Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Animal Care Advisory Committee - 11/14/2002 Minutes CITY ANIMAL CONTROL ADVISORY COMMITTEE Corpus Christi-Nueces County Public Health District Administration Conference Room, 1702 Horne Road November 14, 2002 Members Present: Chris Cooper, Sherry Dunlap,Alan Garrett,D.V.M.,Cheryl Martinez, Susan Thiem Members Absent: Leonidas Botello,Gail Hoffman Staff Present: Dr.Boostrom,Annette Rodriguez,and Jorge Cruz-Redo Guests: Several citizens Call to Order: Susan Thiem,Acting Chair,called the meeting to order at 12:32 p.m. uorum Noted quorum present Approval of Minutes Minutes from the meeting on October 10,2002 were unanimously approved. Mr. Cruz Aedo informed the advisory board and others that the Interim Manager of Animal Care and Control (ACC), Homer Martinez, had been placed on administrative leave with pay resulting from irregularities occurring at the time of his original employment application and nothing to do with his job performance. In fairness to both parties Mr. Cruz Aedo could not discuss this matter Further. There will be a hearing next Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. Director's Report: Given by Dr. Boostrom. The latest statistics for ACC were distributed. Regarding other issues in animal control, West Nile is still present in the community,4 horses have been diagnosed. It is very fortunate that ACC is part of the Health Department giving optimum opportunity for surveillance of communicable diseases. Discussion: Dr. Garrett mentioned that he had confirmation of two dogs with West Nile, although both died, cause of death is not yet official. Dr. Boostrom stated that she had recently returned from the annual American Public Health Association meeting in Philadelphia, and modern technology is going to be PCR testing. Dr. Garrett added that PCR testing is not liked by vets, it is too sensitive,you couId have been exposed years ago and it will still show up positive on the test. With regard to the new ACC facility, the city has terminated the services of the contractor because of sub-standard work, and is currently awaiting a decision by the bond company as to whether or not they will allow the city to hire another contractor. Dr.Boostrom said how grateful the city was for the Maddie's grant. The Maddie's grant will serve people who have Medicaid; the city program being formulated, will help people who do not have Medicaid. The adoption program is going well. A question was asked about what was done for the animals before being released. Dr. Boostrom responded that some old vaccine that had been unused was exchanged for new vaccine. This vaccine will be used to vaccinate those animals that are completely adoptable. The plan is to have animals at the facility spayed and neutered in compliance with state policies. A screening policy for those who adopt will also be considered for action. The ordinances are still being formed; three different sets are going to be presented so that the general public can give their opinion. These ordinances should be ready to present at the next meeting. Dr. Boostrom stated that the plan was to ensure that the general public had an opportunity to see these proposed ordinances and make comments. At the last meeting there were lots of comments regarding enforcing our current ordinances. The municipal court has been consulted, and arrangements have been made for our educator,new ACC manager and possibly some people from legal to provide education. Hopefully this can be accomplished in a few months. Dr. Boostrom invited all members to a Christmas Luncheon at the December meeting, and at that time the committee will elect their officers. Rabies Report: There has been no rabid bat or animal within the county in the last month. Other Items of Discussion: A comment was made by Dr. Garrett that when the Maddie's grant is used up other ways of raising money should be considered. Possibly contacting an influential congressman, or getting a percentage of money from selling a spay and neuter license plate. Another comment made from the committee was regarding a breeder's license. When the coalition met when the breeders license first came up, one thing that the coalition had asked was that this would be addressed in the ordinance. Have as yet not heard if this will happen. Mr. Cruz-Aedo responded that when everyone does see the drafting of the proposed changes, it would be very clear. It may not please everyone that has an interest in it, but at least there will be an ordinance that does the right things for this community based on our needs. Sherry Dunlap stated that in Corpus Christi we definitely are now in a position where we need a breeder's license. Possibly an ordinance could be written to exclude the kennel club. Ads had been checked over the last few months and the Kennel Club is not advertising. Rumor is that another kennel club may be forming. Susan Thiem stated that the committee has to re-focus their mission. Ms. Thiem stated that she only hears comments about the ACC facility from Dr. Boostrom. The committee's aim is to make the ACC facility a better place, not to run around to city council and whatever else we are doing— Animal Control Advisory Committee hfeeting Minutes Page 2 of that is fine but in doing this we have completely lost focus. We need to see how we can make the animal control officers do their job better. Cheryl Martinez stated that the animals suffer when they are to be euthanized, they are terrified, screaming and upsetting the other dogs. She advised purchasing some tranquilizers, they are available for$20.00 per hundred so that when the dogs are euthanized they will not suffer. Dr. Boostrom added that she had personally supervised the initial phase of the euthanasia, and had not seen any animal distressed as described. The city should have a policy that only city employees can do these procedures. Mr. Cruz Aedo said that the city would have serious issues with civilians being involved with the operation of the ACC facility. It would be a huge liability issue that the city and the individual would be exposed to. Cheryl commented that she still felt that aggressive animals should be given a mild sedative. Dr. Boostrom stated as the director of the Health Department,that she was responsible to Mr. Cruz- Aedo and the City Council for the ACC program. Community members who have issues with the manager's operation of the ACC facility should contact her directly at her cell number, 813-6207. The first priority of the new manager is education. There is enough money in the budget to do what is necessary. Mr.Cruz Aedo mentioned that one of the upsides to terminating the contractor is that the money set aside to operate the shelter this physical year will now not be used so an opportunity exists here for this money to be redirected into other resources. Other Comments: A member from the general public commented that Homer Martinez had had an opportunity to come to their show in August, but he was unable to provide any material handouts with regard to public education on animals. More should be done to make this material available. Dr. Boostrom responded that there was a lot of free information available from the Texas Department of Health and enough funds budgeted for education. New Business None Adiournment: The meeting adjourned at 1:30 p.m. The next meeting will be held Thursday, December 12, 2002 at 12:30 p.m. in the Administration Conference Room of the Health Department, 1702 Home Road. Animal Control Advisory Committee AfeeNng Minutes Page 3 or 3