HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Animal Care Advisory Committee - 12/12/1991 ANIMAL CONTROL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
City Of Minutes of Regular Monthly Meeting of Deg,
embe 2 1991
Corpus Administrative Conference Room - 1702 'Ho a Rd.
Chnstl Corpus Christi-Nueces County Health Department
MEMBERS PRESENT: Michael Hughes , D.V.M. , Chairman; Cissi Sweeney; Fred
Greenburg; Paula Garnett ; Mary V. Penuel ; Larry French
MEMBERS ABSENT: Alicia G. Benavidez
STAFF PRESENT: Dr. Sisley; Cynthia Hillen; Jeff Beynon vnv�
CALL TO ORDER: 2 :00 p.m. by Dr. Hughes . November minutes approved.
ATTENDANCE REVIEW: All members in good standing.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT: Mr. Beynon reported an increase in citations issued, but
a drop in revenue; an increase in cats picked up in traps ; and a decrease in
miscellaneous animals (although they are still high) . The fine for failure
to surrender an animal for a rabies citation has gone up from $119 to $145;
other fines have gone up from $44 to $70 . November canine rabies cases
totaled 9 in Region 8, which included 1 coyote in Nueces County. About 1
specimen is being shipped to the State Laboratory every other day for rabies
evaluation; the laboratory has many checks and balances in place to assure
accuracy. The euthanization chamber was broken from I1-23-91 to 12-3-91
during which time the motor was replaced; it is working good now; figures for
euthanized animals for November and December will be somewhat skewed as many
animals were held over until the equipment was repaired. The euthanization
chamber will need to be replaced shortly as it is showing wear and tear, has
rust starting, etc. It was state of the art equipment when purchased around
1982 . The chamber' s design and how it works was described to the Members .
Some cities have gone to the injection method of euthanization, which is
rated as more humane. However, it is hard on the staff ; experience has shown
rapid staff "burn out" . Animal Control has a full staff now, except for the
ACO I position just vacated to fill the new ACO II position.
CONTINUING BUSINESS: The purchase of the kennel gates is now being reviewed
by the City's Engineering Dept . as required by the Purchasing Dept . About
2000 animals were vaccinated in recent rabies clinics , with the majority done
by the County; Flour Bluff had the largest clinic with 525 animals
vaccinated. To avoid confusion the city and county clinics will be held at
different times in the future; clinics will resume in January.
NEW BUSINESS: Members acknowledged receiving their invitations to the
Citizen's Health 5 Welfare Advisory Board Christmas meeting/party on 12/18/91
@ 11 : 30 a .m. in the Health Dept . Auditorium. Leo Luna, who previously served
on the Animal Control Advisory Committee, sent word that he would like to
serve again when an opening is available; he will submit an application to
the City Secretary's Office. Mr. Beynon passed his Administration
Certification and has now been elected as the Regional Advisor for the Texas
Animal Control Association, an organization that has been influential in the
passage of new Texas laws . His position may offer some input as to what is
needed here. Dr. Sisley said she has submitted a proposal for increasing the
Animal Control staff in response to the rabies threat . She has requested 1
ACO II ; 1 Sanitation Road Officer; and 1 Information Specialist to go door to
door, give presentations, and possibly hold First Offender Schools (the City
would charge those attending the school ) ,
ADJOURNMENT: At 2 : 45 p.m. Next meeting January 9 , 1992 at 2 :00 p.m.