The impetus for the recent talks comes from a new state law that lengthens the minimum time stray animals must be held by agencies like the Humane Society, which currently contracts with all of the cities in question. The Humane Society must expand dramatically to comply with the law or euthanize adoptable animals to make room for others, whether or not they're adoptable. The cities' contracts with the Humane Society expire in 2001. According to Monte Sereno City Manager Brian Loventhal, control over the voting structure led to ending the negotiations. Also at issue is the type of service that would be offered by a centralized animal-control program.
Cities now respond differently to animal-related issues.
Monte Sereno police officers, when they have nothing more pressing to do during the day, respond to complaints like barking dogs, Loventhal said. Meanwhile, Saratoga City Manager Larry Perlin said his city sends a city code officer to investigate such complaints. In San Jose, a form letter is sent to the dog owner. Speaking for Los Gatos, however, Knapp said the town is comfortable with San Jose selecting the direction of the program. He added that Los Gatos could possibly contract with San Jose if it ends up providing the services on its own.