Title
Ratify Acceptance of a Donation Exceeding $5,000 from Yin C. and Gary D. Faunce to the Department of Animal Services (Districts: All)
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Overview
The County of San Diego (County) Department of Animal Services (DAS) is dedicated to protecting public safety, preventing animal cruelty and neglect, and saving the lives of thousands of lost, abandoned, or unwanted pets each year. Annually, approximately 6,500 animals from the county’s unincorporated areas enter DAS’s two shelters, where they receive compassionate care, medical treatment, and opportunities for adoption. DAS provides animal-related law enforcement, sheltering, veterinary care, and adoption services, ensuring that all treatable or manageable medical and behavioral conditions are addressed so animals can thrive in new homes or with rescue partners. DAS’s ability to provide care for lost, homeless, and abandoned animals it takes in each year is supported, in part, by donations from community members and non-profit and private organizations. County Administrative Code Article III, Section 66, Acceptance of Gifts, and Board of Supervisors (Board) Policy A-112, Acceptance and Use of Gifts and Donations, permit the acceptance of gifts and donations by the administrative head of each County department, subject to approval by the County Board.
In December 2025, DAS received a cash donation of $10,000 from Yin and Gary Faunce for the Medical Expense “Spirit” Trust Fund, which helps injured and sick animals regain their health through surgery, medicine, and follow-up care.
Today’s requests are for the Board to ratify the acceptance of a donation by DAS from Yin and Gary Faunce and authorize the Board Chair to sign a letter of appreciation on behalf of the Board and the County.
Body
Recommendation by Chief Administrative Officer:
1) In accordance with County of San Diego Administrative Code Article III, Section 66, Acceptance of Gifts, and Board of Supervisors Policy A-112, Acceptance and Use of Gifts and Donations, ratify the acceptance of a donation from Yin and Gary Faunce in the amount of $10,000 for deposit into the Department of Animal Services’ Medical Expense “Spirit” Trust Fund.
2) Authorize the Chair of the Board of Supervisors to sign a letter of appreciation on behalf of the Board of Supervisors and the County of San Diego to Yin and Gary Faunce.
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Equity Impact Statement
The County of San Diego (County) Department of Animal Services (DAS) periodically receives monetary gifts and in-kind donations to benefit animal and public health and safety, including care for orphaned pets in County animal shelters. In Fiscal Year 2025-26, DAS is projected to serve approximately 6,500 animals, many of which enter shelters as unaltered strays in need of veterinary care. Gifts and donations received by DAS help advance equity by providing access to services for those in historically underserved communities, which often lack affordable veterinary care. By expanding access to critical services such as spay and neuter procedures, vaccinations, and microchipping, DAS helps keep pets in homes with their families and out of shelters.
Sustainability Impact Statement
Acceptance of a donation from Yin and Gary Faunce supports County of San Diego Sustainability Goal No. 2, providing just and equitable access, by aligning available resources with the delivery of essential veterinary services, such as spay and neuter surgeries, vaccinations, microchipping, and advanced medical care, particularly in underserved areas where animals have historically faced barriers to care. The Department of Animal Services is committed to keeping pets in homes with their families and out of shelters.
Fiscal Impact
There is no fiscal impact associated with today’s recommendations. Today’s request will ratify the acceptance of a $10,000 cash donation that was deposited into the Department of Animal Services’ Medical Expense “Spirit” Trust Fund to help injured and sick animals regain their health through surgery, medicine, and follow-up care. There will be no change in net General Fund cost and no additional staff years.
Business Impact Statement
N/A
Advisory Board Statement
N/A
Background
The County of San Diego (County) Department of Animal Services (DAS) accepts tangible and monetary donations to help support animal cruelty investigations and other community services that promote animal and public health and safety, including care for orphaned pets in County animal shelters. In July 2008, DAS established the Medical Expense “Spirit” Trust Fund (Spirit Fund) after a 10-week-old puppy was beaten and in critical condition. Donations began to pour in from around the country to pay for the expensive treatment needed to save the puppy’s life. Today, donations to the Spirit Fund are used to cover high-cost procedures for animals in DAS’s care and custody that have serious medical needs the department would otherwise not have the funds to treat. These complex and costly treatments include surgical treatment for animals suffering from abuse, amputations necessitated by severe neglect, correction of intestinal obstructions, orthopedic surgeries, and other urgent medical interventions. By funding this level of care, the Spirit Fund enables countless sick and injured animals to heal, regain their quality of life, and ultimately be placed in safe, loving, permanent homes. Recent beneficiaries of the Spirit Fund include a large number of birds recovered after an investigation of a property in Valley Center. The Spirit Fund will support the birds’ ongoing care and treatment.
In December 2025, DAS received a donation of $10,000 from Yin and Gary Faunce, which will support the Spirit Fund to help injured and sick animals regain their health through surgery, medicine, and follow-up care.
In accordance with County Administrative Code Article III, Section 66, Acceptance of Gifts, and Board of Supervisors (Board) Policy A-112, Acceptance and Use of Gifts and Donations, today’s request to the Board is to ratify the acceptance of a $10,000 donation to DAS from Yin and Gary Faunce.
Linkage To The County Of San Diego Strategic Plan
Today’s proposed action to accept the donation from Yin and Gary Faunce supports the Sustainability, Equity, Empower, and Community Strategic Initiatives in the County of San Diego’s 2026-2031 Strategic Plan by expanding access to preventive veterinary care in underserved communities and promoting health, safety, and family stability.
Respectfully submitted,
Ebony N. Shelton
Chief Administrative Officer
Attachment(s)
Attachment A - Letter of Appreciation to Yin and Gary Faunce