Veterinarian instrumental in creating Lake County Animal Care and Control clinic dies
- Elizabeth Larson
- Posted On
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — A veterinarian who played a key role in establishing and running the clinic at Lake County Animal Care and Control and expanding the agency’s services has died.
Dr. Richard Bachman, 68, died March 20.
His passing was the reason Animal Care and Control reported that it was putting some of its services on hold, including the community cat program and vaccination clinics, said Director Jonathan Armas.
Animal Care and Control said Bachman received his veterinary license in 1982 and owned a private practice in Sonoma County.
He later worked in Contra Costa County, where he began specializing in shelter medicine.
Bachman started working with Lake County Animal Care and Control in 2007 and dedicated a tremendous amount of his time to Lake County, the agency reported.
He’s credited with being instrumental in creating the Animal Care and Control clinic, conducting a study that was presented to the Board of Supervisors that Armas said began the clinic’s formation. The clinic opened in 2012.
Bachman also was a part of establishing public services including the low cost spay/neuter program and community cat program which have been central to the agency’s efforts to control the pet population.
“The clinic allowed us to provide high quality care to stray animals, kept our adoption prices low and provided public services,” Armas said.
Animal Care and Control said Bachman provided veterinary care to Lake County animals affected by disasters and wildfires, most notable during the Valley fire in 2015.
That same year, when the clinic’s vets resigned, Armas said Bachman stepped in to ensure that quality care continued to be provided.
“He tried to find a replacement multiple times and had to step back from full time work but continued to work with us and provide surgeries for our adoptions and vaccination clinics,” Armas said. “He was also instrumental in the procurement of all of the equipment we use and the formation of the program as a whole.”
On its Facebook page, Animal Care and Control posted, “Dr. Bachman was an advocate for animals and affordable access to care. Dr. Bachman was a mentor and friend who will be greatly missed.”
His family has suggested that donations in honor of Dr. Bachman’s life may be made via check (write “donation” in the check memo line) to Lake County Animal Care and Control, 4949 Helbush Drive, Lakeport, CA 95453.
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