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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Animal Care Advisory Committee - 06/18/2009 (s.1-ty of Chfisti Cft of namus chrlsil MINUTES OF THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI ECEIVED ANIMAL CONTROL ADVISORY COMMITTEE Nueces County Public Health District JAN 2 7 2010 Education Room, 2626 Holly Rd The Minutes for June 18th, 2009 CITY SECRETARY'S OMIGE Members Present: Dr.Bill Watson,Sharon Mass ad.,Samantha Person,Barabra BeynGn and Bill Schroeder Members Absent none Staff Present: Kell!Copeland Staff Absent: none Guests: Steve Person 1. Call to Order. Dr.Watson,Chairman Dr.Watson called the meeting to order at 12,32. 2. Mr.Schroeder made the motion to approve the minutes for May 21612009,Ms.Beynon 2rd the motion all in favor motion passed. 3. Approval of Absences for MV 2110,2009 No absences to approve. 4. Commiffee Reports Zoonosit3port The Zoonosis Report was attached for viewing. Sheltereport Ms.Copeland informed the committee of the monthly totals for May. The incoming animals were 757 which were up from 640 in 2008.The call ratio itself has gone down;the total Its were 2,665. The total animals picked up were 403 in 2009 and 184 in 2008.. Ms.Beynon commented that you said before you were writing a lot of tickets and that alleviated bringing some of them in,what has changed? Ms.Copeland replied we are writing more tickets and we are up from last year. The citations for May were 87 and not sure how it is working use the kennels are staying at a decent level. In 2008 the could be 5-6 dogs in a kennel;the number of animals dropped off has gone down from 456 to 354, Ms.Copeland pointed out that the staff is doing the tours of the kennels on Monday where Dr.House identifies the animals that need euthanized and to for adoption and added that going out daily for what needs to be done is making a difference. The kennels are much healthier. Ms.Beynon added that it was talked about a few months ago with the officers writing citations to where they don't need to bring the animal in. Is it getting to where animals must come in for whatever reason? Ms.Copeland replied that the on they are bringing in they do not have a choice. There was an article from San Antonio about their Animal Control use they were not picking up enough animals. It's not that we are not going to pick them up;if writing a ticket is going to fix it,or educating them we are going to pick them up. But the officers priority is to issue the citations and educate them, Dr.Watson asked if people are calling about dropping off more animals use I have had an increase in our office. People are leaving animals at homes. Ms.Copeland replied that we are doing more seizures and with that it means people leaving the animals behind. We do get a warrant use we can't just pick It up. In general when we get the calls for being abandoned at that point it is not in bad Animal Control Advisory Committee Meeting June lff".2009 , shape because the neighbor has noticed them but we need the warrant.This could be a part of the increase. Dr.Watson added that he eiv 2-3 calls a week about animals left behind, Ms.Copeland added that we just brought in 15 pit bulls that someone left which were in different degrees of health. We notified the owner and they claimed they did not abandon them. Ms.Copeland added that with the owner stating not abandoning them and with the degrees of health there are other issues;we o believe he did leave them behind. Ms.Beynon asked if we were in to file charges. Ms.Copeland replied that he ui an attorney. Ms.Copeland added that there was dramatic increase in the incoming animals in 2009 we had 403 and 184 in 2DO8. That is also including the citations having been written. The good news Is we went from 400 calls of service in the box last month to 0;we are getting are calls of service et ed reduced. Mr.Schroeder asked how the reception from a community was in getting a ticket in place of picking up the animal.Ms.Copeland explained that we are saying to them that we are writing a citation and we 't last year so it's not really any different. Mr.Schroeder asked what the average cost of the citations. Ms.Copeland replied that if you go and just pay it is around$200 but if you negotiate a deal With a prosecutor it is about$90. The people know when they are wrong and want to get out of it as less as possible. Ms.Beynon asked that the would be for the dog running at large. Ms. Copeland replied that it could be for that,no vaccinations or city registration. In Montgomery County the judges were charging on a violation,we did get them up to about and they would negotiate for 0-50. Corpus Christi is good about holding o ers responsible. Ms.Copeland added that the euthanasia was up in 20D9 were 2 and in 2008 were . The adoptions went down fmm 47 to 7; I'm not sure why because we actually felt that we had n moving animals much quicker. We are putting them thru a complete quarantine process now. During that time they are getting vaccinated and altered. Ms.Copeland added that it could also the economy. Dr.Watson asked Ms.Person how her adoptions were.Ms.Person replied that they are at a steady number and felt that during the summer time we are slower.Dr.Buckley asked if they were settled in the facility.Ms.Person replied that it was still being remodeled. Mr.Schroeder asked Ms.Person if she also got people bringing animals because they cannot keep their animals. Ms. Person replied yes. Dr.Watson added that they will have a neighbor that moves and they are bringing the dog in because they already have some they cannot keep and the animals are in good health, Ms,Copeland added that there was a lady this morning came in crying turning in her dog and we had asked if we could give her food. She replied that she was struggling and it wasn't going to end and did leave the dog. Ms.Copeland also int out that the returns to owners are down also,49 for 2008 and 25 in 2009. The altered animals went up by We did 101 in 2008 and this year 124. The bite cases went has increased as well;In 2008 there were 46 to 63 in May 2009. Dr.Buckley asked what would fall under the other. Ms.Copeland replied those may have been a horse,rabbit,monkey;the 18 is high so I will look into this, ML Noble that there was one bat that was sitiv ;maybe it is including those with no exposure. Ms.Copeland added that's probably what that is. Ms.Beynon asked about the bile cases because of the incident that was in a news;my question is I had a of my dogs and had to break up a fight and got bit.I went to the doctor and asked if she had to report this. The doctor replied no that it is your dog,she bit you and you broke up the fight. Ms,Copeland replied that's wrong;there are many cases where we are told my dog got sick s.Copeland replied that she tells them probably so and we paythenn. This is not one of those cases. r. s went to a trainer prior coming to us and when he got the dog back he informed our stall that he believes the dog bit his wife because the dog was malnourished,had been abused and mistreated at the trainers. The dog was under weight when he brought the dog to s;with all the pictures he showed was on the deceiving side. Not saying that the dog didn't look bad but we offered him home quarantine because his dog was vaccinated registered and bit a family member. He declined it because he didn't want the dog to tear up his house. We suggested uar tine at his vet Dr. Garrett;he didn't do that because he didn't want to pay the bill. He brought the dog here,he understood that there is a possibility that his dog might get sick, s.Copeland told him that she didn't know if his dog got sick here or if it was from e trainer, His dog was vaccinated `th parvo-distemper,according to the owner and DL Garrett it was vaccinated rly.Ms.Copeland added that to her that speaks more of the condition of the dog and the validity of the vaccine that was used. The dog was kept in clean conditions,sanitized conditions and Dr.House checks on this regularly. Ms.Copeland added that I take great offense to the things the gentlemen has said he misrepresented the things I told him. I told him I can't tell you where your dog got sick and despite what Dr.Garrett said at City Council he can't either. He can't tell anybody where that dog picked up the disease. Ms.Copeland added at my statement to him was them is not another dog in the bite case dog that broke with the parvo distemper.We have checked with owners and they let us know we did such a good job. They recognized that the dog was sick,was seen by Dr.House who in turn said let the dog go back to its owner so it can see their vet. We contacted everyone,they came and picked up them up took them to their vet and not one had parvo. This tells me that the animal picked it up before got here or if he picked up here and broke with it quick. The fact of the matter is either way my staff did what they needed to do and I do not feel we were responsible. When you bring your pet to a shelter you are subjecting your animal to diseases that we pick up and bring into the facility. Mr. Keech has put on his uniform and he has paraded in front of everyone;we did have an armed guard. He mentioned that there was an armed guard when he went to speak to the City Manager. Mr.Keech was very nice but he was not quite so nice with risk management.Risk Management felt like it was in our City Managers' best interest to have somebody there to keep him safe bemuse they felt there was a volatile issue. Mr.Schroeder asked if it was possible for him to go postal. Ms.Copeland replied she didn't know at he was very nice her with but Risk Management said that Animal Control Advisory Committee Meeting June 18'°.2009 was not the case with them. He misrepresented what I said;when he came in he was upset and understandably so. He said his dog smells,parvo does smelt, Ms,Copeland said she took him back to show him the bite case kennels and his statement was that we cleaned them u . Mr.Schroeder asked how old the dog was. Ms.Copeland replied around 2 years. Mr.Schroeder asked if parvo was more with puppies. Dr.Watson yes it is a puppy problem,some breeds are more able to get it.The dogs that are not well when they are vaccinated y will not respond. Ms.Copeland added that the vet checks everyone,their temperature,an overall basic check. Ms.Copeland added that we are not saying that he didn't get it here,the kennels are clean. We get the animals all the time,they walk on the sidewalk,we try to clean them regularly but if a dog with parvo were to have walked,went to the bathroom and not cleaned well he could have walked past it and picked it up here. No one is denying that,but we are not responsible for his pet. Dr.Watson asked how long the dog was here. Ms.Copeland replied 7 or 8 days;if you o on the Internet it tells you everything from 4-10 days that the paryo could come out. Ms.Copeland added that she sympathizes it r.Keech but we are not responsible,we cannot be responsible for everyone's dog that comes in and breaks with parvo. It can happen,but his dog by his own statement was already in a bad state. Ms.Beynon asked ho the trainer was. Ms.Copeland replied she didn't know. Ms.Beynon asked what is reportable when situations occur. Ms.Copeland replied that it's reportable,anytime a warm blooded animal breaks skin,it doesn't have to bleed.The state law requires it has to be reported and quarantined. The state is not so much concerned with you or even with Mr. they are concerned ut rabies. Do we have a problem with rabies in Corpus Christi right now,we don't. We do not want anyone to get rabies o but we have to comply with the law. Ms,Beynon if her physician had reported the bite would an officer to investigate. Ms.Copeland replied that it would have been a very simple invesfigation.To report that your dog had bit,we Would got the information when the animal was vaccinated and whom and what were the circumstances of the bite. The following are the options you have because your pet has to go into quarantine and you wouldn't have chosen us. Mr.Schroeder asked if you could quaranfine it wherever. Ms.Copeland replied that if your dog is vaccinated, iste and bit a family member a home quarantine can be done;otherwise it has to be quarantined or at their vet. We ask the vet's not to tell them that you can get a home quarantine because they make mistakes.The State law has uirements,it has to be currently vaccinated and properly confined at the time. On top of that here our policy here is it has to have bitten someone in the Immediate family;if your dog bites you have the right to take that chance,But if your dog bites someone else you don't have as much rights. Mr.Schroeder asked what percentage of the dogs bite owners. Ms.Copeland replied 10-12%yearly and this is from ling with bite cases for years not an actual report. These would be the ones reported. Dr.Watson felt it would be a higher percentage then that. There are also lot of bites that occur with a neighbor and they won't say anything because the owners let them know they are nt with vaccinations. Ms.Copeland added that the thing to remember is that our concern is that wed 't have rabies show up on our watch. If you report we are obligated to follow thru with it.Ms.Copeland added that I don't even want to know who your doctor is because that would increase the number of reports.We would notify them that they are required and increase the number of reports because they would follow thru. Ms.Beynon added there was indent a few years ago at a dog show where 2 show dogs and licensed T' ,We are required to have them and one of the spectators'children got bit and someone went over to check it and its okay.The EMT had a fit; it has to be reported don't ever turn a bite case away.We have to obtain all the information and report. Ms.Beynon did add that she ought her doctor was wrong. Dr.Watson also added that some family members get upset,separated spouses file child abuse against the other and sometimes involve CPS. Ms.Copeland added that in Montgomery County she was subpoenaed to testify and the attorney you were saying that you have evidence that he abused his child. Ms.Copeland said no that there is evidence of bite;again and said that you have evidence. Ms.Copeland informed the committee that the public hearing for the budget is on July 76 so if people can show up that would great. Mr.Schroeder asked what time. Ms.Copeland the meetings start at 10:00,and they are starting citizen's comments at noon. Ms.Beynon said that has always been there,If you sign in at the beginning of the meeting that is for items that is not on the agenda. Ms.Copeland replied that they can talk about anything they want to.But the City Council cannot necessarily comment unless it is an the agenda. Ms.Copeland reiterated that they were doing it at noon instead of at the end of the day. The budget for ACS will be read en 10-12 pm. Which is good because it use to that we didn't know when it would take plow Ms,Copeland also added that last year they allowed me to speak and this City Council is not going to. I'm not sure if they will be allowing anyone to. Ms.Copeland added that if she were able to speak I would be telling them they are freezing 1 %positions for ACS,we cannot afford that. When they do that we never get it back.Ms.Osbome has transferred over to Neighborhood Services; this was our employee that was out on disability for 90 days.The City was able to find her another job and that was great but now we need to fill that position and having to jump thru hoops to get that position filled. I need to send a memo to the City Manager and ask permission to get it filled. Ms.Copeland added that is doing everything she can to make the budget work and this is with the coming budget as well. We are using temps,taking full time positions and making them part time so we have more ies. Ms. Copeland added that now was upset about this because they are now telling us that is the reason why they are taking away the 1% positions and freezing them. In trying to do what is asked which is getting the budget down as low as I can,I ended up hurting my division and very upset a ut this. Ms.Copeland added that she has sent clear letters to Ms.Rose,Angel and the budget office stating the freezing of the positions will be detrimental to the division and the ability to run and respond to calls. Ms.BeynDn asked how many positions do you have and haw many are filled.Ms.Copeland replied that all the posifions are filled but they are filled with temporary workers. We have 27.5 employees i includes r.House and 2%temporary workers in the clinic. Ms.Beynon asked if that includes his wife the vet Animal Control Advisory Committee Meeting June 28'x,2009 tech. Ms.Copeland replied that she can't work for the City because she is his wife so she can only work thru the temp service. There are 9 field officers,6 kennel personnel and 2 of those are split into 4 part-Ume temporary;3 office positions,Health Education Officer d 3 supervisors and Sr.ACO staff. Even though we lost Ms.Os e's position we really didn't have it and I feel they will give to us to fill. Ms.Copeland pointed out that the acdvity calls have gone from 400 to 300 which are sitting in the dispatch box. Mr.Gould and I are working on a process to reduce these Its even further however if they freeze the 1 '/:positions we will have a challenge. Ms. Copeland fell that we are holding an and there are lot of issues in the city. The City Is gaining confidence in Animal Control and believes this is demonstrated that the complaints,have gone down.At this time I'm receiving about 2-3 a week and when I arrived here we were getting about 9k calls a year and people were saying that they don't call because wed 't do anything.We have demonstrated that we do because you 't just close calls out fail. The calls have gone up to 3- 4k because they do have confidence In u . 1 't know if we can maintain the confidence,it's not that it's perfect we're not. Ms.Copeland expressed again being upset a ut the possibility of losing the 1 %positions. t year we asked for positions and didn't get it.The staff is Ured and getting hurt. Mr.Schroeder asked about the mention of fees from last month might be rising. Ms.Copeland replied that we were planning to have a special meeting and have run into issues with budgeting and legal and are in to work things out. Legal doesn't like the City to make money and the Water Department this year made money. Ms.Copeland is hoping for the next month to have the special meeting for the fees and hope this will prove our standing with City Council. Mr.Schroeder replied that if you are generafing income you would think they would keep the positions, Ms,Copeland added that they are talking about running to zero based budget and if they do that would be very good for us. Ms.Copeland added that was how we got our equipment budget because when I came they didn't have a budget for that. Ms.Beynon added that it was said that they were gang to use depadment and use it for experimental purposes, Ms.Copeland replied that she asked Ms,Rose for that which would be wonderful. Dr.Buckley asked if anyone knew of the organizatim C.C.Reptile Response and Exotic Rescue;there was a white van with a logo today. Do we know if they are licensed? Ms.Copeland replied that she didn't know but remembers someone sending her something and that my first thought that it was Mr.Allen who ran the old Zoo. Mr.Allen is upset with me because we o not utlize them and had written a letter little while back.Ms.Copeland added that Mr.Luna did send snakes out there but it wasn't a good situation and asked him if IN not a good situation then why are you doing that? Mr,Luna had replied that there was nothing else to do with them. Ms.Copeland replied that she would find somewhere else to send them. The only credible statement Mr.Allen had made is because we haven't been out there to Inspect. Dr.Buckley commented about them possibly being outside of city limits. Ms.Copeland replied that she believes the old zoo Is. We still haven't been invited out which could mean he still has Issues. . eynon asked why he fears that he would lose. Ms.Copeland replied ause he wants the snake and believes that's who it is. Dr. Buckley added that the man driving the van today,the Burmese is one of the five that needs to be state permitted, Ms,Copeland replied that if it is him he is out of the jurisdiction but can I do something about him doing business in the city probably so. Ms. ynon asked why they have to be permitted. Dr.Buckley replied that it's a state law. Ms.Copeland also added that they are more then ti`s If long.Dr.Buckley added that if you are looking at the large constrictors anything over 12 ft.long they are potentially dangerous.Ms.Beynon asked which ones are those. Dr.Buckley replied Burmese,2 pythons in Africa and the green anaconda. There was story in the paper about 6 months ago about a guy in Africa who was attacked by a large python,screamed for help and villagers rescued him. Ms.Copeland there was tl n who worked in the body shop in ont mery County and he had a python in a huge e,one day he opened e cage and was talking to someone and reached in and before he knew it the python had a up and sunk his teeth Into his skull. He had major problems from that. Dr.Buckley said that to take it off you have to run your arm further down the throat and then able to try and get it out. Ms.Copeland added that she would look into this. Clinic o Ms.Copeland informed the committee that there were 124 surgeries for the month of May. . Unfinished Business Discussio of a Wment for Board Members and recommendation A discussion was held for the appointment of Board Members and recommendation. Ms.Copeland informed the committee that a recommendation needs to be made and that we were sent over with a few more applications,Ms.Copeland added that Mr.William Strawn can be withdrawn because he has been appointed to another board. Mr.Schroeder was recommending Ms.Helen Stu ;i know her and her husband well.They both volunteer for Pee Weds walking dogs and when I asked her about applying for it she told me she had interviewed with s.Copeland and was told that she was over qualified. Ms.Copeland replied yes she did remember who she was and would be a great addition to the board.Mr. Schroeder also added that she had the approval from her work to pursue the application for the board. Dr.Watson asked with looking over the names that it seemed some were not there. Ms.Copeland replied that this is what we were recently sent and who we should choose from.Ms.Copeland also added that she should have taken the time to find out why but didn't. Ms.Copeland added that you should try to make a recommendafion today and also recommended Ms.Sturbach who I Animal Control Advisory Committee Meeting June le.2009 v interviewed. s.Copeland added that she spoke with Mr.Strawn whom was pulled off because of going to the other board.Ms. Person int out that she felt Ms.Jones would not be a good tit that she had volunteered for her at The Caftery. Ms.Copeland replied that she didn't know her. Ms.Person added that she wasn't a cooperative person. Dr.Buckley asked if they could make a lion or do we have to do them all at the same time. Dr.Watson asked if we wanted to do them individually. Ms.Copeland replied yes. Dr.Buckley made a motion for recommendation for Ms,Helen Sturbach for position as board member based on the personal recommendations.Mr.Schroeder 211d the motion all in favor mo0on passed. Dr.Watson asked if anyone knew someone on the available list. Ms.Copeland replied that from the previous group was Ms. Meredith Grant and she were still interested and Mr.Edward Kownsler who seemed very intermtecL Mr.Schroeder pointed out that he works at TX A&M. Ms.Beynon asked if anyone knew of Mr.William Paul Hunt and commented how good his resume was. Mr. Schroeder and Ms.Copeland both replied s.Copeland added that Ms.Susan Crowson didn't say much about her but is an Asst.Professor at Del Mar but was not familiar with her. Ms.Beynon asked s.Copeland who she has spoken with. Ms.Copeland replied r.Strawn who has withdrawn,Ms.Jones,and Ms.Grant and seemed to be a reasonable person and Mr.Edward Kownsler. Mr.Schroeder asked if she had spoken with him. Ms.Copeland replied yes she spoke with each e briefly on the phone, When someone ants to volunteer and be a part of something and a pan of the improvement that is a big plus for e.Are there going to be cWes,sometimes e are. If Ms.Jones were to be on the board and then discover wanted removed there would steps to do so if there was an issue.Dr.Watson asked if you n anything about Ms.Denise Villagran. Ms.Copeland replied no. Ms,Beynon asked how much City Council will weigh the recommendations. Ms.Copeland replied that she has set in on council meetings where it seemed that they took the boards recommendation completely and you have to take in consideration this a brand new City Council there are only 2 people left from the previous year. Dr.Watson added that you also have someone who has told them I would like to be on the board and they do sm Ms.Copeland added that they would like the recommendation. Ms. Beynon asked if the applicants are aware of when the meetings take place. Ms.Copeland replied that the people she spoke she told and didn't seem to have a problem i it but I didn't ask if they were already aware of it, Dr.Watson added that when he applied for it was stated that the meetings were in the daytime. Ms.Beynon voiced n at if they make recommendations and en those people may not be able to attend because of work or the tike. Dr.Watson asked if we wanted someone who had been hem a long time or someone new. Ms.Copeland replied that Ms.Stutbach is new ay with the next recommendation you could use someone who has been a while. Ms.Copeland pointed out that Mr.Hunt has a degree in Meteorology. Dr.Buckley added that one thing that might argue in Mr.Hunt's favor is being heavily involved activities such lobbying. Mr.Schroeder made a motion for recommendation for Mr.William Paul Hunt. Dr.Buckley 2nd the motiDn al in favor moflon passed. Dr.Watson added that he would notify with the City Secretary of the recommendations. Ms.Copeland replied she would o so herseff. Dr,Watson also added that Mr.Schroeder is up for re-appointment,Mr.Schroeder stated that he would still want to be on e committee. Dr.Watson added that we are lacing Ms.Massad whose term was up and Mr.Reynolds had resigned. Dr. Buckley asked if we need to make a motion to reappoint Mr.Schroeder. Dr.Watson replied not that he was aware of if he still wants to be on the board. Ms.Taube advised the committee that she didn't remember a motion for Mr.Schroeder to be re-appointed. Dr.Buckley made a motion for reappointment for Mr.Schroeder,Ms.Beynon 2nd the motion all in favor motion passed. 7. Public Comments No public comments were made. a. Idenfify Items to be placed on a nqXLUenda Ms.Beynon pointed out that wasn't sure if needed to be put on but it is Hurricane season again.Ms.Copeland replied at we are working and preparing for this as of right now I haven't gotten in touch with the Animal Issues a ain. Dr.Watson also asked if we were not going to make another committee for the hurricane season. Ms.Copeland replied yes and if someone else would like to do this would be great;our staff has met several times and making our lists of needed items. Ms.Schenzel has secured from the Waste Department containers to use for cats and have other items that we will be using for litter pans.Ms.Beynon asked if this was for evacuation. Ms.Copeland replied that it is for a number of things;we have to consider not only evacuating but the shelter as a last resort and have had several meetings with the City about this. Ms.Copeland added that last year we were having issues if we were going to be sending a specific bus around and decided can't afford to do that.It will be regular RTA busses and they will go to the Nanalodurn. We will utilize staff and decide what bus they will be getting on. Mr.Schroeder asked about those with dogs. Ms.Copeland replied yes the animals will be going with the owners and added that ordered additional muzzles and leashes. We are also working it h a company getting some kennels at Animal Control Advisory Committee Meeting June le,2009 reduced rate. Ms.Beynon asked if they were crate types. Ms.Copeland replied yes but the problem with that is my understanding that FEMA will send us crates,but they are not going to send the if they know it's going to hit and that is not going to help us on the evacuation. Ms.Beynon added that her concern was not the evacuation the bigger concern is for people who leave and leave the animals behind where we are without power and that I do not want to see what happened in New Orleans happen he Ms, Byenon also added that I do not mind the outsiders coming in wanting to help animal rescue.:but do not want to see animal rescue operation going out of the City's hands where pets are left and the owners not getting them back. Ms.Copeland added that she has spoken with the Humane Society. We are bringing in the DART,Disaster Animal Relief in October for training, Ms.Beynon asked if it was our Humane Society or the HSUS.Ms.Copeland replied HS US.We have talked with them and they have said they want to work with the City and they would be glad to come in and help in the event of a disaster. The goal is to get the animals back to their owners or at least adopted out. But the first goal Is to the owners and at this time I have to trust and believe the Ms.Copeland added that talking with Dr.Tristan about what happened in Galveston its to go pretty well. Ms.Beynon added from what she can remembered of Galveston they didn't seem to have a lot of animal problems The animal rescuers that came in they were leaving when we got there and that was 8 days post Ike. A lot of the animals at Galveston what were there drowned because of the tidal surge. Ms.Copeland added that Dr,Tristan did say they had to set up a triage. Ms. Beynon added the large animals survived,people were pretty good about getting their animals out and on the Island was a vet who had a hard time getting back. Apparently he had a few animals In his clinic and he did get there to get take care of them. Ike wasn't the storm that Katrina was for losing their ani mals. We don the hands but I really hope that the City can make the arrangements for those who can't do everything. Ms.Copeland replied that this is one thing to talk about with Dr.House.We now have a full house of supervisors,the veterinarian and I believe the local vets would step up. I believe there would be enough oversight that we wouldn't have to worry about people losing their pet,not on a large scale anyway. Ms.Copeland reiterated that for 2 Y2 to 3 years has tried to get the budget up,so I have no choice but to rely ono ani ti s like the Humane Society. Ms. Beynon felt the wasn't a Man In place to where the local people that can do the oversight. Ms.Copeland added that we have our staff,but Corpus Christi is not big on volunteedsm.Mr.Noble can attest to that,we work hard tot and get people In here. BMW Corporation is great,they are paying their staff to come in and volunteer with us. Mr.Noble said that the are 3 volunteers that will come in together,but individually about on a week. Ms.Copeland added that the companies seem to be more interested in volunleedsm then individuals for the most pad. I'm not sure that we would get a lot of local hands on, Ms. ynon reiterated that she would like to see a plan In place where local people don't lose their animals in the event of a bad storrn. Mr.Schroeder asked if the people with animals will be required to show proof of vaccinations during this time. Ms.Copeland replied that last year when we could go out to our NIP'S and different programs we would educate them on how important it is to get your animal vaccinated in the event you have to evacuate.We don't want to tell them they can't bring their animal if they were not;it would be a great opportunity for us to vaccinate on the spot but don't know if we would have that kind of time. Mr.Schroeder also asked about the old FE MA trailers. Ms,Copeland replied that we did look Into trailers and so far there hasn't been much response on that.Mr.Schroeder added that some of them look like you can pull the in and out-,an AIC unit could be installed to be used for animal transportation. Mr.Noble replied that the problem would be even gutting the and putting cages in there;I found a van that needed work but we can't even afford to fix the van. Ms.Copeland added that the schools have offered to let us have one of their busses and the problem is going to be the firm,the cost of having to replace. Mr.Noble also added that with the diets el Mer with a refrigeration unit requires regular maintenance and that alone can be$20k, Ms,Copeland added that this is what wen Is to hear ideas,The trailer may or may not work but we are checking them out. Mr.Noble wasn't sure if could get a U-haul,the problem is the maintaining of any of these.The trailer would be better then anything. Dr.Buckley added that there was one issue that came up 2 years ago when they were going to do the evacuation and Animal Control staff got pre-empled to do other things. Ms. Copeland replied that will not happen again. Dr.Watson added that when Katrina hit and everyone came over the really wasn't a plan in place. Ms.Copeland added that Animal Control was sent to the Health department and they refused to let Animal Control function as animal control. Ms.Copeland added that they cannot pull us any longer,we are to do what we am designated for and that is Animal Control. 7. Adjourturrien Dr.Buckley made a motion to adjourn,Mr.Schroeder 2nd the motion all were in favor modon passed. 1:27 pm. Animal Control Advisory Committee Meeting June 18A.2009