SPARC names LeFeuvre as executive director of no kill shelter
April 12, 2013
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula News
His door will always be open, but don’t be surprised if you have a new animal companion once you leave the office of the new executive director of the Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center.
SPARC has named Bill LeFeuvre, a recognized figure in the national animal no kill movement, as its executive director. His first day at the shelter, located at the corner of 7th and Santa Barbara streets, is Monday, April 15. LeFeuvre will oversee day-to-day operations of the shelter, the first no kill facility in Ventura County and one of only a handful across California.
“I am very excited to serve the community of Santa Paula,” stated LeFeuvre in a press release. “With the help of the Board, the staff, and pet lovers throughout the region, I believe we can make a lifesaving difference for the animals of Santa Paula.”
According to SPARC Board President Diane Rowley, “One of Bill’s first tasks will be to expand the adoption program, as well as forge creative partnerships with volunteers, foster parents, the media, local businesses, and government officials.”
Noise complaints have dogged SPARC, which in recent months have caused the City Council to address the issue with the shelter that took over the city’s animal sheltering services from Ventura County in June.
Not only was the contract awarded by the council to the newly formed nonprofit SPARC for humanitarian reasons, but also for the dramatic cost-savings over what the city paid the county for services. It is estimated SPARC is saying the city a minimum of $50,000 annually in actual costs, as well as time saved by the animal services officer not having to travel to the Camarillo-based shelter.
LeFeuvre is a graduate of the University at Buffalo Law School and the State University of New York, where he received Juris Doctor and Business, Management and Economics degrees, respectively. In addition to his education and his management experience in the business world, Bill has served on the board of directors of no kill animal organizations in Ontario, Canada and Florida.
Rowley said that recently, as director of development for No Kill Nation, Inc., “Bill helped to implement proven No Kill animal control models in various municipalities and consulted with shelters and rescues interested in the no kill business model.” He has also been a speaker at no kill conferences in Washington D.C. and Cincinnati, Ohio.
“SPARC has seen almost 850 dogs and cats impounded since it opened on June 1, 2012,” said Diane Rowley, and “Not one animal has been killed due to lack of space or resources. Under Bill’s progressive leadership we’ll create the systems not only to sustain that effort indefinitely, but also to expand our safety net of care even more. We’re excited to have him.”
The council told representatives of the shelter at the March 18 meeting that complaints from barking dogs could jeopardize the contract, and SPARC representatives said they would continue noise abatement measures. At the April 1 council meeting notable improvements were acknowledged - including heightened communication with the city - and Rowley told the council such efforts would not only continue, but also expand to include a noise assessment by a specialist, added soundproofing, and monitoring to see what triggers the barking.
SPARC is also looking for a second facility to house the dogs and is scheduled to return to the council in three months for an update on the issues.
LeFeuvre’s statement notes his invitation for Santa Paulans to stop by SPARC and meet him: “My door will always be open... but don’t be surprised if you don’t leave empty-handed. We’ve got your new best friend waiting for you.”
SPARC, located at 705 E. Santa Barbara St., is asking for donations of old blankets and towels to give the animals something soft to rest on. To learn more about SPARC visit, www.sparcsaveslives.org.
