Purpose: To provide a conduit for citizen input to the County Commissioners (herein called the Board), to make recommendations or provide advice to the commissioners on matters pertaining to animal welfare to include, but not be limited to:

• assist in developing future goals and objectives of Animal Services
• make recommendations on policy matters relating to animal welfare
• serve as a forum to review innovative proposals made by advisory council members, the public at large, Animal Services staff and other interested parties
• make recommendations on capital improvement programs, and other needs, pertaining to services provided by Sarasota County relating to animal welfare
• make recommendations on the development of public education programs and on the publication and dissemination of educational materials relative to animal welfare
• stimulate the development of broad-based organized citizen involvement in animal welfare concerns
• periodically monitor and evaluate existing animal welfare programs, facilities, services and citizen relationships to assure objectives and goals of the department are being achieved in conformance with the policies of the County
• perform other advisory functions relating to animal welfare matters as deemed appropriate by the Sarasota County Commissioners

Requirements: The advisory council shall be comprised of seven individuals who shall serve staggered three year terms commencing November 20,2007. The composition of the advisory council shall include:

• a non-profit, incorporated humane shelter and placement organization
• an agricultural organization engaged in animal husbandry
• a member of a nonprofit arumal rights group
• a non-profit, incorporated animal enthusiast group
• a Florida certified veterinarian, in practice in Sarasota County
• two private citizens at large

Term: Three years (except S.T.A.R. members have one year terms)