HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Animal Care Advisory Committee - 01/09/1992 ANIMAL CONTROL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
City of Minutes of Regular Monthly Meeting of January 9, 1992
Corpus Administrative Conference Room - 1702 Horne Rd.
Christi Corpus Christi-Nueces County Health Department
MEMBERS PRESENT,: Michael Hughes, D.V.M. , Chairman; Fred Greenburg, Vice
Chairman; Cissi Sweeney; Larry French; Mary V. Penuel ;
Alicia G. Benavidez
MEMBERS ABSENT: Paula Garnett L JAN '
STAFF PRESENT: Dr. Sisley; Cynthia Hillen, Jeff Be non
CALL TO ORDER: 2:05 p.m. by Dr. Hughes. December minutes a raved S'IT'S `U'
PP FI E
ATTENDANCE REVIEW: All members in good standing.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT: December saw an increase in dog impoundments and dead dogs
picked up, but a decrease in bite cases and revenue; cat impoundments
decreased; possums are increasing. There was an increase in dog adoptions,
but decreases are expected in the future due to a new state law requiring
sterilization which will make adoptions at the Human Society a better
bargain. There were 85 cases of rabies in this Public Health Region in 1991
(72 of the canine strain) ; 2 cases were in Nueces County. No rabies clinics
were held during the holidays ; the County will have one soon; Dr. Garrett
plans one in February-March. CRUELTY TO ANIMALS CASE: On 2-14-91 six starved
horses were seized with the media present, 1 horse died; the case will not go
to court despite video films & other evidence. Owners of the horses, Reserve
Deputies with the Nueces County Sheriff 's Office, entered plea bargains with
the County Attorney's office on 10/31/91. Each had 6 counts against him,
pled guilty to 1 count & the remainder were dismissed; there was no
conviction; each received 6 months deferred adjucated probation and $100
fine. The City received NO restitution for over $13,000 of expense for
manpower, food and veterinary services. Motion approved to ask Carlos
Valdez, County Attorney, to appear at next month's meeting or allow Members
to meet with him at his office to explain why his office agreed to such a
plea bargain. Members feel taxpayers should know why there was no
restitution to the City for this expense. The surviving horses must be sold
at public auction where less than $1000 for all the horses can be expected.
CONTINUING BUSINESS: Bids have gone out for the kennel gates.
NEW BUSINESS: Dr. Sisley submitted a plan for rabies prevention totaling
469 to the City. The plan calls for having in place by 8-1-92 three new
positions (ACO II , Information Specialist, Sanitation Road Officer) along
with a truck with prefab HSU approved cage and radio. A request has been
submitted to transfer the funds for the equipment from the City's Reserve
Appropriations. Goals include: (1) reinstitute door-to-door vaccination
license education/warning/citation program by 8-1-92; (2) increase
educational presentations to schools & low income groups to 10 per month by
1-1-93; (3) pick up & impound 30% more at-large dogs & have 70% of the dogs
& cats immunized by 8-1-93; (4) implement a "First Offender" Program. Dr.
Hughes received a letter inviting a member of this Committee to a meeting on
1-21-92 in the Council Chamber regarding reviewing the City Charter. The
Chairman needs to prepare an annual report of activities; due 1/15/92 .
ADJOURNMENT: at 3:00 p.m. Next meeting February 6, 1992 at 2:00 p.m. Note:
After the meeting Dr. Hughes contacted Mr. Valdez. He agreed to appear at
the next Animal Control meeting. Members were informed by phone.