HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Animal Care Advisory Committee - 04/14/2005 ° ' - Animal Csrra Sarvleps
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MINUTES OF THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI
ANIMAL CONTROL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Nueces County Public Health District
Education Room, 2626 Holly Rd
Minutes of: April 14 th, 2005
Members Present: Susan Thiem, Sharon Massad, Kendall Keyes, Dr. William Watson,
Dr„ John Buckley,, and Paul Reynolds
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: Cherrie Stunz, Angel Hernandez„ Jaime Luna, Robert Smith
Staff Absent: Annette Rodriguez, Elizabeth Hundley
Guests: Rose Columbo, Lori Hoffmann„ Cindy Mendieta, Becki Jones,
Sherry Dunlap„ and Crystal Seehorn
1. Called to Order: Susan Thiem, Chairperson, 12:33pm
2. Minutes of Last Meeting
Mr. Reynolds made a motion to approve the minutes of the last meeting. Dr. Buckley 2nd the motion,
all were in favor, motion passed.
3. TDH Zoonosis Control Rego
The Zoonosis Report was attached for viewing.
Pet Week
Dr. Watson inquired about the upcoming Pet Week during the 1st week of May and how ACS
intended to get information out the public? Ms. Stunz replied that ACS will be going thru the P10
office and to get information out to the public and also honor low cost vaccinations and Pet Licenses.
4. Manager's Report
Ms. Stunz reported that the animals at ACS were now available for viewing on PetHarbor.Com.
On the City's webpage,www.cctexas.com a link has been established to help viewers go directly to
Petharbor,com. The page will also give information on our new hours and costs of adoption.
ACS also had a press release thru the P10 for on-line city purchase of Pet License. The link is the
same as for paying Utility bills.
Animal Conimrttee Ifecating of Aprd 14'` 2003
On Monday April 11 th, ACS had a very successful after hours Vaccination Clinic for the general
public at the facility. Dr. Watson gave rabies vaccinations and boosters from 5:00—7:00 pm.
Eighty-nine people attended. A Vaccination Clinic will be held on April 16th as part of the NIP at the
vel Williams Senior Center. ACS is also working with the Kennel Club, for another Vaccination
clinic at the facility, which will also include Micro-chipping of pets.
Field e o
Officer Hernandez discussed a new schedule that incorporates "beat officers". An officer stays in an
area for a week, Monday to Friday and is required to become familiar with the problems in that area.
Two officers take care of stray calls and assist with area sweeps and an investigator is involved
investigations of any problems that arise.
Officer's Hernandez and Smith went to the 2nd level National Cruelty Investigator training in Grand
Prairie.
I nvestigator's Report
Humane Investigator, Robert Smith discussed the legalities and steps taken for removal of animals
from properties. There are many laws t o protect ACS and ensure public rights protection. All officers
now have cameras. Notices are going out for inspections and compliance with a goal towards
education and compliance. Channel 10 is working with Officer Smith to do a piece on Animal Cruelty
in Corpus Christi.
Ms. Stunz announced a new program called Cat Nip; it is similar to the NIP program. Citizens with
Cat problems are being educated on what to do to control cats in their area. A week is spent
assisting the neighborhood with its problem.
Kennel
One to two facility animals are on TV every Friday on Channel 10. Gulf Coast Humane Society is
helping with the program. The response has been positive.
The kennels are fully staffed, With the additional staff the Kennel Master can allow now allow time
off, Parvo and distemper incidents are down in the kennels.
Ms. Thiem attended some Civic organizations where Ms, Stunz and Mr. Luna were speaking. She
said they are being received positively and citizens are informed. More requests to speak keep
coming up„
S. New Business
Animal Control t8elwswyx Committee Meeting efAprd 14d" any
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Ms. Stunz stated that she is trying to come up with an overall compliance rate for the City's Rabies
Vaccination program. Vets have been contacted and more information is being compiled.
Dr. Watson discussed his findings and views regarding compliance and a 3-year rabies vaccine for
the City. Nueces County has a 0% compliance rate, which means more than 60 % of the animals in
Nueces County are vulnerable. Dr. Watson detailed health related issues regarding the use of a 1 yr
vs. 3 yr vaccine. Ms. Stunz and Dr. Watson will continue to discuss and research the issues.
Dr. Buckley felt it good to establish a good group working relationship with the new elected City
Council. A letter is to be signed by each committee member and delivered to City Hall.
Ms. Keyes said April 23rd was Earth Day and animals will be taken to Cole Park_
s. Thiem pointed out an article in the Caller Times Focus section stating that 487 homes were found
for dogs and cats last year. Ms Stunz stated our goal for 2005 is 1,000.
Ms. Thiem said Miss Gail Hoffman (a past Chair) was elected as one of the Women of the Year. She
sent a card on behalf of the committee.
5. Public Comments
Rose Palumbo expressed her concern and reason for coming to the meeting. She said she had
come on Tuesday to see the facility for the first time because of the good things she had heard about
it. She was shocked at the condition of the feral cats as overcrowded and dirty. She had gone out
before the meeting today and found that it looked fantastic and not as overcrowded as on her
previous visit.
Ms. Stunz and Mr. Luna were deeply concerned with Ms. Palumbo's findings and addresses that they
would look into the situation immediately. Ms. Stunz requested for Ms. Palumbo to stay and speak
with her and Mr, Luna about the issue.
6. Adjournment
Ms Massad made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Dr Buckley 2nd the motion and all were in favor-
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