HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Animal Care Advisory Committee - 06/22/2006 pot no Care Service,
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MINUTES OF THE CITY i CORPUS CHRISTI
ANIMAL CONTROL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Nueces County is Health District
Education Room, 2626 Holly Rd
June 22nd, 2006
Members Present: Dr William Watson, Sliaron Massad, Kendal Keyes, Paul Reynolds, Bill Schroeder and
John Buckley
Members se : Yarn Rhyner
Staff Present: Angel Hernandez, Robert Si ith, Elizabeth Hundley, Margie Rose and Mike Hacker
Staff sent: None
Guests: 13ecki Jones, l.,iane Lorenz, Angela Powell, Suzie Watson, Dori Aguirre
and Sherry DLInlap
1. Call o Order: Dr. John Buckley, Acting Chair, 12:3prn
. raved of May "'� 6
Mr. Schroeder grade a motion to approve the minutes with an amendment, Dr. Watson 2"a the motion and all
were in favor; motion passed.
Approval of Absences
Dr. Watson made a motion to approve the absences, Mr. Sclroeder 2nd the motion, all in favor motion
paused.
. r ono is__ a or
'No report was, available for viewing.
. StallLBELlort
field Report
Mr. Hernandez announced that Field services had been extremely bus}. Field was short oil staff; but we have
interviewed applicants ww°Itich also included for kennel positions. fir. Hernandez also announced the Basic Training
for ACO2 oil Jul) 21--22 here at ACS. Then there will be advanced training in Kingsville.
Nlr. Hernandez annMinced that the Sweeps ha%e gorse wweli. Mr. Hernandez also added that there had been all
abundance of bats being picked tip and the results for those cane back negative, lair. Hernandez also added that one
of the local news stations where at the scene %%lien ACS preyed tip a foie and it was released since the fox did not
pose a threat. Mr. Hernandez also added a pick tip o a trapped dove which was bitten by a snake, %was seen by Dr.
Auaoone
Tristan at Oso Creek Animal Hospital. We took the dog to our Channel 10 segment so the animal could be adopted
out.
5. New Business
Election of Officers
Dr. Buckley said was taking nominations for Chairman. Ms. Keyes announced she wanted to nominate Ms. Rhyner
but since she was at the meeting wasn't sure if she could. Dr. Buckley wasn't aware if they could. Ms. Massad
asked Dr. Buckley since he was Vice-Cliair she thought lie would be the next one. Dr. Buckley replied that lie
declined due to not enough time for the added position along with other duties but would be happy to still be the
vice-chair, Ms. Massad replied then that site nominated Dr. Watson. No other nominations were made. Ms. Keyes'
2"d the motion,all were in favor, motion passed.
Dr. Watson added if there were any nominations for Vice-✓hair? Ms. Keyes nominated Dr. Buckley; no other
nominations were made, Mr. Schroeder 2,,d the motion all were in favor, motion passed.
6. Old Business
A diSCLISSi011 Was held on tile 3-year rabies vaccine. Dr. Watson announced that at this present time Corpus Christi
requires it yearly vaccination and that the City Council has asked us to look at this ordinance, Dr. Pigott; President of
tile Coastal Bend American Veterinary Medical Association. Dr. Pigott provided a letter stating the majority of the
association felt that it was important for the city to continue the yearly rabie,�vaccine requirement.
Ms. Massad inquired if Dr. Pigott wrote this as president or as all individual, Dr. Watson replied a, president. Dr
Watson also added that one thing was left out of the letter since I was at the meeting; is the fact that the veterinarians
have the option with the health officer and tile head of Animal Control to not vaccinate due to health, age or reaction
to the vaccine to not be exempt front the law. Dr. Watson also added that we would like parties, those who exempt
and the people recognizing the exemption. The veterinarians and the health office will ask why the animal has not
received a shot in 3 years. The citizen will show a letter from their veterinarian stating it cannot have one yearly. If'
N%e go to the 3 year vaccine the option is taken Out of the veterinarians hands there would be no choice. It is not the
recommendation for cats because in the past there have been issues with sarcomas.
Dr Watson adds that Houston and Dallas now have 3 year vaccine have more cases of liturlan cases of rabies Since
this was aSked to be put on the agenda. Tile case in Houston came front a bat and the one in Dallas came from a cat,
We are dealing with all untreatable disease with rabies. Dr. Watson also adds that with Corpus Christi being so close
to Mexico it is not mandatory for them to vaccinate, Dr. Watson felt personally,.that he would like to see it left in the
hands of the veterinarians then the City Council and would like to see the one year but Would go along if needed.
Ms. Massad added that there are sx,a man) reactions in the smaller dogs, ACS is not so s4rict that if the veterinarian
says the aninial needs it less often they accept it and she understood ",fly the veterinarians who dc,,ait ivant to go to 3
years due 10 those Who [We ]lot re ponsible to vaccinate. Mr. Schroeder inquired about tile difference between cats
aud dogs. Dr, Watson replied that in the 1900's to get 3 )cars out of the vaccine yOkl have to add an adjunct. You
have to cause that animal to lia%.e a reaction, most of the companies use aluminum chloride, once this was removed
the cats started dropping with sarcorna problems,
Tile drug companies came out with as vaccine that has no adjuncts %xhich is filtered. It does cost more to make %%hicIl
raises the cost of the vaccine. It gives as one year protection and there are not as nianyside effects, Dr. Watson adds
that the 3 year is workable but Would recommend to council to stay %vith the one-)car vaccine, Nils, Keyes. added
that currently one year is required, but in the case where the vet recommends, that it im-lit be harniful to the aninial.5
health does the vet have options to wait, Dr. %Valson replies yes for right now. Ms. Hulidley adds that to c1arll`y drat
they CIO not ha\c the option in tills jurisdiction, State law provides the local jurisdiction uses I year while the State
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recognizes 3 your is available a I year is mandated in this jurisdiction. Ms. Hundley also adds that you can see this
in Chapter 6, all annual vaccine state law requires local jurisdiction to trump State law. In one of the few instances
where City law can trump State law it is recognized in the Health and Safety.
Ms. Massad inquires if we could work on the exemption for the medical reasons for the animal, Ms. Hundley
replies that is soriiething that can be looked at. I do know that the vaccines in our local jurisdiction are tied to
registration, When you register you require I year vaccine. ?vls, Massad adds that you can turn in your registration
and a letter from the vet, which seems fair. Ms. Flundley replies that the committee adopts whatever position it
wants( it's just that we are clear right now a I year is mandated period.
Ms. Massad adds that I would like to move that the vet can give us are exemption yearly. We could keep the one
year, but if they have a 3 year vaccine then the animal is covered. Dr, Watson adds that as a veterinarian we have
about 65 % of the animals back for their vaccine. If we were to go to 3 year what would happen that could make it
change, Dr. Buckley adds that if lie understood Dr. Watson correctly where a public health officer involved in this
would be ifthere is an outbreak of rabies in the area. Regardless of the fact that we are exempting certain animals
with a 3 year he has the aitrthority to override that 3 year exemption. The vet would say the standards are higher this
year acid ensure the animal is vaccinated an annual basis for tlieir protection.
Ms. Massad makes a motion to add to the existing ordinance that the veterinarians have the option to exempt the
rabies yearly for the overall well being of the animal, this. Keyes 2A the motion.
Dr. Buckle),adds that he felt that we are getting away from what we are trying to look at in [lie first place. Are we
going to allow the City of Corpus Christi veterinarians to use a 3 year vaccine? Nis. Massad adds that I wanted to
add this because If you have a Healthy animal tlieir they can have a I year, but if not I recommend that we [lave the
opportussity to have the 3 year available, Dr, Watson adds that it would depend on the vet waists to exempt the.rn and
how comfortable he 'iS with the Situation. If something happens he is the one that will take the alit. The vet call lose
their license if they are passing rout exemptions all the time; each case would be treated as needed and he %would
answer to the state board as to wh y lie was not following the state guidelines. Ms. Keyes ask,., if there are other
cities that where the responsibility lies within tite veterinarian. I°wls. Hundley replies riot that she is aware of', the
local jurisdiction is charged with keeping the public health and as the keepers of the public health and safety
generally the local jurisdiction always mandates the law, It is left LIP to the locatl whether they keep the 3 year or the
I not to an occupational group.
Ms. Keyes adds that if there was a problem and the wet was liable would the city be liable as well for(sawing allowed
the vets to make this decision. Ms. I-Undley replied that the City wwotnldn't be liable what the City would be faced
with the public health outbreak, The veterinarians was following the local jurisdiction and the law and it is written to
allow that even the proper documentation to exempt an aninial tired there there was a rabies outbreak; I would not
think to say what wwould Happen between the vets with their clients, But wwitli the cities perspective the city NW)ttld
have a public health emergency to address. Whether animal %%ere previocrslyr vaccinated, not vaccinated or
vaccinated %%lids 3 or I }car%wouldn't matter. Mr. Schroeder asks Dr. Watson that its Your opinions that if it was left
tip to the veterinarian, 'it°S u!qually.. left up to the governing bodies. Do ):on think this is healthy in your opinion'.' Dr.
Watson replied you will have some wets that will siay that 3 years is adegcta.te acid others that remember the 21 shots
in the stosiach that would think I year is too long,. Dr. Watson adds that what we have to prc:pose to Council is ;a
coiiipromise I'm not going to tell yOtr it is 100% arnonig the %eterinsarians,
Mr. Schroeder adds that we have a more educated public today and his opinion if wve allow exemption soatileotie
could get access to that paperwork. Nls. klassad replied that she felt a wet WOUld not do that. Dr. Walsons adds that
the drug ct nispanies for the vaccines have cerise up with orie that tare} have been able to team by the guidelines that
been laic[ down by the FDA- that Nvill s'howw for 3 years. The CDC in Atlanta said that if),oil have this much exposure
y°otn need the vaccine in this often,., they,quit doing that and the federal government cut the budget. Theis it fell to the
state and there Texas State Legislature inade it rich to the local people, Dr. Buckley acids that by state and on paper
reccimmendations of the local veterinary association lies "ith the interest of the health of the animal that a wear 3
vaccine be used but unsdei the circurnstances given fear each caniimail.
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Dr. Watson adds that we need to make a decision to give to council; to recommend a one, two or three year vaccine.
Aransas County is 2 years; Houston and Dallas have gone to 3 years. Mr. Reynolds asks if the State leaves it up to
the County to make the law in terms for tip to 3 years. Dr. Watson replied that we actually have 3 different rules, the
State has 3; the County being 2 and the City has 1. Ms. Massad adds that its okay to have the 3 year vaccine but the
City overrules by our ordinances. Dr. Buckley adds that lie felt if we stay with the one year however in the interest
of the health of the animal the vet being allowed to exempt the animal due to health. A 3 year vaccine protects the
animal for up to 3 years. Mr. Reynolds adds lie felt they wouldn't allow to exempt beyond 3 years.
Ms. Mas". d if a citizen has an animal that never goes out, if it gets the shot it would die, why give it the shot. Ms.
Hund ley replies that the State mandates a 3 year shot. Each local jurisdiction is more cognizant of how many times
we find a rabid bat. We know how our local circumstances are and that's why the state says no less than a 3 year.
Ms. Keyes' asked Dr. Watson what he has done in the past when all aninial, has almost died from receiving the shot,
does the dog remain illegal. Dr. Watson replies no you are required to vaccinate by law and hope the animal does
not die. Mr. Reynolds adds that what happens if the 3 year is ended and the vet says I have to vaccinate them, they
may or not make if they get the shot. What is the vets' responsibility to the City to report that the animal has not
been vaccinated; file CLIStorner could say you are not vaccinating my animal and take it home. Dr. Watson replies
that the owner can do what they feel is best for the animal. You can file a complaint for being in violation of the
law. Dr, Buckley adds the rabies requirement for the City of Corpus Christi for pets; remain at I year however that
in the interest of the health of file animal the veterinarian has the discretion of using the 3 year vaccine and
exempting the anirnals frq,.)rn the annual requirement not to exceed 3 years.
Ms. Keyes amended the Enotion to read the vaccination u,,,,�remain at �l year hcawever that in the interest of tile health
of the animal the veterinarian liar the di,,icretion c. fusing the 3 year wraccinc and exempting the alli rnals from the
annual requirement not to exceed 3 years. All in favor motion passed.
7. Public Comments
Ms, Dunlap inquires if an Aninial Control Officer goes to a res idence and the owner is in violation of being at large
and the County arrives at the saute tirne, which vould be the authority ill that siftiati()ll, because there are areas of
Nueces County that is its the City, Ms. Hundley replies the COLHltieSjurisdiCti011 is 01113' in the unincorporated areas,
As Far as City the corporated areas are under control a,.,)f the city.. NIs- Dunlap also asks how many warnings or
notices of violations does a resident receive before action is taken, Mr. Hernandez replies that each case is different.
When the officer arrives and the animal is in violation of all (.,:mrdinance a citation should be written. If it is all
investigation in regards to no fo,,ad/water it is oil it case by case ba,,,ds, 'rhey may leave a 24 lir notice: if tile weather
is extreme we may leave an 8 11OUr notice.
Ms. Jones stated that C-Care and Alfas are receiving plu,nne calls from citizens in regards to cats that are contained.
The citizens are telling us that when the) call to the will Centel- they are being told that ACS does not pick Lip cats
you need to take them in, Mr. Hernandez had told Us before that they will pick them tip as ]oil- as the),are contained
in some way they will be picked L113, Ms.Jones added that %ve have told [lie callers they will be picked Lip as long as
they are in a trap or contained in sir.)rne way and they will pick, theill. Lip. Dr. Buckley replied that if the aninial is
contained in a carrier or trap they%vill be picked tip. Nis Jones added that she wants to make sure how to respo d to
p 11
the callers. If they are not going to be picked tip %%-flat call we tell them? Nis. Rose asks Mr. Hernandez what is tile
position of ACS, Mr. Hernandez replies that as directed before cut-policy is that if the cat is contained in a trap or
container we will pick it tip. NO%%, what the Call Center tells the public and vvhat we do are two different things.
Ms. Rose advised Mr. Cuevas to contact the Call Center Nlanier,and make thern aware of the situation and advise
their employees.
Nis. 1,mes added that the volunteers are hearing a lot of stories and %%hat they ca n do with these all irrials. None of
the facilities call take arivniore aninials and they don't %%)ant ti) bring theist tc, ACS. Nis.Jones advises that wve tell
theist they have tile chance to be adopted.
bh,110��' (PUP01 Advi-500 Commetive Meeting otAne 22 2006 4
MS. CUdd inquired that when we go to Petsmart and Petco the animals that are in there to be adopted where they
come from. Dr. Watson replies that they are usually from tile Humane Society. The City does not bring then , You
have -Care and Pee ee's. Dr. Watson also adds that the people adopting out are the ones who control and have
their guidelines to follow. Ms. Cudd also asks if they have licenses to tae in all the strays. Dr. Watson replies yes
and they are inspected by local and state® Ms. CUdd asked about animals being sold oil street corners. Dr. Watson
replied that is very different. ° he facilities that adopt out they have to be altered before being placed in a home or
within 3 days, Dr. Buckley added that if you see someone sellirh }^ou call call the non emergency police number to
advise them of someone selling and where they are.
Ms. Jones inquired if citations have been written for public sale. Mr. Hernandez replied that would be under the
Police. Department,ent, is. C:udd also asked about the animals that are listed in the newspaper for sale, Dr.Watsoll
replied that is allowable. MS. HUH ley added that is between the buyer and the seller.There was an incident 2 weeks
sago where a woman was selling thru a pet shop that was diseased and dying,and that the attorney general ;stepped in
oil that situation. Ms. Cudd inquires what she would have to do if she wanted to adopt. CPIs. Jones replied that thru
there is ail application processes to shake sure the animal is going to be properly taken care of. Dr. Watson ads that
the adoption agencies have there guidelines that are in Petsmart and Petco. If someone applies does not necessarily
mean they will be adopted, there are some that are turned down, Nis. Jones adds that we give a 14 day medical
guarantee that covers all expenses and you do not (have many organizations that do that,
Ms. Cudd added that a relative lives in Goliad and they had an article oil free spay"ne uteri n g. If Goliad could do
SOnlething Why Couldn't Corpus Christi. Dr. Watson replied that there are some grow s in the (-1ty that offer low
cost spay, The City has looks into a spay.neuter program. There are some`rho do not wish to have their pets
spayed or rheattere . In the cit} of Corpus Christi there is a small vocal group that does not wish to have as City
operated Spay/Neuter Clinic.
8. Adiournment
Dr, Buckley rhaade as motion to adjourn. Dr. Watson 2"' the motion, all in favor motion passed.
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