Information and Resources Regarding All Kinds Of Animals

  
Public Health Advisory

What Is A Vector?   A vector is any arthropod, insect, rodent or other animal of public health significance capable of harboring or transmitting the causative agents of human disease (e.g. malaria, plague) to humans. Under certain circumstances, insects or other arthropods that cause human discomfort or injury, but not disease, are sometimes referred to as vectors.

The best defense against disease transmission is being proactive and taking precautions to protect from mosquito bites. Follow these simple steps to protect yourself and your family:

·        Avoid outdoor activities between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

·        Wear long sleeve shirts and pants when engaging in outdoor activities during these hours.

·        Apply approved insect repellents containing active ingredients such as DEET, Picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.

·        Keep tight-fitting screens on doors and windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.

·        Eliminate all sources of standing water around your home and property and properly maintain ornamental ponds, pools, and spas.

·        Request FREE mosquitofish from your local vector control district for placement in out-of-order swimming pools, spas, and ponds to control mosquito breeding.

·        Contact the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District at (562)944-9656 or online at (562) 944-9656 to report any significant mosquito problems in your neighborhood or online. The District strongly encourages you to report any mosquito activity near vacant or foreclosed homes and abandoned swimming pools in your neighborhood.

The public is encouraged to report dead birds to help with West Nile virus surveillance and control efforts, as birds play an important role in maintaining and spreading the virus. The CA Department of Public Health's toll-free hotline is 877-WNV BIRD or visit on-line at: www.westnile.ca.gov.

The best defense against disease transmission is being proactive and taking precautions to protect from mosquito bites. Follow these simple steps to protect yourself and your family:

·        Avoid outdoor activities between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

·        Wear long sleeve shirts and pants when engaging in outdoor activities during these hours.

·        Apply approved insect repellents containing active ingredients such as DEET,  Picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.

·        Keep tight-fitting screens on doors and windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.

·        Eliminate all sources of standing water around your home and property and properly maintain ornamental ponds, pools, and spas.

·        Request FREE mosquito fish from your local vector control district for placement in out-of-order swimming pools, spas, and ponds to control mosquito breeding.

·        Contact the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District at (562)944-9656 or online at (562) 944-9656 to report any significant mosquito problems in your neighborhood or online. The District strongly encourages you to report any mosquito activity near vacant or foreclosed homes and abandoned swimming pools in your neighborhood.

 A Dead Bird Collected in Culver City has Tested Positive for West Nile Virus
This is to advise you that a dead bird collected in Culver City has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). The District recommends that the city make this information known to their residents through their normal communications process so people walking or sitting outside at dawn or dust will take the appropriate precautions to protect themselves from being bitten by infected mosquitoes.

So far this year, there have been 75 separate zip codes in Los Angeles County that have recorded positive WNV results from either dead birds, trapped adult mosquitoes, or sentinel chicken flocks. A current list is attached.

WNV is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they first feed on birds that carry the virus, and then bite a human or animal.
Residents can protect themselves from WNV by doing the following:

• DEET - Apply insect repellent according to the label. Repellents containing DEET, picaradin, IR3535, and oil of lemon eucalyptus are the longest lasting and most effective. Repellents keep the mosquitoes from biting you. 
• DAWN AND DUSK - Mosquitoes that carry WNV primarily bite in the early morning and evening so it is important to wear repellent at this time. Make sure that your doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep out mosquitoes. Repair or replace screens with tears or holes.
• DRAIN - Mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water. Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property, including flowerpots, old car tires, rain gutters and pet bowls. Ensure that swimming pools, spas, and ponds are properly maintained. If you have an ornamental pond, use mosquito fish. You can make arrangements to pick up free mosquito fish at the District by calling 310-915-7370.

The public is encouraged to report dead birds to help with West Nile virus surveillance and control efforts. Dead birds should be reported to the toll-free hotline at 877-WNV BIRD. 
Symptoms of West Nile virus:
People infected with WNV can experience a variety of symptoms that may include: no symptoms, West Nile Fever, or West Nile Neuroinvasive disease. Symptoms usually occur 2-15 days after infection.
Symptoms of West Nile Fever can include:
• Headaches (often severe migraines)
• High fever
• Tiredness and body aches
• Occasionally, a skin rash and swollen lymph glands
These symptoms may last from several days to several weeks.
Symptoms of West Nile Neuroinvasive disease can include:
• Severe Headache
• High Fever
• Stiff neck
 • Stupor
• Disorientation
• Tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness
• Paralysis
• Coma
This form of the disease can lead to long lasting and in some cases permanent damage to the brain.
For mosquito problems and to pick up mosquito fish, call (310) 915-7370. 

If you have any questions, please contact Robert Saviskas, Executive Director, at (310) 915-7370 ext. 223 or at rsaviskas@lawestvector.org. Additional information about the Los Angeles County West Vector & Vector-Borne Disease Control District and West Nile virus can be obtained by visiting: www.lawestvector.org.  Los Angeles County West Vector

& Vector-Borne Disease Control District
6750 Centinela Avenue, Culver City CA 90230
Ph: 310-915-7370 ext. 223; Fax: 310-915-9148

Email: rsaviskas@lawestvector.org

DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL CARE AND CONTROL

The Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control is one of the largest and most progressive animal control agencies in the United States.  Six animal shelters serve all unincorporated County areas and 50 contract cities and covers more than 3,200 square miles of cities, deserts, beaches, and mountains; from the Antelope Valley in the north to the Palos Verdes Peninsula in the south; as far east as the border of San Bernardino County and west all the way to Thousand Oaks.   Animal control and rescue services are provided 24 hours a day, seven days a week in our service areas.
The many benefits of adopting from a County Animal Care Center include; low-cost spaying and neutering, a free veterinary check-up, and the knowledge that your new pet has already received initial vaccinations against contagious diseases.
Besides patrolling busy streets, back roads, beaches and canyons for lost, injured and abandoned animals, our animal control officers also sell dog licenses, conduct humane investigations whenever cruelty to animals is suspected, provide emergency rescues during natural disasters, and enforce all state and local animal control laws.

SERVICES

The Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control is here to help you with your animal related needs. The Department provides the following services:

• Rescue of sick or injured animals

• Capture of stray animals

• Reunifying lost pets with their owners

• Enforcement of barking and animal noise complaints

• Investigation of complaints of animal cruelty

• Removal of dead animals from public areas

• Shelter for lost or unwanted animals

• Adoption of homeless animals

• Impoundment and quarantine of dangerous or vicious dogs

• Emergency response to fires, floods and other disasters

• Inspection and license of commercial animal facilities such as pet stores, kennels, breeding facilities, circuses, rodeos, and wild animal menageries. Letter grades of A, B, C or F are given to facilities to assist consumers in selecting reputable businesses.

• Low cost vaccinations and free microchips

• Pet licenses in accordance with state and County law

The Department does not remove nuisance wildlife.  

Here’s a copy of the California animal codes; it includes what to do about neighbors with barking dogs:

Top of Form

Some cities may not have adopted all of Title 10 or this version of Title 10. Citizens may want to check with your local city or County Animal Shelter regarding code editions.

Bottom of Form

Animal Abandonment: Anyone who abandons an animal is subject to a $500 fine and/or up to six months in jail. (California Penal Code Sec. 597S).

Backyard Breeder -- Dog Breeding License Required: Any person, except for someone having a valid kennel license who, for pay or other compensation, breeds a female dog must obtain an animal breeding permit. The permit fee is $125. In order to prevent the over-breeding of animals, each permit authorizes the whelping of no more than one litter per female dog in any 12-month period and no more than one litter per domestic household in any 12-month period. (Los Angeles County Code Title 10, Sec. 10.20.045 and 10.90.010).

Barking Dogs: Any pet owner or custodian who allows a dog to bark continuously or for an extended period of time in a manner that annoys the neighbors and disturbs the peace and tranquility of the neighborhood may be guilty of allowing a public nuisance and punishable by a misdemeanor with a fine of up to $1000 and/or six months in jail. (California Penal Code 373A and L.A. County Code Sec. 10.40.065) If you have a noise complaint, contact your local Department of Animal Care and Control agency or submit an Animal Complaint Form.

Dangerous Dogs: Dogs that constitute a public menace may be impounded and removed from the custody of their owner. The Department may file a petition with the Municipal Court to determine the disposition of an animal considered to be dangerous. The owner of such an animal may be fined and forced to give up or dispose of his dog. (County Code Sections 10.37.020. 10/37.040 - 10.37.150)

Dogs In Open Vehicles: It is illegal to transport any dog in or on the back or bed of any open truck or other open vehicle while traveling on any county road, street, highway, lane or alley. Violation may result in citation, court appearance and fines of up to $250 per incident. EXCEPTION: Dogs may be transported if each animal is cross-tethered securely or the sides of the open vehicle are built up to a height of 46 inches (3-feet, 10-inches) (Vehicle Code Sec. 23117)

Inhumane Treatment: State Penal Code Sec. 597 and County Code Sec. 10.12.160 forbid the abusing, mistreatment, torturing and subjecting any animal to needless suffering. These laws provide that no animal may be deprived of proper food, water or shelter. Violation of these laws can result in felony charges. Please report any case of inhumane animal treatment or neglect to your local animal control agency.

The Leash Law: It is not permissible to let your dog run at large day or night, with or without a license (County Code Title 10, Section 10.32.010).

Yearly Licensing Requirements: State law and county ordinances require that a dog license be purchased every year and be securely fastened to the dog’s collar. Licenses are required at four months of age or older, even for dogs that never leave a house or yard. Failure to license your dog may result in citations, a court appearance and fines (Calif. Health and Safety Code Sec. 1920, Calif. Food and Agriculture Code Sec. 30502 and County code Sec. 10.20.190). Cat license are also required in all county unincorporated areas and several contract cities.

Providing Adequate Food And Water: All pet owners are required by law to provide their animals with adequate food and water. Failure to comply with this humane pet care measure is a violation of California Penal Code Sec. 597E and County Code Title 10, Sec. 10.40.010.

Providing Proper Shelter: A dog must be provided access to shelter from extremes of heat or cold and rain at all times. (Calif. Penal Code Sec.597A and County Code Title 10, Sec. 10.40.010)

Running At Large: No person who owns or has charge of a dog may allow the animal to run at large. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times when out of their yards. Violation may result in a citation, court appearance and a fine of up to $250. (County Code Title 10, Sec. 10.32.010)

Title 10: Complete listing of County Codes pertaining to Animal Care & Control

Vaccination Requirements: Rabies vaccinations are required for all dogs 4 months of age or older. Failure to comply may result in a citation and a court appearance. Vaccinations must be valid for the entire licensing period. (Calif. Health and Safety Code, Sec. 1920 and County Code Title 10, Sec. 10.20.220)