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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Animal Care Advisory Committee - 09/12/2002 ° Minutes CITY ANIMaL CONTROL ADVISORY t-OMMITTEE Corpus Christi-Nueces County Public Health Distirict Administration Co erence Room, 1702 Horne Road ti Sep 12,2002 Members Present: Chris Cooper,Chair,Gail Hoffinan, Sherry Dunlap,Alan Garrett,D.V.M. embers Absent: Leonidas Botello, Denny Bales,Susan Thiem Staff Present: Dr.Boostrom,Annette Rodriguez Guests: - — Call to Order: Gail Hoffman,Chair,called the meeting to order at 12:32 p. . Attendance Review:July not an official meeting. Onen Discussion: Dr. Garrett provided input on the adoption policy for certain animals. He voiced his apposition to this idea and indicated that no one breed of dog is more aggressive than another.A particular dog can be aggressive, not a certain breed. Consequently certain breeds do not need to be targeted. Dr. Boostrorn reported that the media did not accurately report Animal Control's position on stray animals; consequently, the current policy of releasing chows, Dobermans, pit bulls, and rottweiller to other shelter or rescue groups that can work with the animal and determine whether it is,adoptable, can be rehabilitated or needs sanctuary will continue. Animal Control is going to a more fully extensive program, but cannot be making exceptions for certain breeds. Every effort is being made to ensure that animals up for adoption will not be the vicious type. Obviously if they appear to be vicious they will not be put up for adoption. Board members felt the city attorney should develop a release of liability for adoptable animals. Staff will pursue this. Ordinances are being drawn up, and a consensus from the general public is being sought to see what issues they have. Too many complaints are being received currently staff will work aggressively to improve and eliminate these issues. Supervisor's Report: Terry Chapa, the interim supervisor has completed her objectives and mission for Animal Control and has now returned to City Hall. Dr. Boostrom is currently supervising the facility and will be actively providing staff to do this in her absence. Operational issues will be addressed. Currently there are no tic or flea problems.If tics become a problem,the staff will increase control measures. The euthanasia program is going well. The position of division director for Animal Control will be posted today. This person will need to have a lot of credentials, as well as the ability to show great leadership. Until this person is hired,Dr.Boostrorn will oversee the program. The new construction is about one and a half months behind schedule. Possible completion will be in January 2003. There will be no livestock in the new facility. There are better alternatives in the community. (A committee member volunteered to assist in that regard). Lone Staff`Horse Rescue will continue their mission to rescue animals being badly treated. The walls at the new site are just now being erected,so a better opinion regarding the progress can be-made at a later date, however, there have been issues involving drainage, etc. No dead animals will be allowed to be dropped off at the new facility,it will be locked so that people cannot get in. Rabies ellort: Two rabid bats this month. One person had post exposure rabies series. The Board of Health proposes to adopt new rules that allow Texas to go to a 3-year vaccination. This will allow the city to adopt a 3-year licensing program ifthe Board of Health adopts the ruling. Currently annual rabies and licensing is in place. 'Other Items of Discussion: The Board considered the tags and licensing issue, local veterinarians participate. Members feel that veterinarians posting a sign in their office that city iag1licensure mandatory would improve licensing. Proposed Ordinances: ■ Th6 council is concerned about sales in public places. The current ordinance actually addressed that but there is a?loophole. Barter exchange or adoption. This proposed ordinance would correct that. ■ Stray cats and dogs are still a big problem. Other ordinances make owners responsible for their pets;otherwise animal control will pick them iip and bold for 5 days. If tagged will return directly to owner,or hold them if owner cannot be located. ■ If a dog seriously injures a human,will need to apprehend the animal. Would be helpful if a retired police officer could be on call to deal wit.11 these situations. ■ Officers feel that in order to 'maintain optimum humane treatrnent,an animal that has been tranquiaed by Animal,Control pers 6nnel need to be observed by a vet or an Animal Control employee until they recover. ■ Illegal to abandon animals whether alive or dead. 6 ■ Up to$1,900 penalty for not abiding by the ordinance. Other Comments: ■ Board possibly to become more involved in monitoring the facility. ■ Some cities tattoo animals when in the pound,to see if there are repeat offenders. Need to encourage the general public to redeem their animals. ■ Breeders' fees discussed. Board member will write a letter making suggestions. Dr.Boos will then take to City. In October,will review ordinances with the Board. ■ A suggestion to have the November meeting at the new facility was enthusiastically received. Possibly have the media there to give community an update on their bond dollars. ■ A suggestion to enlighten the general public on city ordinances possibly through the utility bill was also well received. New Business None Old Business None Ad The meeting adjourned at 1:30 p.m. The next meeting will be held Thursday, October 10, 2002 at 12.30 p.m.in the Administration Conference Room of the Health Department, 1702 Home Road.