Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Animal Care Advisory Committee - 09/20/2007 WWW Cane SerV10% City of �r Coatis = Chnsti �..u.,►�,r City Xorpus Christi MINUTES OF THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI ANIMAL CONTROL ADVISORY COMMITTEE Nueces County Public Health District Education Room, 2626 Holly Rd The Minutes for September 201n, 2007 Members Present: Dr William Watson, Bill Schroeder, Paul Reynolds, Pam Rhyner, Kendal Keyes and Dr.John Buckley Members Absent: Sharon Massad Staff Present: Kelli Copeland, Margie Rose Staff Absent: none Guests: Liane Lorenz,Judi Sisson 1. Call to Order: Dr.Watson,Chairman, 12:30pm I Approval of September 20th,2007 Minutes Ms. Rhyner made a motion to approve the minutes, Dr. Buckley 2"d the motion and all were in favor. . Approval of Absences for September 201h,2007 Dr. Buckley made a motion to approve the absences, Ms. Rhyner 21A the motion and all were in favor, motion passed. Ms.Copeland informed the committee information she received from Ms,Hundley there was a problem in approval of Ms. Massadrs absences, any absence of a member should be approved at the following meeting. This absence would be considered unexcused. Dr.Watson asked if she had exceeded the requirements of meetings missed. Ms.Copeland read in reference to unexcused absences: "For more then 2 %of regularly scheduled meetings during the term year upon the part of any board committee or commission members shall result in automatic vacancy." Ms. Copeland added that she would get verification from Ms. Hundley that the term year would be for the individual member. Mr. Schroeder added that with 12 meetings then 3 could be missed, this committee does not have an August meeting. Mr. Reynolds asked if there was an absence that is outstanding that cannot be approved. Ms. Rhyner replied Ms. Keyes, Dr-Watson added that there was a month where there was not a quorum which is why the absences were not approved. Mr. Reynolds added the item that would need to be cleared is when a person misses two meetings in a row; it's been the understanding that you cannot approve an absence if the person is not present at the following meeting. Dr, Buckley made a motion to approve the absences for Mr. Reynolds, Ms, Rhyner and Ms. Keyes for September. Mr. Schroeder 2^d the motion and all were in favor, motion passed. . Zoonosis Report The Zoonosis Report of October was attached for viewing. Dr. Buckley added that there was a discussion on Tick control and procedures if you wanted to collect them. These are ticks taken off of people not pets, d#anal Control Adviser),Committee Alecting October 25'2007 5. Staff Report Facility Update Ms. Copeland announced that all of the staff positions are filled for the exception of the Management Assistant and Part Time position in the kennels. Ms.Copeland also provided the monthly shelter report. Dr. Buckley inquired about the relocation of wild life. Ms.Copeland replied that if we get a healthy raccoon in a trap we do not want to euthanize, Parks and Wildlife informed us that a release can be done within 10 miles from where it was picked up. Mr.Reynolds asked what"memo"was for. Ms.Copeland replied the amount of animals in a kennel;the right number may not be in there. The procedures have changed for this;cats are now being put in individual cages. Mr.Reynolds asked how we are missing 6 dogs. Ms.Copeland replied that is different,when she arrived we had a theft problem due to Community Service workers.Some of the workers didn't want to be here anymore because they were not getting free pit bulls. Since we have locked the gate with the generator to be installed,we identify animals as possible targets that could be taken and locked properly. Dr. Buckley asked if these are adoptable animals.Ms. Copeland replied these are pit bulls and usually nice ones. There was a kennel of 6 puppies and mother,mom was euthanized and hoping to adopt out the puppies;they were kept under lock and key. These animals being puppies;the question is do we have the time to now adopt out to the right home. Ms. Copeland added that in her opinion sometimes euthanasia is better then to adopt out and possibly fall under the hands of someone who wants to fight them or breed. At this time when we adopt out a pit bull we take it to the veterinarian to be altered before the owner claims it. Ms.Copeland also added that we are getting ready to stiffen our adoption program.There has been a meeting with the volunteers and have a second one scheduled. They will be helping us with the adoptions. We do not want to turn people away. In the past the customers filled out an application,adopted and provided proof of the animal being altered. Ms.Copeland told a story of a friend who went to PALS and GCHS to adopt and was asked if the animal was going to be out or inside, she replied both with a doggy door. They did not give an opportunity to explain,told them they could not adopt. They went to Kingsville to adopt a dog. Ms. Copeland added we will be consistent. This is where the volunteers will come in,they will sit with the owner and interview, educate,and the pets will go out altered. Dr. Buckley asked if they would be micro-chipped,maybe this will help with the situations. Ms.Copeland yes in the future the dogs adopted will have a micro-chip. Ms. Keyes asked for clarification that an animal that is altered State statues will require to have the animal micro-chipped. Ms.Copeland replied yes. Ms. Rhyner made the suggestion to put signs up around the facility that the animals are micro-chipped. Introduction of Veterinarian Ms. Copeland introduced Dr, Tom House as veterinarian and Jessica Pacheco Veterinary Technician for the Clinic. Dr. House added that he moved from San Marcos where he did Small Animal Surgery and Ms. Pacheco experienced in Vet and Surgery Technician and also experienced as an ACO for the City of San Marcos. Mr. Reynolds asked how Dr. House was chosen. Ms.Copeland replied that he had sent an email tight before it ended and Dr. House had asked when Ms, Copeland was going to call and that was it. Ms...Copeland passed out information on proposed fees for the clinic. It will be required to have an animal current with vaccinations 3 weeks prior before surgery. The customer can do this at their vet or come to ACS to have it done. A customer is required to have proof of vaccination when bringing an animal in for surgery. Dr.Watson asked about the animals adopted out. Ms.Copeland replied that the adopted animals we have cleared out the nursery for quarantine. Any animal in the adoption program;will be a 10 day quarantine period,once the animal passes quarantine It will be vaccinated and altered. It will insure healthy animals going out of the facility... Priscilla Casas is making the decision on which animals are going into quarantine. If a customer happens to drop off something they cannot take care of,if it is current and altered we will put these animals into this program also. Ms. Copeland added that with the volunteer program the adoption rate will grow. The volunteers will help clean,interact with the animals and help make determinations on which ones go in to the adoption program. Ms. Rhyner pointed out that the adoption rate has been steady. Ms. Rhyner also asked how it was planned to have a steady rotation for the quarantine period. Ms.Copeland replied that the adoption kennels hold 26 kennels right now.We have the quarantine animals and the administrative building,general population,that takes away approximately 60 kennels. Ms.Copeland also added that she did not want to be put in position of adopting out animals that are coming back sick;which is the reason for the quarantine. Ms. Rhyner asked when people are looking if it would be animals just in the program. Ms.Copeland replied that we would still have people looking at the general population but that they will have the risk of the animals being sick.Ms.Copeland Animal Control Advisory,Committee Aleeting Oclober 25'200? 2 added that everything is a test,if it doesn't work will change it. Dr.Watson asked if a customer found an animal,could it be moved to quarantine.Ms.Copeland added yes understanding there is a process,and if we don't see it changing the numbers on adoption but will need to have other solutions in place. The cats are now in the Bay to house cat in kennels. Dr.Buckley asked what other animals are coming in. Ms.Copeland replied ferrets, hedge hogs,hamsters and snakes;these go out as rescues. Ms. Copeland added that with the hamsters,chickens,pigs and goats go out primarily as rescues. Dr. Buckley asked about Channel 10 in educating; Dr.Buckley added that there is the perception anything comes in if it's not a dog or cat it will be euthanized. Presentation of Certificates for Members Ms.Copeland presented the certificates to Dr.Watson, Dr. Buckley and Bill Schroeder of completed the video for Open Meetings. Ms. Copeland added that the other committee members can arrange to watch the video at their convenience. B. New Business No New Business 7. Old Business No Old Business 8. Public Comments Judi Sisson inquired if there would be a sliding fee on the SpaylNeuter with small animals less than 20 lbs. Ms.Copeland replied that a lot of others do use the scale and other various situations,the price I had was$40160. This amount was turned down;we want to make it affordable as possible. Ms.Sisson also asked when they would be able to start advertising to the public its availability. Ms. Copeland replied at this time we are hoping at the beginning of October, but no actual date is set. Ms. Rose added that a press release will be made when it will open.As Ms.Copeland mentioned we will be targeting Oct 2w, it will be announced thru the media. Ms. Copeland also added that the media has been good at calling to get pictures in reference to C.C. Unleashed and our Sweeps. It is disconcerting with the issues of bite cases,there are times when the issues are Animal Control issues and those are corrected.The media will be continuing to work with us. Ms. Rose added that a lot of them come to the Council Meeting they talk about how Animal Care is not doing there part. Where sometimes we are at fault, but there is never a lot of discussion about the owners taking responsibility with their animals. Ms.Copeland added that with the Spay/Neuter Clinic we will be able to do more education for this. We go into the communities and find people who don't know.We can make them better pet owners. The officers will talk to the citizens about registrations and restraining an animal. A lot of them are not purposely trying to break the law,even those that tie them up. The people love their pets;it will help them to be more responsible. Ms. Lorenz pointed out that she had a friend whose dog got cancer,and vet had told her if the animal had been spayed/neutered it may not have gotten the cancer. Ms.Sisson announced that on Oct.6 at TX A&M Paws for a Cause Awareness.The money raised for this event is for women with cancer. 9. Adiioumment Mr. Reynolds made a motion to adjourn, Dr. Buckley 2"d the motion and all were in favor, motion passed. 1:30p.m. Animal Control Advisory Coormincc Afecting October 2Y 2007