No Kill Long Beach Animal Welfare Survey
District 5 and District 7 Candidate Responses
Following are the responses of the candidates in the District 5 and District 7 run-off election to NKLB’s Animal Welfare Survey. Responses were provided by candidates in March 2018.
Question 1
Q1. Many people in Long Beach live with and care for companion animals (pets). Many of them consider their companion animals, such as dogs and cats, to be members of their families and are willing to vote for a candidate who is interested in issues surrounding companion animals in Long Beach.
If elected or re-elected to public office:
On a scale of 1 to 10, how interested are you in working on issues surrounding companion animals in Long Beach? (1 = Not interested; 10 = Very interested).
Answer (1-10):
Please explain your response in the space below.
DISTRICT 5
Rich Dines (District 5)
10 - I support adoption programs. I have adopted several pets and I believe we should make an effort to save animals from being euthanized. I would champion efforts to place more pets into good loving homes
Stacy Mungo (District 5)
10 - My husband and I are fosters and volunteers. We are passionate about companion animals and have supported programming recommended by advocates. I have even brought items to council and funded requests from partners.
DISTRICT 7
Jared Milrad (District 7)
10 - I have been passionate about companion animal welfare for as long as I can remember. I began participating in Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) programs at the age of 12. I have rescued numerous feral cats and worked with animal rescue groups to ensure they receive proper care, including vaccinations, sterilization, foster care, and adoption. At the age of 14, I became a vegan to take a stronger stand for animal advocacy. Since then, I have rescued and adopted numerous animals, including from high-kill shelters and other countries, where there are even fewer protections for companion animals. I have led veterinary service projects on four continents - including on the Zuni Reservation in New Mexico, in Ecuador, Botswana, and India - where I participated in spay/neuter programs for stray dogs and cats, taught animal health education, and promoted compassionate lifestyles and policies. As an undergraduate major in Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences at North Carolina State University, I founded our university’s first animal protection organization, and successfully led a campaign to change the university’s policy on the use of euthanized cats in laboratory dissections. Under the mentorship of Dr. Tom Regan and other international leaders on animal protection, my efforts led to an unprecedented change in school policy. We invited numerous renowned speakers to promote compassion on campus, such as noted author Howard Lyman and nutritionist Dr. Michael Greger. Years later, as a graduate student studying Animals and Public Policy at Tufts University, I founded a humane education organization to educate underserved children about animal welfare. I was awarded the Tufts Presidential Award in Citizenship and Public Service for my efforts, which included developing a humane education curriculum and robust outreach program. Having adopted many companion animals and been actively engaged in animal welfare issues for decades, I believe that it is critically important for the City Council to address companion animals issues. If elected, I will bring consistent, compassionate, and strong leadership to City Hall on animal welfare - just as I have my entire life.
Roberto Uranga (District 7)
10 - My wife, Tonia, and I are proud pet-parents. We have three dogs: Chloe and Ghost (German Shepherds) and Lula (Chihuahua). Guess who runs the house? Our pets are part of the family: Spoiled, plenty of room to run around, regular doctor’s visits and conscientiously provided nutritious food. I am, therefore, extremely interested in issues surrounding companion animals and have firsthand knowledge how important animal companionship can be to a family.
Question 2
Q2. Last year, Long Beach Animal Care Services (LBACS) euthanized nearly 1,100 dogs and cats, many of them healthy or only moderately ill and therefore able to be treated with minimal veterinary care. Over the past 10 years, LBACS has euthanized over 41,000 dogs and cats. Innovative sheltering programs, such as comprehensive adoption programs, proactive marketing of animals, strong volunteer programs, foster programs and medical and behavioral rehabilitation programs, have been implemented in a number of communities across the nation, resulting in saving 90-98% of the animals in their shelters. LBACS does not currently implement all of these sheltering programs. If we are to increase the number of animals our shelter saves, LBACS policies will need to undergo significant changes to be mandated by the city’s elected officials.
On a scale of 1 to 10, how important is the issue of increasing the number of animals saved at the Long Beach animal shelter to you? (Choose a number from 1 to 10 and click on the corresponding star. 1 = Not important; 10 = Very important). Please explain your response in the space below.
Answer (1-10):
Please explain your response in the space below.
DISTRICT 5
Rich Dines (District 5)
10 - We need to follow the lead of cities like Austin. We should set a goal of being a no kill shelter. We must set higher goals. We should evaluate performance. We must bring accountability to our shelter.
Stacy Mungo (District 5)
10 - I have allocated funds and restricted them specifically for programs like these.
[Note: NKLB reached out to Ms. Mungo for more details on this, and she did not speak with us.]
DISTRICT 7
Jared Milrad (District 7)
10 - I currently serve as food policy and public engagement manager for Mercy For Animals, an international non-profit organization that promotes compassionate food choices and policies. In this role, I work with institutions, corporations, municipal governments, and school boards in Long Beach and nationwide to reduce meat consumption and advocate for a plant-based diet to reduce carbon emissions, increase sustainability, and combat climate change. This work continues my lifelong advocacy for all animals, including companion animals. I have also personally rescued at least a dozen companion animals, stray animals, and others from high-kill shelters. In the past several years, I have rescued pit bulls, publicly advocated against breed discrimination policies, and urged international leaders to consider animal welfare in conflict zones around the world. In that spirit, I believe it is imperative that LBACS saves as many animals as possible. The City Council needs a proven, lifelong champion for animals to take a strong, principled stand in favor of protecting animals at our shelter. If elected, I will work to ensure that all animals at the shelter receive high-quality care. The shelter needs a robust foster and adoption program, as well as a thorough medical and behavioral rehabilitation program. LBACS should immediately undertake marketing initiatives to save lives, and it must partner with organizations and advocates such as Stayin' Alive [No Kill Long Beach] to expedite its transition to a No Kill Shelter.
Roberto Uranga (District 7)
10 - I worked for the City of Long Beach for over 28 years. Among the positions I held was Administrative Officer for the Department of Health and Human Service (DHHS), which at the time I was there, included Animal Care Services (ACS). Part of my duties was to advise the Bureau Manager at the ACS on personnel matters. Among the several personnel investigations I conducted regarding personnel issues at ACS, I performed an investigation into the wrongful destruction of 10 cats that were up for adoption. My investigation resulted in the dismissal of the offending ACS Officer, the discipline of the on duty supervisor and a reprimand. This was a very tragic and unfortunate event. I believe that we, as a City, should be doing more to ensure that we are becoming a “no-kill” facility. We should also be requiring the same from the SPCA-LA, who operates under a lease agreement with the City of Long Beach.
Question 3
Q3. The City of Austin currently saves 98% of the animals in their city’s animal shelter. Austin’s animal shelter was empowered to do this when city officials passed a resolution that required the city shelter to implement a shelter program implementation plan that included comprehensive and progressive sheltering programs, including offsite adoptions, mobile adoptions, public-friendly adoption hours, a robust volunteer program, setting goals for numbers of animals adopted, adoption promotions, and programs for at-risk animals.
If elected or re-elected to public office:
How interested are you in introducing a city resolution that would establish similar programs at LBACS? Please click the number below that corresponds to your level of interest (Choose a number from 1 to 10 and click on the corresponding star. 1 = Not interested; 10 = Very interested). Please explain your response in the space below.
Answer (1-10):
Please explain your response in the space below.
DISTRICT 5
Rich Dines (District 5)
10 - Austin is the model. We can do better and out elected officials must raise the bar.
Stacy Mungo (District 5)
10 - During my tenure we have implemented/expanded Foster for the Fourth, mobile adoptions, offsite adoptions, improved the volunteer programs and we have much more work to do.
[Note: According to NKLB’s research, Foster the Fourth is an event organized by a private rescue group; however, our research shows that Ms. Mungo was supportive of their efforts. The mobile adoption van was donated by a private individual. During the 7-month period NKLB researched (2/1/17- 9/21/17) using documents obtained through the California Public Records Act, 19 adoptions were done through the mobile adoption van and off-site events combined.]
DISTRICT 7
Jared Milrad (District 7)
10 - I would strongly support a resolution of this kind that increases adoptions, fosters, and volunteers at the shelter. As a lifelong advocate for animals, I will champion these efforts by ensuring that the shelter is fully serving the needs of vulnerable animals and using taxpayer dollars in an efficient, compassionate manner. This includes marketing the shelter’s services to the public, having a convenient, affordable, and highly accessible adoption and foster program, and implementing transparency and innovation across all areas of the shelter’s programs. Additionally, it is critically important that the shelter has leadership in place that intuitively understands its needs and has proven experience in shelter reform.
Roberto Uranga (District 7)
10 - To be successful in any action by a City Council, a Councilmember has to acquire the support of his/her colleagues to pass an action. Reducing mortality in shelters is an important issue, and I believe that we should keep a wide range of creative solutions on the table. Personally, I am doing my part to increase community education on animal control by sponsoring Spay/Neuter Clinics (two) in the 7th District. I am interested in establishing a city wide approach to not only bringing spay/neuter clinics to local neighborhoods but also encouraging partnerships with related agencies, i.e., veterinary clinics, to increase a comprehensive approach to adoptions.
[Note: According to NKLB’s research of City Council documents, neither incumbent (Ms. Mungo or Mr. Uranga) has introduced a resolution to implement an adoption program at the shelter during their four years on Long Beach City Council.]
Question 4
Q4. Increasingly, municipal animal shelters like LBACS are reporting their live release rates (animals saved) and euthanasia rates to the public on their websites on a monthly basis (e.g., Sacramento Animal Care Services, Los Angeles Animal Services). LBACS does not currently report monthly statistics on their website. Typically, these reports are easy to generate using an integrated shelter management software program called Chameleon, which LBACS already uses. Reporting animal outcomes to the public increases transparency; transparency in government helps to insure effectiveness, efficiency and accountability. It is also a stated value of the Long Beach city government.
If elected or re-elected to public office:
Are you willing to make a formal request to City Management that LBACS publish monthly statistics on the LBACS website regarding the numbers and types of animals the agency saves and euthanizes? Please explain your response in the space below.
Answer (1-10):
Please explain your response in the space below.
DISTRICT 5
Rich Dines (District 5)
Yes - I believe to be successful we will need the community behind us. Today, we do not share information that would move the community to offer support to reduce euthanasia rates.
Stacy Mungo (District 5)
Yes - I have already asked this be included in the next update of Open Data LB.
DISTRICT 7
Jared Milrad (District 7)
Yes - As a taxpayer-funded institution, it is critically important that the shelter is transparent to the public regarding its services and challenges. This will help policymakers and the general public make informed decision about LBACS' future.
Roberto Uranga (District 7)
Yes - The City of Long Beach has a public responsibility to be transparent in reporting its activities. Stating that, the City needs to measure its goals toward reducing euthanasia and assessing where it is in reaching its agreed upon goals.
Question 5
Q5. In 2017, the City Auditor performed a review of LBACS to assess its operations, effectiveness and efficiency. The audit of LBACS identified 173 problems that needed attention. The report can be found here.
On a scale of 1 to 10, how important do you think it is for the City to address the problems identified in the audit report within the next 18 months? (Choose a number from 1 to 10 and click on the corresponding star. 1 = Not important; 10 = Very important). Please explain your response in the space below.
Answer (1-10):
Please explain your response in the space below.
DISTRICT 5
Rich Dines (District 5)
10 - Again, we need to start with accountability. We cannot be an effective or efficient shelter if we don’t set goals and hold leadership accountable.
Stacy Mungo (District 5)
10 - I specifically made a preemptive allocation of funding to support comprehensive resolutions to these issues. I want to find more opportunities to resolve these issues.
[Note: NKLB reached out to Ms. Mungo for more details on this, and she did not speak with us.]
DISTRICT 7
Jared Milrad (District 7)
10 - This recent audit indicates that the way LBACS currently operates is quite simply unacceptable. In order to begin addressing these issues, I would begin by ensuring that LBACS is spending taxpayer money in a smart, strategic, and cost-efficient manner that saves as many lives as possible. As indicated in the audit, it is critically important that LBACS has proper Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to reduce stress for both staff and animals, and improve shelter health and wellness. I will also push for bolder measures and reforms, such as a comprehensive adoption, volunteer, and foster program; ample marketing to the public; increased fundraising; and well-qualified staff and management. Given my lifelong advocacy on these issues, I will champion a campaign for reform and ensure that LBACS is appropriately serving the public and our city’s most vulnerable animals.
Roberto Uranga (District 7)
10 - While the report highlights many operational issues, I am glad to see that the Auditor has determined that employees of LBACS are engaged and committed to saving lives, given my previous experience. I would like to honor their commitment by doing what I can to ensure that we address this in a timely manner.
Question 6
Q6. A major finding of the December 2017 audit was that the neighboring private shelter, SpcaLA, and LBACS operate under an informal verbal agreement that gives SpcaLA the option to select LBACS animals and prepare them for future adoption. (According to its website, SpcaLA is an independent, nonprofit animal welfare organization that is not affiliated with the national animal welfare organization called ASPCA). SpcaLA takes in 25% of LBACS animals, but leaves the other 75% of animals at LBACS. LBACS does not have a strong adoption program. In 2017, LBACS adopted out only 12% of the animals in their care. The lack of a strong adoption program operated by LBACS to place the 75% of the animals SpcaLA does not take in has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of healthy and treatable animals at LBACS over the past ten years.
If elected or re-elected to public office:
What steps are you willing to take to move toward the establishment of a comprehensive adoption program at LBACS to save the lives of the animals that SpcaLA does not take in? A comprehensive adoption program includes: reduced-fee adoptions, adoption hours after 5 pm to accommodate people who work, holding adoptions at local pet stores and pet events, reasonable adoption requirements for people seeking to adopt a shelter animal, mobile adoptions, setting monthly goals for adoptions, and actively marketing of animals for adoption. Please explain your response in the space below.
DISTRICT 5
Rich Dines (District 5)
We have to dedicate funding to an adoption program. We must move beyond one time funds. We need leaders who will do the hard work, education, inform and fund raise. If elected, I will make it a priority.
Stacy Mungo (District 5)
We have started the process to implement components of a comprehensive adoption program but have much work to do, we need to maintain a unified voice and prioritize our requests and track their accomplishments. These outcomes in each category should be posted monthly on OpenDataLB so that [w]e can all see the results and improve.
DISTRICT 7
Jared Milrad (District 7)
I believe that there are a number of practical, achievable goals that we can implement to substantially improve animal welfare in Long Beach. First, I am in favor of implementing a “No Kill” implementation plan similar to the one in Austin, Texas, which would require LBACS to maintain a greater-than-90% live outcome goal. Through increased funding and resource allocation, this outcome can be achieved by bolstering the city’s foster and volunteer programs, rescue partnerships, and spay and neuter programs. A reasonable funding increase would also allow for more staff positions citywide to aid in the rescue of animals, and would enable more resources to be devoted to social media and marketing efforts. The people of Long Beach are compassionate and concerned with the welfare of animals. If we can reach them through social media, local media outlets, and face-to-face outreach, we can rescue more animals at the shelter and make Long Beach a No Kill City. We need a strong leader on the City Council to champion these efforts, and given my proven, lifelong commitment to animal welfare, I am well-prepared to build a better, more compassionate future for our city.
Roberto Uranga (District 7)
As I noted above, I sponsored two spay/neuter clinics in my District, and I will be having others to include information on adoption programs. It is important to note, however, that these types of discussions need to be brought up at budget time so that we can make ensure funds are available to implement a multi-layered approach to adoption.
[Note: According to NKLB’s research of City Council documents, neither incumbent (Ms. Mungo or Mr. Uranga) has introduced a resolution to implement an adoption program at the shelter during their four years on Long Beach City Council.]
Question 7
Q7. SpcaLA and LBACS currently operate under a lease agreement; the City owns the land where SpcaLA’s buildings are located.
Given that the land on which SpcaLA’s buildings are located is a taxpayer-owned asset, do you think that the City should require SpcaLA to disclose their animal outcomes (e.g., euthanasia rate, live release rate) to the public? Please explain your response in the space below.
DISTRICT 5
Rich Dines (District 5)
Yes - I believe this is an opportunity for the SpcaLA and the City to work together. I believe by being transparent, we can reduce kill rates across the board.
Stacy Mungo (District 5)
Yes - All shelters public and private should disclose their outcomes. I’m open to any legal means to get this done.
DISTRICT 7
Jared Milrad (District 7)
No - With strong leadership on the City Council, I see SpcaLA as an essential partner in reforming our shelter and building a better future for companion animals in our city. Rather than immediately requiring disclosure of their animal outcomes, I would prefer a constructive approach that opens a communication channel with SpcaLA’s leadership and makes clear the benefits of transparency to the public. I do believe that greater transparency and the wider availability of information will allow the community to be more actively engaged in how the organization conducts itself in Long Beach. By building this relationship, I hope to achieve full transparency and a public reporting mechanism for SpcaLA, ideally through an online portal that documents each animal admitted into the shelter and the outcome for each. If SpcaLA does not respond to my initial attempts to find a constructive solution, I would consider taking additional measures to achieve the same result.
Roberto Uranga (District 7)
Yes - As I noted above, we, the City of Long Beach, as a public entity, need to be transparent in our reporting of activities. This should include our contractors such as the SpcaLA to disclose their outcomes. I would refer to the City Attorney if it would be in a form of a lease amendment upon renewal of the lease or an ordinance that the city can adopt to ensure this occurs.
Question 8
Q8. The City will soon begin a nation-wide search for a new director of Parks, Recreation and Marine, the City department that oversees Long Beach Animal Care Services.
If elected or re-elected to public office:
Are you willing to make a request that the job announcement include language that the City is seeking candidates who are knowledgeable about and committed to progressive animal sheltering methods, which include adoption programs, foster programs, community outreach, volunteer programs and medical and behavioral rehabilitation programs?
Yes No Undecided
Please explain your response in the space below:
DISTRICT 5
Rich Dines (District 5)
Yes - I would request this but I am interested in hiring the most qualified candidate for the Director position. Certainly, I would demand that the LBACS manager had the correct experience and training described above.
Stacy Mungo (District 5)
Yes - This is an important part of their responsibilities and its [sic] important for the individual selected to have knowledge and experience in a successful animal care environment.s
DISTRICT 7
Jared Milrad (District 7)
Yes - The Parks and Recreation Director has a very important role for our city, and we need a highly qualified candidate to improve our environment, protect animal welfare, and serve the people of Long Beach. I fully support progressive animal sheltering methods and I will push for these policies if elected, and I would support language in the City’s job announcement to ensure that the next Director has significant sheltering experience and/or knowledge. If there are applicable metrics and legal guidelines that would allow such a requirement, I do think it's important that the next Director has a proven commitment to progressive animal sheltering methods.
Roberto Uranga (District 7)
Yes - This is the most opportune time to add these types of requirements/willingness into the job description. If the announcement has already gone out, I would request we add points in an interview for the candidate that has the knowledge and commitment to implement these programs.
Question 9
Q9. If elected or re-elected to public office, are you willing to introduce a city resolution that would establish comprehensive and progressive sheltering programs (such as those mentioned in Question 3) at LBACS in your first year in office? Please explain your response in the space below.
Yes No Undecided
Please explain your response in the space below:
DISTRICT 5
Rich Dines (District 5)
Yes - I would introduce this and seek co-sponsors. I would work with the council and the community to get this passed.
Stacy Mungo (District 5)
Yes - I would appreciate bringing together all the advocates to craft a resolution together. I am the only council member that has attended the animal stakeholder meetings (I did not host them but I did attend). I am also one who has brought in additional foster parents and personally fostered and volunteered.
DISTRICT 7
Jared Milrad (District 7)
Yes - I am absolutely willing to introduce such a resolution. Given the successful implementation of comprehensive, progressive sheltering programs in Austin and elsewhere, I believe that a similar program could and should be implemented here. We need a strong leader on the City Council with a proven, lifelong commitment to animal welfare - and I am the only candidate in this race who meets these qualifications. If elected, I will bring pragmatic, progressive leadership to City Hall on this issue and many others.
Roberto Uranga (District 7)
Yes - I believe the city Auditor has laid the groundwork and provided the information we need to respond responsibly to the items listed in the audit. I believe that, at the very least, we need to develop a strategic plan, determine the budget and hire the right person to implement a progressive and comprehensive sheltering program.
[Note: According to NKLB’s research of City Council documents, neither incumbent (Ms. Mungo or Mr. Uranga) has introduced a resolution to implement an adoption program at the shelter during their four years on Long Beach City Council.]
Question 10
Q10. What is your full name (first and last) and what office or district are you running for?
Roberto Uranga, Long Beach City Council District 7
My name is Jared Milrad, and I am running for Long Beach City Council in District 7.
Rich Dines Long Beach City Council-District 5
Stacy Mungo, City Council District 5
Question 1
Q1. Many people in Long Beach live with and care for companion animals (pets). Many of them consider their companion animals, such as dogs and cats, to be members of their families and are willing to vote for a candidate who is interested in issues surrounding companion animals in Long Beach.
If elected or re-elected to public office:
On a scale of 1 to 10, how interested are you in working on issues surrounding companion animals in Long Beach? (1 = Not interested; 10 = Very interested).
Answer (1-10):
Please explain your response in the space below.
DISTRICT 5
Rich Dines (District 5)
10 - I support adoption programs. I have adopted several pets and I believe we should make an effort to save animals from being euthanized. I would champion efforts to place more pets into good loving homes
Stacy Mungo (District 5)
10 - My husband and I are fosters and volunteers. We are passionate about companion animals and have supported programming recommended by advocates. I have even brought items to council and funded requests from partners.
DISTRICT 7
Jared Milrad (District 7)
10 - I have been passionate about companion animal welfare for as long as I can remember. I began participating in Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) programs at the age of 12. I have rescued numerous feral cats and worked with animal rescue groups to ensure they receive proper care, including vaccinations, sterilization, foster care, and adoption. At the age of 14, I became a vegan to take a stronger stand for animal advocacy. Since then, I have rescued and adopted numerous animals, including from high-kill shelters and other countries, where there are even fewer protections for companion animals. I have led veterinary service projects on four continents - including on the Zuni Reservation in New Mexico, in Ecuador, Botswana, and India - where I participated in spay/neuter programs for stray dogs and cats, taught animal health education, and promoted compassionate lifestyles and policies. As an undergraduate major in Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences at North Carolina State University, I founded our university’s first animal protection organization, and successfully led a campaign to change the university’s policy on the use of euthanized cats in laboratory dissections. Under the mentorship of Dr. Tom Regan and other international leaders on animal protection, my efforts led to an unprecedented change in school policy. We invited numerous renowned speakers to promote compassion on campus, such as noted author Howard Lyman and nutritionist Dr. Michael Greger. Years later, as a graduate student studying Animals and Public Policy at Tufts University, I founded a humane education organization to educate underserved children about animal welfare. I was awarded the Tufts Presidential Award in Citizenship and Public Service for my efforts, which included developing a humane education curriculum and robust outreach program. Having adopted many companion animals and been actively engaged in animal welfare issues for decades, I believe that it is critically important for the City Council to address companion animals issues. If elected, I will bring consistent, compassionate, and strong leadership to City Hall on animal welfare - just as I have my entire life.
Roberto Uranga (District 7)
10 - My wife, Tonia, and I are proud pet-parents. We have three dogs: Chloe and Ghost (German Shepherds) and Lula (Chihuahua). Guess who runs the house? Our pets are part of the family: Spoiled, plenty of room to run around, regular doctor’s visits and conscientiously provided nutritious food. I am, therefore, extremely interested in issues surrounding companion animals and have firsthand knowledge how important animal companionship can be to a family.
Question 2
Q2. Last year, Long Beach Animal Care Services (LBACS) euthanized nearly 1,100 dogs and cats, many of them healthy or only moderately ill and therefore able to be treated with minimal veterinary care. Over the past 10 years, LBACS has euthanized over 41,000 dogs and cats. Innovative sheltering programs, such as comprehensive adoption programs, proactive marketing of animals, strong volunteer programs, foster programs and medical and behavioral rehabilitation programs, have been implemented in a number of communities across the nation, resulting in saving 90-98% of the animals in their shelters. LBACS does not currently implement all of these sheltering programs. If we are to increase the number of animals our shelter saves, LBACS policies will need to undergo significant changes to be mandated by the city’s elected officials.
On a scale of 1 to 10, how important is the issue of increasing the number of animals saved at the Long Beach animal shelter to you? (Choose a number from 1 to 10 and click on the corresponding star. 1 = Not important; 10 = Very important). Please explain your response in the space below.
Answer (1-10):
Please explain your response in the space below.
DISTRICT 5
Rich Dines (District 5)
10 - We need to follow the lead of cities like Austin. We should set a goal of being a no kill shelter. We must set higher goals. We should evaluate performance. We must bring accountability to our shelter.
Stacy Mungo (District 5)
10 - I have allocated funds and restricted them specifically for programs like these.
[Note: NKLB reached out to Ms. Mungo for more details on this, and she did not speak with us.]
DISTRICT 7
Jared Milrad (District 7)
10 - I currently serve as food policy and public engagement manager for Mercy For Animals, an international non-profit organization that promotes compassionate food choices and policies. In this role, I work with institutions, corporations, municipal governments, and school boards in Long Beach and nationwide to reduce meat consumption and advocate for a plant-based diet to reduce carbon emissions, increase sustainability, and combat climate change. This work continues my lifelong advocacy for all animals, including companion animals. I have also personally rescued at least a dozen companion animals, stray animals, and others from high-kill shelters. In the past several years, I have rescued pit bulls, publicly advocated against breed discrimination policies, and urged international leaders to consider animal welfare in conflict zones around the world. In that spirit, I believe it is imperative that LBACS saves as many animals as possible. The City Council needs a proven, lifelong champion for animals to take a strong, principled stand in favor of protecting animals at our shelter. If elected, I will work to ensure that all animals at the shelter receive high-quality care. The shelter needs a robust foster and adoption program, as well as a thorough medical and behavioral rehabilitation program. LBACS should immediately undertake marketing initiatives to save lives, and it must partner with organizations and advocates such as Stayin' Alive [No Kill Long Beach] to expedite its transition to a No Kill Shelter.
Roberto Uranga (District 7)
10 - I worked for the City of Long Beach for over 28 years. Among the positions I held was Administrative Officer for the Department of Health and Human Service (DHHS), which at the time I was there, included Animal Care Services (ACS). Part of my duties was to advise the Bureau Manager at the ACS on personnel matters. Among the several personnel investigations I conducted regarding personnel issues at ACS, I performed an investigation into the wrongful destruction of 10 cats that were up for adoption. My investigation resulted in the dismissal of the offending ACS Officer, the discipline of the on duty supervisor and a reprimand. This was a very tragic and unfortunate event. I believe that we, as a City, should be doing more to ensure that we are becoming a “no-kill” facility. We should also be requiring the same from the SPCA-LA, who operates under a lease agreement with the City of Long Beach.
Question 3
Q3. The City of Austin currently saves 98% of the animals in their city’s animal shelter. Austin’s animal shelter was empowered to do this when city officials passed a resolution that required the city shelter to implement a shelter program implementation plan that included comprehensive and progressive sheltering programs, including offsite adoptions, mobile adoptions, public-friendly adoption hours, a robust volunteer program, setting goals for numbers of animals adopted, adoption promotions, and programs for at-risk animals.
If elected or re-elected to public office:
How interested are you in introducing a city resolution that would establish similar programs at LBACS? Please click the number below that corresponds to your level of interest (Choose a number from 1 to 10 and click on the corresponding star. 1 = Not interested; 10 = Very interested). Please explain your response in the space below.
Answer (1-10):
Please explain your response in the space below.
DISTRICT 5
Rich Dines (District 5)
10 - Austin is the model. We can do better and out elected officials must raise the bar.
Stacy Mungo (District 5)
10 - During my tenure we have implemented/expanded Foster for the Fourth, mobile adoptions, offsite adoptions, improved the volunteer programs and we have much more work to do.
[Note: According to NKLB’s research, Foster the Fourth is an event organized by a private rescue group; however, our research shows that Ms. Mungo was supportive of their efforts. The mobile adoption van was donated by a private individual. During the 7-month period NKLB researched (2/1/17- 9/21/17) using documents obtained through the California Public Records Act, 19 adoptions were done through the mobile adoption van and off-site events combined.]
DISTRICT 7
Jared Milrad (District 7)
10 - I would strongly support a resolution of this kind that increases adoptions, fosters, and volunteers at the shelter. As a lifelong advocate for animals, I will champion these efforts by ensuring that the shelter is fully serving the needs of vulnerable animals and using taxpayer dollars in an efficient, compassionate manner. This includes marketing the shelter’s services to the public, having a convenient, affordable, and highly accessible adoption and foster program, and implementing transparency and innovation across all areas of the shelter’s programs. Additionally, it is critically important that the shelter has leadership in place that intuitively understands its needs and has proven experience in shelter reform.
Roberto Uranga (District 7)
10 - To be successful in any action by a City Council, a Councilmember has to acquire the support of his/her colleagues to pass an action. Reducing mortality in shelters is an important issue, and I believe that we should keep a wide range of creative solutions on the table. Personally, I am doing my part to increase community education on animal control by sponsoring Spay/Neuter Clinics (two) in the 7th District. I am interested in establishing a city wide approach to not only bringing spay/neuter clinics to local neighborhoods but also encouraging partnerships with related agencies, i.e., veterinary clinics, to increase a comprehensive approach to adoptions.
[Note: According to NKLB’s research of City Council documents, neither incumbent (Ms. Mungo or Mr. Uranga) has introduced a resolution to implement an adoption program at the shelter during their four years on Long Beach City Council.]
Question 4
Q4. Increasingly, municipal animal shelters like LBACS are reporting their live release rates (animals saved) and euthanasia rates to the public on their websites on a monthly basis (e.g., Sacramento Animal Care Services, Los Angeles Animal Services). LBACS does not currently report monthly statistics on their website. Typically, these reports are easy to generate using an integrated shelter management software program called Chameleon, which LBACS already uses. Reporting animal outcomes to the public increases transparency; transparency in government helps to insure effectiveness, efficiency and accountability. It is also a stated value of the Long Beach city government.
If elected or re-elected to public office:
Are you willing to make a formal request to City Management that LBACS publish monthly statistics on the LBACS website regarding the numbers and types of animals the agency saves and euthanizes? Please explain your response in the space below.
Answer (1-10):
Please explain your response in the space below.
DISTRICT 5
Rich Dines (District 5)
Yes - I believe to be successful we will need the community behind us. Today, we do not share information that would move the community to offer support to reduce euthanasia rates.
Stacy Mungo (District 5)
Yes - I have already asked this be included in the next update of Open Data LB.
DISTRICT 7
Jared Milrad (District 7)
Yes - As a taxpayer-funded institution, it is critically important that the shelter is transparent to the public regarding its services and challenges. This will help policymakers and the general public make informed decision about LBACS' future.
Roberto Uranga (District 7)
Yes - The City of Long Beach has a public responsibility to be transparent in reporting its activities. Stating that, the City needs to measure its goals toward reducing euthanasia and assessing where it is in reaching its agreed upon goals.
Question 5
Q5. In 2017, the City Auditor performed a review of LBACS to assess its operations, effectiveness and efficiency. The audit of LBACS identified 173 problems that needed attention. The report can be found here.
On a scale of 1 to 10, how important do you think it is for the City to address the problems identified in the audit report within the next 18 months? (Choose a number from 1 to 10 and click on the corresponding star. 1 = Not important; 10 = Very important). Please explain your response in the space below.
Answer (1-10):
Please explain your response in the space below.
DISTRICT 5
Rich Dines (District 5)
10 - Again, we need to start with accountability. We cannot be an effective or efficient shelter if we don’t set goals and hold leadership accountable.
Stacy Mungo (District 5)
10 - I specifically made a preemptive allocation of funding to support comprehensive resolutions to these issues. I want to find more opportunities to resolve these issues.
[Note: NKLB reached out to Ms. Mungo for more details on this, and she did not speak with us.]
DISTRICT 7
Jared Milrad (District 7)
10 - This recent audit indicates that the way LBACS currently operates is quite simply unacceptable. In order to begin addressing these issues, I would begin by ensuring that LBACS is spending taxpayer money in a smart, strategic, and cost-efficient manner that saves as many lives as possible. As indicated in the audit, it is critically important that LBACS has proper Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to reduce stress for both staff and animals, and improve shelter health and wellness. I will also push for bolder measures and reforms, such as a comprehensive adoption, volunteer, and foster program; ample marketing to the public; increased fundraising; and well-qualified staff and management. Given my lifelong advocacy on these issues, I will champion a campaign for reform and ensure that LBACS is appropriately serving the public and our city’s most vulnerable animals.
Roberto Uranga (District 7)
10 - While the report highlights many operational issues, I am glad to see that the Auditor has determined that employees of LBACS are engaged and committed to saving lives, given my previous experience. I would like to honor their commitment by doing what I can to ensure that we address this in a timely manner.
Question 6
Q6. A major finding of the December 2017 audit was that the neighboring private shelter, SpcaLA, and LBACS operate under an informal verbal agreement that gives SpcaLA the option to select LBACS animals and prepare them for future adoption. (According to its website, SpcaLA is an independent, nonprofit animal welfare organization that is not affiliated with the national animal welfare organization called ASPCA). SpcaLA takes in 25% of LBACS animals, but leaves the other 75% of animals at LBACS. LBACS does not have a strong adoption program. In 2017, LBACS adopted out only 12% of the animals in their care. The lack of a strong adoption program operated by LBACS to place the 75% of the animals SpcaLA does not take in has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of healthy and treatable animals at LBACS over the past ten years.
If elected or re-elected to public office:
What steps are you willing to take to move toward the establishment of a comprehensive adoption program at LBACS to save the lives of the animals that SpcaLA does not take in? A comprehensive adoption program includes: reduced-fee adoptions, adoption hours after 5 pm to accommodate people who work, holding adoptions at local pet stores and pet events, reasonable adoption requirements for people seeking to adopt a shelter animal, mobile adoptions, setting monthly goals for adoptions, and actively marketing of animals for adoption. Please explain your response in the space below.
DISTRICT 5
Rich Dines (District 5)
We have to dedicate funding to an adoption program. We must move beyond one time funds. We need leaders who will do the hard work, education, inform and fund raise. If elected, I will make it a priority.
Stacy Mungo (District 5)
We have started the process to implement components of a comprehensive adoption program but have much work to do, we need to maintain a unified voice and prioritize our requests and track their accomplishments. These outcomes in each category should be posted monthly on OpenDataLB so that [w]e can all see the results and improve.
DISTRICT 7
Jared Milrad (District 7)
I believe that there are a number of practical, achievable goals that we can implement to substantially improve animal welfare in Long Beach. First, I am in favor of implementing a “No Kill” implementation plan similar to the one in Austin, Texas, which would require LBACS to maintain a greater-than-90% live outcome goal. Through increased funding and resource allocation, this outcome can be achieved by bolstering the city’s foster and volunteer programs, rescue partnerships, and spay and neuter programs. A reasonable funding increase would also allow for more staff positions citywide to aid in the rescue of animals, and would enable more resources to be devoted to social media and marketing efforts. The people of Long Beach are compassionate and concerned with the welfare of animals. If we can reach them through social media, local media outlets, and face-to-face outreach, we can rescue more animals at the shelter and make Long Beach a No Kill City. We need a strong leader on the City Council to champion these efforts, and given my proven, lifelong commitment to animal welfare, I am well-prepared to build a better, more compassionate future for our city.
Roberto Uranga (District 7)
As I noted above, I sponsored two spay/neuter clinics in my District, and I will be having others to include information on adoption programs. It is important to note, however, that these types of discussions need to be brought up at budget time so that we can make ensure funds are available to implement a multi-layered approach to adoption.
[Note: According to NKLB’s research of City Council documents, neither incumbent (Ms. Mungo or Mr. Uranga) has introduced a resolution to implement an adoption program at the shelter during their four years on Long Beach City Council.]
Question 7
Q7. SpcaLA and LBACS currently operate under a lease agreement; the City owns the land where SpcaLA’s buildings are located.
Given that the land on which SpcaLA’s buildings are located is a taxpayer-owned asset, do you think that the City should require SpcaLA to disclose their animal outcomes (e.g., euthanasia rate, live release rate) to the public? Please explain your response in the space below.
DISTRICT 5
Rich Dines (District 5)
Yes - I believe this is an opportunity for the SpcaLA and the City to work together. I believe by being transparent, we can reduce kill rates across the board.
Stacy Mungo (District 5)
Yes - All shelters public and private should disclose their outcomes. I’m open to any legal means to get this done.
DISTRICT 7
Jared Milrad (District 7)
No - With strong leadership on the City Council, I see SpcaLA as an essential partner in reforming our shelter and building a better future for companion animals in our city. Rather than immediately requiring disclosure of their animal outcomes, I would prefer a constructive approach that opens a communication channel with SpcaLA’s leadership and makes clear the benefits of transparency to the public. I do believe that greater transparency and the wider availability of information will allow the community to be more actively engaged in how the organization conducts itself in Long Beach. By building this relationship, I hope to achieve full transparency and a public reporting mechanism for SpcaLA, ideally through an online portal that documents each animal admitted into the shelter and the outcome for each. If SpcaLA does not respond to my initial attempts to find a constructive solution, I would consider taking additional measures to achieve the same result.
Roberto Uranga (District 7)
Yes - As I noted above, we, the City of Long Beach, as a public entity, need to be transparent in our reporting of activities. This should include our contractors such as the SpcaLA to disclose their outcomes. I would refer to the City Attorney if it would be in a form of a lease amendment upon renewal of the lease or an ordinance that the city can adopt to ensure this occurs.
Question 8
Q8. The City will soon begin a nation-wide search for a new director of Parks, Recreation and Marine, the City department that oversees Long Beach Animal Care Services.
If elected or re-elected to public office:
Are you willing to make a request that the job announcement include language that the City is seeking candidates who are knowledgeable about and committed to progressive animal sheltering methods, which include adoption programs, foster programs, community outreach, volunteer programs and medical and behavioral rehabilitation programs?
Yes No Undecided
Please explain your response in the space below:
DISTRICT 5
Rich Dines (District 5)
Yes - I would request this but I am interested in hiring the most qualified candidate for the Director position. Certainly, I would demand that the LBACS manager had the correct experience and training described above.
Stacy Mungo (District 5)
Yes - This is an important part of their responsibilities and its [sic] important for the individual selected to have knowledge and experience in a successful animal care environment.s
DISTRICT 7
Jared Milrad (District 7)
Yes - The Parks and Recreation Director has a very important role for our city, and we need a highly qualified candidate to improve our environment, protect animal welfare, and serve the people of Long Beach. I fully support progressive animal sheltering methods and I will push for these policies if elected, and I would support language in the City’s job announcement to ensure that the next Director has significant sheltering experience and/or knowledge. If there are applicable metrics and legal guidelines that would allow such a requirement, I do think it's important that the next Director has a proven commitment to progressive animal sheltering methods.
Roberto Uranga (District 7)
Yes - This is the most opportune time to add these types of requirements/willingness into the job description. If the announcement has already gone out, I would request we add points in an interview for the candidate that has the knowledge and commitment to implement these programs.
Question 9
Q9. If elected or re-elected to public office, are you willing to introduce a city resolution that would establish comprehensive and progressive sheltering programs (such as those mentioned in Question 3) at LBACS in your first year in office? Please explain your response in the space below.
Yes No Undecided
Please explain your response in the space below:
DISTRICT 5
Rich Dines (District 5)
Yes - I would introduce this and seek co-sponsors. I would work with the council and the community to get this passed.
Stacy Mungo (District 5)
Yes - I would appreciate bringing together all the advocates to craft a resolution together. I am the only council member that has attended the animal stakeholder meetings (I did not host them but I did attend). I am also one who has brought in additional foster parents and personally fostered and volunteered.
DISTRICT 7
Jared Milrad (District 7)
Yes - I am absolutely willing to introduce such a resolution. Given the successful implementation of comprehensive, progressive sheltering programs in Austin and elsewhere, I believe that a similar program could and should be implemented here. We need a strong leader on the City Council with a proven, lifelong commitment to animal welfare - and I am the only candidate in this race who meets these qualifications. If elected, I will bring pragmatic, progressive leadership to City Hall on this issue and many others.
Roberto Uranga (District 7)
Yes - I believe the city Auditor has laid the groundwork and provided the information we need to respond responsibly to the items listed in the audit. I believe that, at the very least, we need to develop a strategic plan, determine the budget and hire the right person to implement a progressive and comprehensive sheltering program.
[Note: According to NKLB’s research of City Council documents, neither incumbent (Ms. Mungo or Mr. Uranga) has introduced a resolution to implement an adoption program at the shelter during their four years on Long Beach City Council.]
Question 10
Q10. What is your full name (first and last) and what office or district are you running for?
Roberto Uranga, Long Beach City Council District 7
My name is Jared Milrad, and I am running for Long Beach City Council in District 7.
Rich Dines Long Beach City Council-District 5
Stacy Mungo, City Council District 5