Finding F8
The City of Petaluma failed to collect and retain documentation of dog bite incidents. Victims were unable to obtain this information for further action and the City of Petaluma was unable to evaluate Animal Control provider’s compliance with Petaluma Municipal Code § 9.24.030 (A) (1).
Jury report: Animal Services Revisited: A City Asleep at the Wheel · PDF page 17
Permanent linkOfficial response
Petaluma City Council
Acknowledges records-access improvements but rejects an implication that no records existed or victims were intentionally blocked, citing reliance on provider records and future contract safeguards.
Read official response · PDF page 13Explains its disputed scope and record-custody model, with references to contract requirements, Public Records Act obligations and proposed access/retention provisions continued on page 14.
This review evaluates the response document. Implementation claims have not been independently verified.