Henry Brzezinski, Chief of the Animal Services Division has provided notice that he has accepted the position of General Manager of the Santa Cruz County Animal Services Authority. He expects his last day with El Dorado County to be May 23. Public Health will initiate a recruitment process to identify a replacement.
Brzezinski has been a strong advocate for animal welfare during his twenty-four year history in the animal care and control field. According to Brzezinski, animal neglect and cruelty can sometimes happen with even well intentioned pet owners. “Most people are very busy with their lives and may not have as much time or energy to devote to their pets as they’d like,” said Brzezinski. “But it’s important to keep in mind that our cats, dogs and other animals are completely dependent upon us for their care, and to do our best for them.”
Brzezinski most recently served as control officer for the El Dorado County Department of Health, Animal Services Division. He also has served as executive director for the Santa Cruz SPCA and Humane Society SPCA of the Midlands.
As general manager of the Santa Cruz County Animal Services Authority, Brzezinski will oversee an operating budget of $3.2 million and staff of 30. Santa Cruz County took over animal-control services and the bulk of sheltering in 2002, after an audit revealed the SPCA had misused $715,000 in taxpayer dollars through unauthorized purchases and staffing. The SPCA now serves as an advocacy and education group but does not handle shelters.
El Dorado County Animal Control Services Include:
- Field Services enforces state statutes and county animal control ordinances regulating animal care and welfare, investigates citizens' complaints of animal neglect or nuisance, and responds to loose, injured, or dead animals on public property and county roads. Animal Control also inspects and licenses all commercial and non-commercial animal establishments and kennels;
- The Rabies Control Program investigates all animal bites and human exposures to rabies, provides low-cost rabies vaccinations, and processes licenses for dogs;
- Shelter Operations houses and cares for stray, unwanted, or displaced animals. Every effort is made to place healthy, adoptable animals in new permanent, loving homes. Shelter Operations also coordinates foster home and volunteer programs, educates the community on pet overpopulation, provides low-cost neuter/spay assistance, and assists individuals who have lost or found a pet.
