, Upper Land Park and Z'berg Park.

Proof of District 4 residency and low-income status required (please call 808-7383 for eligibility requirements).

Residents are required to make a spay/neuter appointment for their pet. Please call Animal Care Services at 916/808-7383 to schedule an appointment. The vaccination clinic is a walk-up service and does not require an appointment.

Low-cost microchipping at a reduced rate of $10 for District 4 pets is also available. No appointment required.

On-site dog adoptions are also available from 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. on the event day.

WHEN:

Sunday, March 19, 2006
8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

WHERE:

Southside Park (corner of 8th and W streets)
Sacramento, CA

Councilmember Fong will be available for interviews at 10:30 a.m.

To learn more about adopting an animal or spay and neutering, please visit the City's Animal Care Services Center at 2127 Front Street, call (916) 808- PETS (7387) or log on to www.sacpetsearch.com.

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Rhea Serran, Media and Communications Specialist, 916/808-1869

March 7, 2006

City Awarded 2005 Real Estate Public Project of the Year for Sacramento City Hall

The City of Sacramento has received the Sacramento Business Journal's "2005 Real Estate Project of the Year - Best Public Project" award for the new City Hall complex. The Public Project category was based on projects that were built primarily with public funds, or built to be primarily occupied by government.

"This exciting accomplishment celebrates the hard work and dedication of City staff, elected officials and the project and construction team that worked on this project for two years. My wholehearted congratulations also go out to the community for their support on this project that will serve the City for decades," said Mayor Heather Fargo.

The City Hall complex captures the rich and diverse history of Sacramento, embracing the old and celebrating the new. The original - Historic City Hall was built in 1911. In 2005, it was seismically upgraded, the interior marble was restored, and the exterior terra cotta was cleaned and repaired. The five-story administration building, built in 2005, is a blend of concrete, stone, brick and has many modern efficiencies including energy-efficient windows, air conditioning and heating; and cool roof materials. The two buildings consolidated 17 offices and 700 City employees formerly spread throughout a four-block area of downtown. With almost all City services under one roof, City Hall provides more convenience and improved customer services for residents and businesses.

Sacramento City Hall is open weekdays from 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. at 915 I Street in downtown Sacramento. For a complete list of the "2005 Real Estate Projects of the Year" recipients, log on to www.bizjournalevents.com. For more information regarding the City Hall project visit General Services.

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Shannon Asquith, Volunteer and Special Events Coordinator, 916/808-8166
Jill Scofield, Interim Media and Communications Specialist, 916/808-1969

October 6, 2006

____________________________________________________________________________                       

Councilmember Kevin McCarty and City Animal Care Services Invite District 6 Residents and Their Pets to a FREE Spay/Neuter & Vaccination Clinic

Sunday, October 8, 2006
8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

WHO:

District 6 Councilmember Kevin McCarty and the City of Sacramento Animal Care

Services Division invite pets of District 6 residents to participate in a FREE spay/neuter and vaccination clinic. Councilmember McCarty has provided special funding to offset event costs and provide these services to eligible District 6 residents.    

WHAT:

The clinic is offered to pets of low-income residents of District 6, which comprises:  Avondale, College Glen, Colonial Village, Colonial Manor, Elmhurst, Fruitridge Manor, Glen Elder, Granite Regional Park, South East, Tahoe Park and Tallac Village.

Proof of District 6 residency and low-income status are required. For eligibility requirements, residents can call (916) 808-7383.

The vaccination clinic is a walk-up service and does not require an appointment. However, residents are required to make a spay/neuter appointment for their pet by calling Animal Care Services at (916) 808-7383.

Low-cost permanent identification microchipping is available for $10, which is half the typical cost for this service. Microchipping also is available on a walk-up basis. 

WHEN:

Sunday, October 8, 2006
8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

WHERE:

George Sim Community Center (6207 Logan Street), Sacramento, Calif.

To learn more about adopting an animal or spaying and neutering, please visit the City’s Animal Care Services Center at 2127 Front Street, call (916) 808-PETS (7387) or visit www.SacPetSearch.com.

The media are invited to attend and cover this event. Councilmember Kevin McCarty will be available for interviews between 10 a.m. and noon the day of the event. The colorful spay and neuter mobile surgery suite, as well as staff, volunteers, members of the public and pets, will be on site.

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Shannon Asquith, Volunteer and Special Events coordinator, 916/808-8166
Rhea Serran, Media and Communications Specialist, 916/808-1869

February 3, 2006

Rescued Rabbits Need a Place to Call Home

The City of Sacramento's Department of General Services, Animal Care Services division encourages residents to adopt rabbits from the City shelter. Due to a recent rescue, over 80 rabbits are waiting to be adopted into safe and loving homes. The shelter is over capacity and the rabbits need to find forever homes as soon as possible.

The rabbit adoption fee is only $45 and includes spaying or neutering and a carrier. Rabbits make great house pets, may live with domesticated cats and well-behaved dogs, can be litter box trained and have a life span of 10 years or more.

Due to the overwhelming number of rabbits now housed at the shelter, Animal Care Services is also in need of monetary contributions to alleviate the additional rabbit spaying and neutering costs, or donations of rabbit care items such as litter boxes and wood stove pellets.

Adopting shelter animals directly helps reduce the suffering caused by pet overpopulation and unnecessary euthanasia of healthy, adoptable animals. Prior to adopting a pet, please consider the life-long commitment, time and money that a pet requires.

To learn more about adopting a rabbit or other shelter animal, shelter donation, and spaying or neutering, please visit the City's Animal Care Services Center at 2127 Front Street, Call (916) 808-PETS (7378) or log on to www.SacPetSearch.com.

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