Shelter owner responds to council's decision

Rainbow District Animal Control and Shelter Services owner Richard Paquette was visibly disappointed walking out of council chambers at Tom Davies Square last night.

Greater Sudbury council voted in favour of taking over the enforcement of the city's animal control bylaw when the contract with RDACSS expires on Oct. 31 this year, a decision that effectively means Paquette will have to lay off six permanent full-time employees.

With a day to absorb the decision, Paquette has issued a written response, expressing his displeasure with council's decision.

“Staff did not budget a dollar to augment the number of, or replace any vehicles in their fleet, which currently only consists of one truck, one SUV and five compact cars,” said Paquette in his letter.

“They did not account for increased 311 call centre volumes, dispatchers, after hours services, rabies vaccinations or training beyond a "one day seminar" on how to use Animal Control equipment.”

Paquette says that council's plan is still projected to cost the taxpayer $135,000 per year more than under the current service model, even without factoring in any of those un-accounted for costs.

The RDACSS service model provides three more FTEs, for six full time dedicated permanent Animal Control positions, and a minimum of four trucks available for work in The City of Greater Sudbury and dedicated to Animal Control duties.

“This projection however assumes that the City will save a 'yet to be determined' amount of money on contracted pound services,” said Paquette.

“However, the report recommends still only requiring 'three years experience in the care and keeping of animals' and in an effort to further increase competition, council approved a motion to accept bids for up to three different smaller zones and are apparently no longer going to require security deposits or letters of good standing from the proponents financial institution.”

Paquette lashed out about misinformation that he feels was spread by council through rumours.

“RDACSS' competition, their supporters and 'friend' on council claim the system is broken and ran a highly effective campaign of misinformation including pointing to 'rumors' of animal abuse and corruption and falsely claiming there were no improvements in services or save rates over the last 12 years,” said Paquette.

Rainbow District Animal Control and Shelter Services will continue to serve 12 other municipalities, as well as First Nations communities in the district, according to Paquette.

“Six of our permanent full-time animal control officers with more than to 30 years of combined experience were effectively served notice by Council that their permanent full time jobs are eliminated as of Oct. 31,” said Paquette.

“While these officers may choose to apply for the new 'part time' positions downtown to work steady evenings and weekends, this will be their choice, it would seem unlikely however that these talented and dedicated individuals will be still available to resume these duties in the future when this plan fails."