HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Animal Care Advisory Committee - 03/12/1992 ANIMAL CONTROL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
CIty Of Minutes of Regular Monthly Meeting of L4Fjgh- 12 , 1292
Corpus Administrative Conference Room, 10 a Rd.
Christi Corpus Christi-Nueces County%# "al th epiV:ment
MEKBER901IMENT: Michael Hughes, D.V.M. , Chairman; Fred Green ce
Chairman; Cissi Sweeney; Larry French; May 1 ; d
Alicia G. Benavidez; Leo Luna
MEMBERS ABSENT: None �"
STAFF PRESENT: Dr. Sisley; Cynthia Hillen; Jeff Beynon
GUESTS PRESENT: John Lancaster, 4515 Ayers, Corpus Christi
05, 87871
CALL TO ORDER: 2 :00 p.m. by Dr. Hughes. February minutes approved.
ATTENDANCE REVIEW: All in good standing. Introduced new member, Leo Luna.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT: Increased dog bite cases & dead animals picked up; decreased
number of animals euthanized for Humane Society (a record low) . New ACO II
position filled, but no work increase realized as ACO is performing duties of
the Dispatcher, who, due to a heart attack, will retire after his leave is
exhausted. Regional rabies update: 16 positive cases thru 2/92 compared to 2
at same time last year--includes 9 dogs, 4 coyotes, 3 skunks (in Victoria) ;
there have already been 5 more cases in March; State Zoologist expects 200+
cases in this region in 1992. Due to mild winter & much rain there is abundant
greenery for prey population's food supply, resulting in more prey, resulting
in more coyotes. With Dr. Hughes help, Mr. Beynon is arranging Rabies Clinics.
Nueces County's ACO had a rabies clinic last weekend, but noted a drop in
response. Dr. Garrett is setting up clinics at the Trade Center on weekends.
NEW BUSINESS: John Lancaster appeared with (2) complaints. He previously spoke
with Dr. Sisley and Mr. Beynon & was invited to appear. Complaint #1: He says
a neighbor at 3422 Surrey Lane is abusing the cat trapping ordinance: they
neighbor removes tags from trapped cats; the neighbor allegedly set a trap.
directly under roof eaves on 2/4/92 when rain was expected & as a result the cat
caught in the trap became ill with pneumonitis--he has pictures of this
incident . He says his indoor/outdoor cats are licensed, vaccinated & neutered,
but he located his missing cat at AC after it had been picked up from the trap
without its tags; he has also personally gone into the neighbor's yard and
released his cats from the trap. He questions why cats converge in this
neighbor's yard. He asks if he can distribute flyers to neighbors about this
problem. He does not want to do anything illegal . Complaint #2: He says he saw
an ACO treat a trapped cat in an inhumane manner. AC records indicate 11 cats
have been picked up at 3422 Surrey Lane since 1/92; prior to that 2 cats were
picked up in Nov/Dec 1990; the cat trap belongs to the owner. Mr. Lancaster was
advised to consult his attorney before distributing flyers; that he can take his
alleged cruelty complaint to the County Attorney; and that he should report
future incidents to Police---even though they will only fill out a report. It
was explained to Mr. Lancaster that this committee functions in an advisory
capacity for the City, but has no enforcement powers. Mr. Beynon explained the
method used by ACOs to remove a cat from a cage without being scratched/bitten.
DISCUSSION: AC will have 30 minute question/answer film on TCI Cablevision's
Channel 10 several times every week for next couple of weeks. In addition to
(1) carriage ride operation, (2) more have approached City for permits. Dr.
Hughes reported Lyme Disease in 2 dogs; a bad disease--difficult to diagnose;
vaccine is available. Transfer traps & pros/cons of cat trapping were
discussed.
ADJOURNMENT: At 3:30 p.m. Next meeting 4/9/92 at 2 :00 p.m.