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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Animal Care Advisory Committee - 03/26/2009 w,,m Carr Sorvice. City of Corpus C sti City of orpus Christi MINUTES OF THE CITY CORPUS 1 TI RECEIVED ANIMAL CONTROL ADVISORY COMMITTEE uece County Public Health District Jq� 2 2Q10 Education Room, 2626 Holly Rd The Minutes for March 26th, 2009 CITY SEGREfARY'S OiFiCF Members Present: Dr.Bill Watson,Sharon Massad.,Barbara Beynon and Bill Schroeder Members Absent: Dr.Buckley,Samantha Person Staff Present: Kelli Copeland Staff Absent: none Guests: none 1. Call to order. dr.Watson,Chairman Dr. Watson called the meeting to order at 12:36. 2. Approval of Minutes for February 19+x+.2009 Mr. Schroeder made a motion to approve the minutes,Ms.Beynon 2nd the motion all in favor motion passed. 3. Approval of Absences for February 19th,2009 Dr.Watson and.Mr.Schroeder pointed out that we cannot approve the absence with them not in attendance at this meeting. 4. Committee Reports Zoonosis Report The Zoonosis Report was attached for viewing. Shelter Report Ms.Copeland informed the committee that we are fully staffed but some of the positions are filled with temporary employees. We Ms.Copeland informed the committee that Ms.Taube is out due to having surgery.Ms.Ramos was going to be sitting in on the meeting but had to leave.Ms.Copeland added that Dr.House,Ms.Schenzel and I went to San Antonio and we have a tour scheduled in Houston for May. We visited some Spay/Neuter clinics and the Animal Control.We learned a lot of things during this tour. San Antonio A.C.in their new facility has incorporated what they call"humane housing".What they do they will not put more then 1 dog in a kennel,their kennels are smaller then ours. Here at ACS our kennels were built to hold 3.Ms.Copeland added that she has incorporated citations into ACS which have increased.We went from 200 to 800 in 1 year.We are about to double that.What San Antonio has been doing they have increased their citations sufficient enough that they don't have to worry about having more then 1 animal in a kennel,unless the animals came in together or they are puppies with mom. Ms.Copeland did add that here we would probably not go under 3 a kennel.In certain cases with larger dogs maybe 1 or 2;we are embarking on the goal for humane housing.We will go out and seize animals because of living conditions and yet we will bring them in here Animal Control Advisory Committee Meeting March 26'6.2009 where we will pack them into kennels because there is no where to put them. It does need to stop. Ms.Copeland added that when she saw San Antonio making an attempt;which they have been doing for a year in spite of criticism from the citizens.They are sticking with their policy. Here at ACS with 3 animals in a kennel we should house and this is not to include bite cases,adoption quarantine, adoption we should house no more then 156 animals. Ms.Copeland added that we did just euthanize many animals and we were up to 400. We have actually brought in fewer animals this year because of the citations we have written then last year. Mr.Schroeder inquired with writing the citation without ceasing the animal that is the result of that the people are listening. Ms.Copeland replied yes and we are holding the owners responsible for their pets. Ms. Copeland added that when she first came with the Admin hearings we were responsible for hanging on to the animals and we were overflowing. 200 Citations is not holding someone responsible.We don't tell staff they can't pick up an injured or aggressive animal. But what we tell them is that when you go out;this is new starting today;you need to make every effort to find the owner of the animal.There won't be anymore pick it up to bring in and they come and find us.We need to find the owner of the animal and write the citation.IF the dog is at large they get a citation;if they are not registered or vaccinated they get a citation. It will work.If we double the number of citations our number for bringing animals in will go down next year. Mr.Schroeder asked if you have computers like the police do in the vehicles. Ms,Copeland replied that we were going to have to budget for a lap top and wasn't sure if we would get it. Mr.Noble knew of a program in the City that is like a pilot program to try lap tops in different city vehicles and he managed to get us 2.The other departments have to buy their own;Mr.Noble got MIS to give us 5k set ups. At no cost to ACS are being outfitted in our vehicles with lap tops so it can be done in the field. They will be able to add their own notes and close out calls. This will reduce what happens at dispatch. If we can get all of the trucks outfitted eventually dispatch would be a minimum,this would be an additional person handling license registration,customers needing tours and whatever needed. Mr.Schroeder asked in order to get the license you have to produce proof of vaccination. Ms.Copeland replied right now they have to call in and wait in line.You have one dispatcher;they can only do so much.They deal with the phone,dealing with customer and the officer themselves. It can be time consuming,so the additional lap tops will free up 2 of our officers. We will be budget for an additional lap top this year. Even though the economic situation is not at its best and not sure how it will go but will be putting into the budget. The humane housing is going hand in hand with the lap tops. Ms.Copeland pointed out that we are short on space here.You would look at this beautiful facility and wonder how you are short on the space. Ms.Copeland added that when she arrived this room had been the officer's room and what their room is now was the conference room.When the officers are gone out in the field that much room is not needed. They didn't utilize the space very well. When they built the facility they didn't think about space,although they did think about an additional building.We were on the bond issue of a 0k additional building but because of the Health Departments issues with their building we got knocked off.We will not be getting that additional building which we do need. There is a building on wheels in the back that belongs to the Health Department and I feel I know what they will say that it's for emergencies.Which is understandable but they get trailers a lot;we are going to try and be able to utilize this trailer. We are debating right now which is the most pressing issue;the adoptable cats and make it people to be able to come in and get to know the animals or to use it for our surgeries. When the vet does our surgeries for our adoptable animals they stay in the clinic overnight;then the clinic staff has to come in the morning and start cleaning before they can do anything else. We also have sick animals that we have to worry about. So if we are able to utilize the trailer for surgery recovery and or sick animals would help us.The trailer is about 6'x 25'.Mr.Schroeder added that maybe HEB could donate an old trailer,they wear them out and utilize them during hurricane season. Ms. Copeland replied that Mr.Noble has been working on other avenues in getting a trailer.Ms.Copeland added that we need a trailer for hauling items for emergencies and also one for housing for surgeries.Mr.Schroeder added that it could be fixed up to utilize at the facility but then it would be there for emergencies also. Ms.Copeland replied that we are working with HEB on another thing so maybe we can broach this subject We are working on them to donate food for the food pantry. We are seeing an increase on owner surrenders from owners. Ms.Copeland added that she talk to Mike Baird last month he asked if it was on the increase. Ms.Copeland added at that time the numbers were down, this month it changed but not a lot We decided that we are going to start talking to the owners.We think that the problem is the people cannot afford the food. If we can counsel them and direct them where they could go and get food assistance for their pets they might be less likely to give up their dog.Mr.Noble is going to be talking to HEB and the Food Pantry.We don't want to keep the food here because you have to answer to how you use the food and the lack of storage,also possible theft or needing to use. Animal Control Advisory Committee Meeting March 2dx,2009 Mr.Noble has been incredible with the computer where he builds reports off the Crystal reports which not everyone can do.Mr.Noble got our I-F1 up and running and the lap tops. He gets asked to do something and he may talk your ear off doing it but he gets it done. Ms.Beynon asked how many trucks were there. Ms.Copeland replied there are 9 vehicles. We now have 9 officers;we do have Ms.Osborne on her 90 day sick and we will probably lose her. Her back is not going to be able to allow her to do her job and this ends May 20. Ms.Copeland also added that we do have another gentleman as an AC01 so when Ms.Osborne is released we will be able to put him in that position. The good thing is that we have a friend in our vehicle maintenance;Mr.Jim Davis. Ms.Copeland added that when she first arrived their was a new truck that we didn't end up getting but we budgeted for 4 more which we got this past year. Those trucks have the new cages on them. Mr.Davis knew that we needed more trucks;the ones we had were 10 years and older. At the end of the budget year Mr.Davis had managed to save up enough money that we got 4 more. That is 8 trucks and an additional dead animal pick up truck.We have 2 dead animal trucks. We got that in hopes to get the additional staffing,vehicle wise we are doing well. It will take a few years to get them all set up with lap tops. Ms.Copeland added that a lot of our AC01's moved over to being ACO2's.At this time we have Janet Schenzel our new Kennel Master,Ms.Cases Sr.ACO,Kat Dunlap.We have lost a few people in the last month due to drugs thru the random testing. Ms.Copeland added that her understanding it has been a big problem in the City,with the economic effecting a lot of people. The ones who did leave were hard because they were good employees. The ACOVs are the senior officer and Ms.Dunlap. At this time we have brought in 3 temps at full time hours and 2 other positions with filled 4 part time temps.We are completely staffed at this time. You can't tell right now,Ms.Ramos and Mr.Noble are not here,Ms.Taube is out due to surgery,and Ms.Osborne is out It is working and we are very excited. Ms.Casas advised me today we are down to 158 animals in the facility. Ms.Massad asked if the ones that were euthanized out of the 400 how much were not adoptable. Ms.Copeland replied that is never the case and that is what is sad about the matter.When the time is up there time is up. What San Antonio has told us when they went to humane housing what happened there kennels got healthier,the adoptions went up because now they could adopt from general population and they didn't have to have an adoption building. Ms.Copeland added that we are hoping to do this; I told the staff this morning we won't lose anything for trying. We are holding the citizens are accountable and cleaned up the kennels again. Ms.Copeland pointed out that she is in the middle of budget;when you came in I was in the middle of helping running the front desk so we could send staff out to lunch. We have 2 employees out with parents that have children rushed to the emergency room. Ms.Copeland added that it's nice to know that we our fully staffed.Mr.Piper just started and he is in training. Dr.Watson asked about a sign out that they were closed for lunch on a Saturday.Ms.Copeland replied that the staff person could have taken a late lunch because of being busy.Ms.Copeland replied that lunch usually runs 12-1;it depends and not just the front desk it depends on what we have in the back. Now that we have the part time they come in and do the cleaning in the morning and that leaves the full time to be able to give tours and side gales and lunch coverage. Ms.Beynon asked about the shelter report and asked about the TAR with only 1.She also mentioned that Channel 6 advertising need of volunteers. Ms.Copeland replied that with the holidays and Mr.Noble was Acting Kennel Supervisor when Ms.Casas was out from surgery it got put on hold;he didn't have the time to go out and solicit more people. Mr.Noble didn't have time to go out and solicit for more volunteers. There have been door hangers made so that we can have staff go out and advertise the need.The ones that were helping those areas are finished;we are moving in to new areas. Ms.Beynon asked what areas we were working with. Ms.Copeland replied Mid City and that consists of Baker,Kastoryz,Staples and Carroll. This is a pilot program;we have a lot of citizens have said that we would like it in this area.We are concentrating on one area so we can show the City that it works.We are trying to get another intern again;we can get them to work on getting some more grant money. 1 would hate to show that it works and at the end of the year the City says we cannot give money for it.Ms.Beynon added that it didn't specify exactly what but we need volunteers for a program.Ms.Copeland replied that a lot of times with the media they don't get it all out. It is our part to educate and explain the whole. We are also working on a newsletter in conjunction with Parks and Recreation,Development Services and the Library to send out to people who have given the city their email addresses and interested in receiving information and that would complete the TAR and the SpaylNeuler clinic and Vaccination Clinic information. Ms.Beynon asked if this is going to be available on the website. Ms.Copeland replied that the City website right now is not in good shape and does need work.Mr.Noble is trying to work on but is limited in what he can do because of the software that they use there is not a lot he can change.It is a challenge. The City can be slow in areas and Human Resources are one of them.They give you a 45 day window to get someone hired yet you cannot get them to do the things they need to take care of. Originally we were told we could do a My Space for the Anima!Control Advisory Committee Meeting March 1d� 2009 all t; lack of a good website. But now we can't due to the City logos. Mr.Noble is going back to revamp the plans not to include the City logos so we can create one. We are trying to get the information out but here are hurdles to jump.Ms. Massad added that it could be a liability with My Space. Mr.Schroeder asked about a pit bull that attacked and bit a Papillion. It was on the news and some of his customers asked about it.The customer actually saw it;she saw the dog coming and got bit herself. It was on Kill. The street was Yardarm. Mr.Gould said the dog was deemed dangerous. Mr.Schroeder the reason he was concerned was the Ivers'. The dog that is deemed dangerous has to where the green collars.Did the dog have to be put down?Ms. Copeland replied that any time that your animal has received 2 citations in the last 24 months and now bites somebody you lose the right to register your pet.It doesn't mean that your animal gets put down.It means that you can no longer have that pet within the City. The citations is within 24 months is City Ordinance and about registration not dangerous dog. Ms.Copeland added what we did with the ordinance is tighten it. If you had an administrative hearing and went home with it;it got out again or bit someone else. All we could do is write a ticket. Now we do not need the administrative hearing.All you need is getting 2 citations in the 24 months and your animal bites or causes injury you are no longer able to register it within the City.The animal has to be removed. I might be able to keep you if you are living in the same house from doing it,but if you have grown kids in the home may not be able to have animals.There might be people try to get a way around it. Dr,Watson asked how many times is it that a dog to bites someone to have a dog put to sleep. Ms.Copeland replied that it use to be a vicious law. The dangerous dog now incorporates 2 separate state laws. It allows you to declare an animal dangerous that cause bodily injury,But the animal that caused serious bodily injury or kills someone that animal can be euthanized,Most dogs don't do that and you cannot cause somebody to put their animal down.The most you can is put enough pressure on them that a lot of people will relinquish that animal.Ms.Beynon added that recently the State has also they passed that if your dog kills someone or bodily injury you can be convicted of a felony.Dr.Watson added that most of the complaints he hears about are not lethal,they are Chihuahua's and daschunds. Ms.Copeland replied that the fact of the matter is it is still going to be a hard law to get a legal division to follow thru with because serious bodily injury.Mr.Gould said he did one where the case went to hearing before a judge and it was between 2 divorced parties, The dog owner had the dogs as the custodial parent,children visiting;it involved food.The child dropped popcom,was down and was face to face with the dog,the dog bit into the cheek and got a chunk of the cheek.That constituted serious bodily injury.The one party brought that forth so l started it The parties got to present their side,don't remember what the judge ruled but they didn't rule it to be put down. Ms.Beynon asked if they found the owner at fault. Mr.Gould replied that he didn't remember but there were stipulations put down to the owner and the parties in the situation settled things themselves. Ms.Copeland added that the problem is going to be is that the legal department or your court is going to choke unless someone is killed to send someone to jail. Ms.Copeland did add that she understood,it is one thing to intentionally cause someone serious bodily injury.People do not have it in their minds that animals can be dangerous weapons at times. Mr.Schroeder mentioned his neighbors the Ivers',had a situation involving an attack.Ms.Copeland replied that the Ivers'were very sweet.Mr, Ivers'understandably was upset his wife was injured so he was a little more difficult to deal with.You cannot fault him for that,she is fine now. Clinic Report Ms.Copeland informed the committee that there was a total of 116 surgeries for the month of February,73 were dogs and 43 cats, .Public Comments No public comments made. 6.Items to be placed on next agenda Ms.Beynon reminded that at the last meeting she had asked if the copies of citation could be brought. Ms.Copeland replied that the citation has not been completed;we are on a hold with it. It is being changed again to a referral form. It will look the same but we had issues with legal decided there were some problems. It still ends up being a citation in Animal Control Advisory Committee Meeting March 2e,2009 court.We will have it for you at the next meeting. Mr.Gould said that he email ed Deanna Hogan in reference to this item so we could meet to get it finalized. Dr.Watson made mention of Ms.Person's presentation and when it could be done. Ms.Copeland replied that it was her understanding that it was next month. Ms. ynon did mention that the meeting is on its regular schedule next month she would be gone out of town for business. Ms.Copeland replied that Ms.Taube should be back by then so we should be back on schedule. Last week 2 things occurred we were not going to have a quorum and the agenda did not get posted at the correct time. 7.Adjournmen Ms.Massad made a motion to adjourn,Mr.Schroeder tad the motion all in favor motion passed.1:19pm. Animal Control,ldvisopy Committee Meeting March 26'a 2 009