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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Animal Care Advisory Committee - 12/13/2007 a po"a C"'Service, aty of AMC rpus — -- Chnsti ■�.+ C ft Aorplus 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 December 13th, 2007 Members Present: Dr William Watson,Dr.John Buckley,Paul Reynolds, Kendal Keyes and Sharon Massad Members Absent: Pam Rhyner,Bill Schroeder Staff Present: Kelli Copeland Staff Absent: none Guests: Liane Lorenz,Theresa Wilson and Russell Lorenz 1. Call to Order. Dr.Watson,Chairman,12:37 pm 2. Approval of November P,2407 Minutes Dr.Watson amended the minutes to read that Mr.Schroeder was not present at the meeting. Dr.Buckley made a motion to approve the minutes,Ms.Massad 2nd the motion,all in favor,motion passed. 3. Approval of Absences for November P.2007 Dr.Buckley made a motion to approve absences,Ms.Keyes 2nd the motion,all in favor motion passed. 4. Zoonosis Report • The Zoonosis Report was attached for viewing. Ms.Keyes inquired as to why the number of bats that were tested had increased. Ms.Copeland replied that the policy changed to any bat that is picked up it is to be tested.The percentages of positive bats have not increased. • Dr.Buckley wanted to know what an oral rabies drop is.Ms.Copeland replied that is where the State Health Department drops Rabies Vaccine bait,prepared to entice coyotes,foxes,skunks so that there will be a line of protection in the Hill Country and border of Mexico. • Ms.Keyes made mention her friend had called in about a dead bat in the street,she called the Call Center and they had told her that they were not interested in bats.Ms.Keyes friend said that the bat laid on side of the street for 4 or 5 days then disappeared;this was located near the downtown Post Office.Ms.Copeland said she would contact the Call Center. Animal Coniroaal Advisor),Gramm rote Afecting Jaannary I7'�'a ZMP'' 5. Staff Report • Synopds of Rules The Synopsis of Rules is now to be included in the packet passed through the Legal and City Secretary Offices. This is not necessarily the final word;this is an easy breakdown of the rules.If there is any clarification needed Legal is there for us to clarify. • Ms.Copeland added that if any member felt there is something that was left out please advise and she would research and get the information for the next meeting. Mandatory Spay/Neuter Ms.Copeland informed the committee on the subject of Mandatory SIN when it involves a Show Dog,enclosed is from Chapter 6 Sec.6-103(F-6-A): Affirmated defense. In a prosecution for a violation of subsection(5),it is an affirmative defense that (A) At the time of the dog's second impoundment" (i) The dog was registered with a national registry;and (ii) The owner of the dog was a member breed club,local breed club,local all-breed club, sporting or hunting club,or was regularly shown during the six-month period immediately preceding the second impoundment. (B) At the time of the dog's second impoundment,the dog was at large due to a vis major. • Ms.Copeland added that the reason it occurs for the second impoundment,the City is taken the position at the first impond that if you are a breeder or have a Show Dog then you are following the law and you already have your animal registered and vaccinated. • Ms.Copeland informed the committee of the monthly totals. There were 98 animals that were altered and a total of 2,365 calls for service in the field;a total of 54 were bite cases. • Ms.Copeland also informed the committee of a new procedure being done in the field.Two of the highest producing ACO It's are being teamed up in the worst area of the town. These areas have already been educated under the Unleashed;so the officers will concentrated on picking up cats,dogs and writing citations. • Ms.Keyes inquired about the highest producers.Ms,Copeland replied the highest producers are the ones who have written the most citations and animals being brought in.The area they are teamed is concentrating in is an area where people are not admitting to being the owners;an example being two officers were out on a call and the customer called that evening saying that the officers were rude that the animal was not hers despite the fact that she has dog food on her porch. Ms.Copeland added that the lady who called said don't send the officers back to my house,she replied she would not we would get the animal picked up. Ms. Copeland added that a call was made for the next day for this location,when the officer arrived to the call no one was home but the animal was lied up in the back yard. When Ms.Copeland spoke to the lady again she said her husband wanted the dog. • Ms.Massad inquired of micro-chipping of the animals that are brought in.Ms.Copeland replied that this is something that is being discussed for those animals that are impounded when they go out to be micro- chipped.Ms.Copeland added that forcing an animal to be chipped from an admin hearing or a dangerous dog is one thing but because of a first impoundment is different.Ms.Copeland also added that when they are in the field they only try to use the dart gun with aggressive animals or when absolutely necessary. Ms. Keyes asked how hard it is to catch a dog. Ms.Copeland replied that the dog has 4 legs;we have two so Animal Control Advisory Cononluce Afecting January I 1', 1007 they will be able to travel much faster.The animal will be able to go in and out of places where we would not like in and out from under a house.Ms.Copeland also added that women traditionally have an easier time catching them then men do;reason being dogs will sense the dominance of a man. A woman Will sometimes get down to the dogs level and talk in a submissive voice to coax the dog. • Dr.Watson asked about current staffing issues. Ms.Copeland replied that currently the position of Kennel Master was posted and waiting to do interviews,also the position of the Health Officer will be posted soon, also a Part Time position,which is actually a Shelter Position but we need somebody that can come in and assist use I have swamped my girls at the front desk with the intake of the animals into the morning. Mondays is the Vaccination Clinic which is absolutely wonderful. We have had a major turnout. It's encouraging people being to get their animals altered because they can now afford their shots. • Ms.Massed asked if Mr.Hernandez was approached for a position.Ms.Copeland replied that she is not interested in pursuing those that have been here in the past Mr.Hernandez is in a position within the City that he is doing well with. S IaL/Neuter Clinic Ms.Copeland informed the committee that the Shot Clinics have been very successful in the last month we had 98 alterations,the time for the clinic has changed for 14pm on Mondays. Ms.Copeland added that this has increased the licensing on the animals and the opportunity to have their animals fixed due to our low cost. The vet requires that the shots be in the system 3 weeks prior to surgery. Ms.Copeland requested more pill bottles for the Clinic. 6. New Business The item Synopsis of Rules was discussed under Staff Report. 7. Unfinished Business Ms.Keyes informed the committee that she went by Petsmart and talked to them about the bandanas;had emailed them with a flyer that they will be posting explains about the program. 8. Public Comments Ms.Wilson stated that she does live in a area with there are a lot of strays,she said that she had received a citations because of a lot of cats in the neighborhood,but stated that they were not hers even though she does feed them. Ms. Wilson added that the animals were there when she moved in. She said a friend told her that they didn't believe there was a law against feeding them on your property.Ms.Wilson said that she had gotten some of them shots and altered, Ms.Copeland replied that the overburdened that there are a lot of cats that are allowed to run at large but those who are outside cats are required to be altered. Ms.Copeland added the way to stop is to trap them and stop feeding them outside of the trap.Ms.Copeland also added that if we fail to respond to the calls and address the people who are feeding them then the problem will become expanded. It is our responsibility to address each situation. Ms.Wilson asked if the officers can go in and pick up the animals. Ms.Copeland replied that if we were to go in and remove the cats,more cats will go in. Ms.Copeland also added that her desire was to have a trap-alter-release program,we are looking for a volunteer for this program;and have information on my desk fight in reference about grants for these programs. Ms.Lorenz inquired about Micro-Chipping for citizens own animals. Ms.Copeland replied yes,but not yet for the general public;we are micro-chipping for dangerous dogs,dogs from admin hearings ordered by the judge. When our vet alters an animal there is a micro-chip placed in the animal.Ms.Lorenz asked why pill battles were being accepted, Ms.Copeland replied that the vet has requested them to be able to give the customers who adopt if needed will be able to supply medicine or an animal that has had surgery if they want to send something home with the owner. Ms. Lorenz asked about the dog that shot with the bow and arrow. Ms. Copeland replied yes but struggling with mange, but we did not have the medication at first for it. The wound is healed and has been walking on it. Ms.Lorenz also asked if the animal was going to be given back to the owner. Ms. Copeland replied that is an issue,we knew when Anima!Control Advisoty Committee AfeefingJanuary 17'*.2007 accepting her that there would be legal issues. Ms.Copeland added that thru numerous phone calls the Sheriff of Jim Wells County helped out with getting in touch with the County of Kearney. Ms.Copeland added that we need someone from Jim Wells County to swear out a warrant for possession of the animal;they have to do that here because this is where the animal is. That way the judge will be able to decide what happens to this animal.Ms. Copeland felt that the best place for the animal would be the humane society,and felt the owner should not be allowed to have them back. Theo ers made no effort to find someone that may be able to help;they were told it would cost 1.500.00 so they did nothing. Ms.Copeland added from the media charges have been filed on the man who shot but was recently told this had not happened. The dog will not be going anywhere until a judge orders so. 9. Adioummen Dr.Buckley made a motion to adjoum,Mr.Reynolds 2nd the motion and all were in favor,motion passed. 1:20p.m. Animal Control Advisory Committee Meeting January 111,2007