HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Animal Care Advisory Committee - 02/13/1992 ANIMAL CONTROL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
City Of Minutes of Regular Monthly Meeting of February 13 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: None
STAFF PRESENT: Dr. Sisley; Cynthia Hillen; Jeff Beynon 40
GUESTS PRESENT: Carlos Valdez , County Attorney
CALL TO ORDER: 2 :00 p.m. by Dr. Hughes . January minutes approved.
ATTENDANCE REVIEW: Paula Garnett resigned. All others in good standing.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT: January had a 22% increase in dogs brought in by ACOs; an
increase in citations issued; and a decrease in adopted animals due to new state
law requiring animals to be sterilized. A memo has been sent to City Hall
regarding the large number of citations being dismissed by Municipal Court . To
avoid confusion, a sign is needed at animal drop-off pens so the public does not
think an animal is being left for the Human Society; half of the pens are still
being used; Mr. Beynon will check with Purchasing as to when construction of the
new pens will start. Rabies update: There have already been 7 cases (6 canine)
of rabies in South Texas in 1992--there were only 2 cases at this time in 1991.
The City & County AC Divisions are coordinating rabies clinics on different
weekends. Dr. Floyd Garrett, who usually works out of his home, is planning a
2 day "Low Cost Vaccination Clinic" at Flour Bluff School on Feb. 22-23; he will
offer rabies for $5, other shots , and sell licenses; the City is not involved
with this clinic and will not furnish manpower. Dr. Hughes said Dr. Garrett is
conducting this as a for profit clinic--not a public service. Dr. Hughes will
provide Mr. Beynon with a list of veterinarians willing to conduct rabies-only
clinics and licenses for $8 or $11 (depending on sterilization status) ; rabies
shots would not be refused if the owner does not have the money for both. It
was noted that sending a note home with school children 2-3 days before a clinic
offers good results . Veterinarians issue tags with each rabies shot and account
for the number.
NEW BUSINESS: City Secretary's Office has 4 membership applications on file:
Barbara Airheart & Shirley Justice (Lost Pet Hotline) , Patricia Dillon
(Obedience Club) , & Richard Schafer (veterinarian) . Leo Luna, a prior member
who served very effectively, will submit an application. Motion approved to
recommend either Leo Luna or Patricia Dillon for vacancy.
CRUELTY TO ANIMALS CASE: Auction of 6 horses yielded $2,375; City's cost for
11 months was about $13 ,000 including $7000-$8000 for food, $3,000+ for
veterinary fees , $3000+ for labor to clean up after them, labor involved in
seizure, and repair of fences broken by horses. Case has shown that, if City
can't get a criminal conviction, it would be better financially to sign the
horses over to Co. Sheriff after 30 days . Sheriff 's Office tried to get City
to drop the case against defendants (2 of their reserve peace officers) . At
Members request, Carlos Valdez, Co. Attorney, appeared. He said he reviewed
case after contacted & found nothing unusual ; the defendants plea bargained &
each paid a $100 fine; if no violation of terms of probation for 6 months their
records will be cleared; they can get more animals; it was less costly to accept
plea bargain rather than proceed with case and possibly lose in spite of
evidence. Restitution can only be ordered in cases involving probation.
ADJOURNMENT: At 3: 55 p.m. Next meeting Thursday, March 12 , 1992 at 2 :00 p.m.