The Committee shall have the power and duty to: Advise the County Executive and County Council on issues and recommendations for animal rescue; animal fostering; humane and ecologically sound control of the animal population; animal bite prevention; education on zoonotic disease transmission; and education of the public on safely coexisting with wildlife. Advise the County Executive and County Council on best practices for animal shelters. Identify successful best practices from animal shelters in other jurisdictions. Review current practices for recruiting and training volunteers for the County animal shelter and make recommendations for improvements. Advise the County Executive and County Council regarding the effect of animal welfare operations on potential laws, policies, rules and regulations aimed at improving the treatment and care of animals. Serve as a facilitator of communication and understanding between the animal welfare community, the County government, and the community at large. Advise the County government on the implementation of state and local initiatives pertaining to, but not limited to, sheltering, keeping, adoption, fostering, rescue, volunteerism, partnership, nonprofits, and charitable giving. Promote public awareness and education regarding responsible pet ownership and animal welfare issues. Collaborate with local organizations and stakeholders to enhance animal welfare programs. Report annually to the County Executive and County Council on the status of animal welfare in the County.