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the opinion may enjoy confidentiality pursuant to the attorney-client privilege,the Board of Supervisors has the discretion to waive that privilege.The Grand Jury's request included its commitment to maintain the confidentiality of the opinion itself and its contents. Nevertheless,the request was declined, as was the Grand Jury's alternative request that the County simply identify the legal authority reviewed in studying the issue. Members of shelter management indicated their understanding the TNR program was terminated due to the opinion that the program violates a state law. The law makes it a crime to willfully abandon an animal notwithstanding that the program was designed to return cats to their original location rather than releasing them to randomly selected sites. TNR programs are widespread throughout California, not to mention the nation as set forth in a report from the American Bar Association. The Grand Jury is unaware of any published court case determining that a bona fide TNR program is prohibited under the anti-abandonment statute. Given the important benefits to animals and the public provided by such programs,the Grand Jury believes it would be prudent for the County to revisit the propriety of the former program and consider obtaining a second legal opinion. This report highlights analysis of data provided to the Grand Jury by the shelter indicating that euthanasia rates related to dog behavior and to cats have increased significantly within the last two years.The increase in dog behavioral euthanasia rates suggests that there is inconsistency over time as to how dogs are being assessed and evaluated for behavior-related euthanasia.The increase in feline euthanasia rates appears to be correlated with elimination of the TNR program. This report also addresses the challenges in maintaining quality staff at the shelter, especially in the Animal Care Attendant positions. Hiring practices for the shelter are too cumbersome, lengthy and lack consideration of how those practices impact animal welfare. Animal Care Attendant staffing at the shelter is inadequate and Animal Care Attendant staffing vacancies need to be filled more quickly. This report discusses major deficiencies with each of the issues identified above and makes specific recommendations to help support a more engaged community. Status quo at the shelter is unacceptable. Appropriate remedial steps must be taken as animal welfare is paramount! Finally,this report comments on the difficulties the Grand Jury encountered during its investigation. Without explanation,the entirety of the Orange County County Counsel's office determined itself to be conflicted with the Grand Jury's inquiry into Orange County Animal Care.The investigation was hampered and slowed during the six weeks the Grand Jury was required to arrange for outside legal counsel. z