Plain Language Animal Ordinance Program

About the Program

Category: County Administration and Management (Best in Category)

Year: 2017

Plain Language Animal Ordinance Program Department of Animal Care and Control County of Los Angeles California PLAIN LANGUAGE ANIMAL ORDINANCE PROGRAM NACo 2017 Achievement Awards Nomination Submission Category: County Administration and Management Contact: Marcia Mayeda, CAWA Department Director Animal Care and Control, Administrative Office 5898 Cherry Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90805 1. ABSTRACT OF THE PROGRAM “Los Angeles County Code Title 10 – Animals (Ordinance)” is an ordinance that sets forth the laws regarding the keeping of animals in the County of Los Angeles (County) and is the main enforcement tool for the County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control (Department), one of the largest and most progressive animal control agencies in the United States. It is an important resource for residents, law enforcement, and Department personnel. Over the years large portions of the Ordinance had become outdated, were difficult to understand, unnecessary or redundant. The Ordinance also lacked key provisions to address certain animal-related complaints and other issues concerning animals and the people who care for them. The Department and the Office of County Counsel (Counsel) updated the Ordinance’s outdated legal jargon and eliminated unnecessary language. Each section was reviewed for relevancy, redundancy, and compliance with California and federal laws. Legal precedents and case law relating to animal control ordinances in other jurisdictions were reviewed to ensure that changes to Title 10 would withstand legal challenge. The County’s Plain Language Initiative called for departments to simplify language in official documents. The resulting revised document was reduced by 38 percent. It is now a clearer, comprehensive animal control ordinance that will greatly enhance service to residents of the County and can serve as a model ordinance for other jurisdictions to adopt.