SAN BERNARDINO, CA – Supervisor Neil Derry’s ordinance to establish an Animal Services Commission passed its second reading at the Board of Supervisors meeting on July 24, 2012. This ordinance will go into effect in 28 days and the county is currently accepting applications to fill the seven-member panel.

“This was truly a grass-roots effort initiated by concerned citizens of San Bernardino County and this commission will reinforce the democratic principle of a government that serves the will of the people above all else,” said Supervisor Derry.

While the commissioners will not determine policy for the county, they will be tasked with ensuring a county’s animal care facilities meet or exceed state regulations and make recommendations to the Board. The panel will be comprised of a citizen representative from each Supervisorial District, an independent veterinarian representative, and a representative from the Department of Public Health Animal Care & Control Division.

All interested parties are encouraged to apply, although each Supervisor’s commissioner must reside within their respective Supervisorial District. Once Supervisor Derry nominates a representative from his district, the commissioner must receive support from a majority of the Board before being appointed.

To learn more about how to apply please visit: http://www.sbcounty.gov/COB/bcc-application-details.asp or call the San Bernardino County Clerk of the Board at (909) 387-3841.