HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Animal Care Advisory Committee - 10/21/2010 RECEIVEE
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MINUTES OF THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI
ANIMAL CONTROL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Nueces County Public Health District
Education Room, 2626 Holly Rd
The Minutes for October 21st, 2010
Members Present: Samantha Person, Cheryl Martinez, Bill Schroeder, Barbara Beynon, Helen Slerbach, Heather
Transoki and Dr.Barbara Whitlock
Members Absent: none
Staff Present: Cindy Ramos
Staff Absent: Kelli Copeland
Guests: none
1. Call to Order:
Mr.Schroeder called the meeting to order at 12:30.
2. Discussion and possible Approval of Minutes from September 1611,2010
Dr.Whitlock noted that an pg.3, 2114 par,the National Reserve Core,should read Corp,and the word is used in 2 places in the
paragraph.
Ms,Martinez made a motion to approve the amended minutes,Dr.Whitlock 2rd the motion al'i inn favor motion passed.
3. Discussion and possible Approval of Absences from September 16th,2010
Mr, Schroeder noted that Ms,Tamoski was the absentee and that she had just started on the committee,,
Mr.Schroeder made a motion to approve the absence,Ms. Martinez 2nd the motion all in favor motion passed.
4. Discussion of Monthl LRWorts.
A. Zoonosis Report
Mr, Schroder noted that the Zoonosis report was attached for viewing, Mr.Schroeder added that the report is focusing more on
the rabies and Dr,Whitlock had some information she wanted to share on statistics in the United States for rabies,
Dr Whitlock informed the committee that the statistics are for 2009 and from the CDC,there???and the rabies division and they
publish this yearly. Dr.Whitlock added that she felt that there are misconceptions for rabies to humans are coming from. They
believe that rabies was present before the New World in colonization by the Europeans primarily in bats. It was when the
Europeans came over they brought the strain in canine rabies. In the last 10 years the human cases of rabies that have been
contracted in the UnAed States have all come from bats except for I which was from a raccoon, There are people that have died
in the U.S.from canine rabies but they were bitten outside of the states, I in India and a few in the Philippines. They were bitten
and came back into the U,S.got sick and died. I feel that we have been very vigilant as public health organizations about dogs
City of Corpus Christi Animal Control Advisory Committee Meeting
and cats and contracting rabies from them,since no one has gotten it from them in the last 10 years from those species. I feel
that we should let up from the control measures we have on them. Of the 4 people that got rabies last year in the U.S.one was
from somewhere near the border. It was a 17yr old showed up with signs of rabies. It was an unusual she didn't get sick and die
from the rabies. It was one of the first recorded ses.
Mr.Schroeder asked if rabies was always terminal. Dr,Whitlock replied yes,except for this one case and a few years ago where
e victim was treated it and she was put in a coma for months and survived. The 17 yr old was a light exposure and it was
bat. It was respiratory and not a bite which is why they believe that she survivecl. There was a physician who was visiting in
India who was bitten by a dog while jogging and the other 2 were from bats one in Indiana and the other in ici n. Dr.
Whitlock also added that when the physician went to the hospital with symptoms he told them he was bit and suspected rabies
but weren't able to save him. Mr.Schroeder asked that the canine is not native to America, Dr.Whitlock replied at the canine
strain of rabies they don't believe is native to the new world. They believe that dogs were brought over from Spain and some of
them must have been carrying it. There have been reports as early as the 150's of Spaniards dying of rabies from vampire
bats. They feel like rabies was here but primarily bats and that all of the canine rabies was not indigenous.
Mr. Schroeder asked when you speak of canine and you have a raccoon,is t the same strain. Dr.Whitlock replied that the
raccoon strain believes it comes from the canine. There is also a fox strain,there is part of west Texas that has that. Dr.
Whitlock added that she feels that it is canine rabies that has mutated in its own. In Puerto Rico they have mongoose rabies.
Ms.Beynon had a medical personnel tell me that there was an ear-drop vaccination in brush country with coyotes. I was told
there are all the different strains of rabies,the problem is if you get canine rabies in a dog the dog will develop it but could be a
white. With the canine rabies in humans we will develop it quickly,if you get the strain in an animal that is not that strain they
develop quickly. Dr.Whitlock replied that it could be but she was not aware of it.They have done the ear drop of the coyotes
and they had problems in Ohio and Pennsylvania with the raccoon rabies. It was brought in from Virginia from some coon
hunters'transported some raccoons so that they could so that they could hunt them. They have used the ear drops for there and
it has been effective but for the bats there is no vaccination for bats. If someone wakes up in a room with a bat,if it's a child,
mentally incompetent,or someone who is drunk that they should receive the post exposure because you cannot always see a
bite from a bat,
Ms.Beynon asked how many treatments are needed r,Whitlock replied that for immune competent people it is 1 shat globulin
and 4 shots and should be given on day 1,3,5,7 and 14, I believe. It use to be 5 but has recently gone to 4 for immune
competent. Mr, Schroeder asked where the shot was given, Dr-Whitlock replied the muscle of the arm or leg. Dr.Whitlock also
added that skunk rabies in Texas is a big deal. I have a chart of all the cases of rabies that been in the U.S.for 2009 and Texas
leads in 830, Pennsylvania has a total of 453 and half of those are raccoons, In Texas it's bats,raccoons and skunks. There
are almost as many skunks as there are bats..
Mr.Schroeder added that if you go to a next page of the report you will see its for children.How can we get this into the school
system to where they can make them aware It is written in a way where a young child could read it. Dr.Whitlock added that
we have done a g ,Gob in warning the public about dog and cat rabies„but what have we done for bat and what to do and what
not to do. Ms, Ramos added that Ms,Copeland is working on a flyer to hand out at the schools specifically for the bats and
educating the children to not touch them. It is for the pOncipal to pass out to the students and take it home that way the parents
would also see them because of the information on what to do, Ms.Beynon suggested it be printed on orange paper since
Halloween coming up would be a good idea.
B. ltr a rt
Ms. Ramos informed the committee of the numbers for the month of September... There were a total of 111 ontinlrscues,67
return to owners and 85 bite cases..There were a total of 11,047 incoming animals and 2,060 calls for service.
Ms.Martinez added that the adoption fit went up overall,,,Ms.Copeland and I talked about this last week where a lot of the
animal controls in the state have been posting their reports in PDF format online. It would be nice if we could see more of
breakdown of what is actually adopted and what are transfers. Since we have started our commercials now running it would be
helpful I to see how this has helped our numbers on adoption,
Ms.Tarnsoki asked what the capacity for animals at the shelter before you are overflowing. Ms.Schenzel replied that we have
118 kennels.20 are bite cases,,26 adoptions with 1 dog in each,and 50 for general population.The goal is to have 1-2 dogs per
City of Corptis Christi Animal Control Advisory Committee Meeting
kennel,at this time because of our sweeps we have been having;we are at capacity. There are 3-5 animals in a kennel,if they
are small. Ms.Schenzel also added that we are working on more pre-adoption and getting more out to rescue,trying to get the
numbers for euthanasia down. Ms.Tamoski also asked if people came here to adopt or if we took the animals out to et-smart
like the others or they can come here and look to adopt. Ms.Schenzel replied yes.
Beynon asked what was going to happen with the animals from Coastal Bend Small Breed Rescue,it's my understanding
they are closing. Ms. Schenzel replied they are and we don't intend to bring all the dogs here. We are trying to coordinate with
rescue groups and transport directly to the rescue. It will eliminate a lot of the stress on the animals.We can't just go in and take
them,we're making sure everything is taken care of before. Mr.Schroeder asked if the total was 35. Ms.Schenzel replied yes
that's approximately what we counted. Ms.Schenzel also added that they are riot all small breed,this time they have a few pit
bulls and a few other large breeds.
Dr,Whitlock asked if the animals had been vaccinated. s. Schenzel replied yes.Ms.Martinez added that she spoke with Ms,.
Sisson yesterday and she was willing to supply all the information.The City knows I am going to be helping in the transfer of the
animals and will be leaving town.Most of the animals are altered,vaccinated and micro-chipped. This is a big help;we have
already been making contact with rescue groups,we are pre-approving se who will be taking them. The small dogs are easy,
Dr.Whitlock asked what the heart worm status was. Ms.Martinez replied negative and on prevention. Ms.Schenzel added that
the dogs are in no immediate danger,they do not appear to be underfed,and that isn't the issue.
.Tamoski asked if the operation is being closed,not familiar with everything t has been going on.Ms.Schenzel replied
at she is fighting a losing battle because of where she is located because she is in a flood zone. They keep talking about the
ground drying up so they can put the septic in. It's not going to happen. Ms.Beynon added that they wouldn't be able to do that
anyway,something would need to be done above ground and drain fill. They are at sea level. Ms. Schenzel added that she has
good intentions but is fighting losing battle. Dr.Whitlock added that it sounds like they City has been talking to her for many
years. Ms.Beynon asked if the City has given her a deadline. Ms.Schenzel replied no,with the help of Ms.Martinez and Ms.
Copeland has talked to her,we are trying to do what is best for the animals. We will also have some volunteers helping. It may
take a couple of weeks.
Ms,Tamoski asked if this happened before and she started up again, Dr.Whitlock added what's to keep her from starting up
again„ Ms,Martinez replied that she woutdn't get a permit. Ms,Tamoski mentioned maybe if she moved in a place similar to
Pee Wee's. Ms.Martinez replied that it would still be a problem.Ms.Beynon added that she would be in a place where she
could have a septic tank;her stumbling block is the saita#ionµ
Ms.Martinez added that we are going to have animals t our Muff Strult on Saturday September the 30th,so if anyone would like
to come help would be appreciated. Mr.Schroeder asked about the citation report Ms,Beynon asked about. Ms.Ramos replied
that they planned on addressing it in the Shelter report, We do have the information and Ms.Copeland wants to gel it put in the
percentage report that we have each month but not there in this one,.
Ms,Ramos pointed out to the committee the report for citations was from January 1;2009 to September 301h,2009 and also
2010 that way you are seeing a comparison for those time frames..
r lion - Total Violation Code mmDescr„ °� al 2009 Total 2010
-101 Failure to restrain 300 180
..................................................................... �..................._... .. --......... .........................................----. mm - ..__.._ ...__. .................................._ aw_..1 . ..............
6-103 l ®unent
P... _..o.. ........................... --...
6..103. ................................................ ...Failure to S/N after `°�i aun . �. ...
..._....._ ........................... mm.mm
6-12 ................................................ a Failure tommvaccinate. ..m - 436 254
_. -...... - _................. .. �........
8 151 Care,/'H
umane kee rn A t u .
- 71A....... Failure to rovide food,water,shelter .. $... ..
_.......mm ........ ......... _.. E _.._............._................._.......................- . ....�--.......... ��.�......., ............. �...........
6-26- Failure to register 458 .. ....274
It. .........mm........... ...P mm ...,....�������������.... ............... ...............................__... ......�����w.�� ....................
violations Nu.�sance,.Cruel! , etc 79-
. Totalsfor ea , 1�o r.� r .... . . 1 � 753--� .m
Ms..Ramos added that you can see that overall the number of citations written has gone down. Ms.Beynon asked if failure to
restrain means running at large.Ms, Ramos replied yes and one of the main things we feel you were interested in was the care
City of or tts ChristiAnimal Control Advisory Co rmittee Meeting
and keeping of the animals. How they are treating it animals Ms.Tamoski asked if that was the same as neglect, Ms,
Ramos replied its food,water and no shelter.The cruelty,nuisance and others are different.
Ms.Ramos pointed out that the numbers have one down greatly. Ms Beynon replied that this has one down due to lack of
man power. Ms.Ramos replied yes there have been issues with man power;you also haven officer that is willing to work with
the citizen before they cite them. Ms.Ramos added that I would encourage the officer to work them to help the get in
compliance and if not then cite them. Ms.Tau be added that some of the officers may allow them a time frame to get the issue
resolved. The officer may give those 3 to 7 days,issue the citation as a warning,if it's completed within that time the officer will
void the citation. Mr.Schroeder pointed out the cruelty numbers had one down,added he had seen a website where you can
post the persons'name on a website who is in cruel to animals,this was on the news from another area.There is a database
where you can see these who are convicted for this. Dr.Whitlock added that once they are convicted and goes to court that's
when it would go on something like that.
Ms.Martinez added that there are some rescue groups that are working on a'do not adopt list'for internal purposes. It wouldn't
be for the public but for any animal facility. Dr.Whitlock noted that we didn't have a copy of the totals for the numbers. Ms.
Ramos replied that if you would like one you can ask Ms.Copeland. Ms.Beynon added that working for the PC Q, I do
compliance investigations and enforcement For Animal Control these are the citations are writing,these are not court
reports. The records from court are open records and can request them,but with their record keeping not sure how it out be
found. The citations are not showing any kind of conviction or civil action found in the cities favor. Ms.Ramos also added that
there are some that are dismissed. We also have new referral forms that suppose to help these things go thru better.
C. Clinic Repo
Ms.Ramos informed the committee that there were a total of 116 for the public surgeries for the month of September,
Ms.Beynon asked if 24 of those that were rescue or adopted.Ms.Ramos replied that with those are owned animals. Ms.Ramos asked Ms.
Tau be if that was correct. Ms.Tau be replied that the surgery completes are the an from the public. Or Whitlock added that the ones they
do in-house are a different number.
Ms. ynon commented that the numbers appear to be going up in the last year. Ms.Ramos replied that she wasn't sure,but he has a
maximum of 12 per day.Ms.Taube added that most days are full,we will have some people that will cancel or confi rmed and not shown up or
are late because we do not take animals in after 8:30.Ms.Ramos added that it depends on the public and it they keep their appointments, Or
Whitlock also added that it's an unusual day if everyone shows up,most days the full schedule doesn't. Ms,Ramos added that in those cases
then there is time for shelter animals.
5. Presentation and introduction of newt int a rs
Mr.Schroeder introduced Ms.Heather Tamoski as then ly appointed committee member. Ms.Tamoski introduced herself as a co-owner of
Tuna's'Bathhouse and I'm very excited to be a part of the committee. The committee members introduced themselves to Ms.Tamoski,
6. PublIcComments
No public comments.
7, Identify ftems to be placed on next agenda
Mr.Schroeder had pictures to show of what is going up on the Pet Taxi and explained what the Pet Taxi is to the new committee
members.We are raising money to purchase items for the trailer like a generator,air conditioner and other items needed. It will
not house the pets but the equipment needed for evacuation animals In transported. Dr.Whitlock asked who was organizing
the event,Animal Control or someone else. Ms.Ramos replied that we have it filled with supplies and it is in the event of any
disaster after the fact. When you go into the community there will be loose dogs because fences were blown down,or injured
animals. Dr. House will be able to respond to these calls,because he is a cily employee as an essential staff,when there is a
disaster we are there we don't have a choice. He will be able to go out into the community with the trailer and assist the animals
on site.
Dr.Whitlock asked if she could sit down With someone to have it thoroughly explained; I am on the Medical Reserve Core which
is under Corpus Christi and Nueces County Health Departments together they do something similar. Ms.Ramos asked to clarify
City of or cis Christi Animal Control Advisory Cominittee Meeting
what it is called, dr.Whitlock replied it is the Medical Reserve Core. Mr.Schroeder added that what we do with a pictures is
affix them to the trailer and charge 50.00;$20.00 of the amount goes towards the printing. It is put on the side of the trailer and
the other$30.00 goes to the necessities for the trailer.We have room for 100 on the trailer which would come up to$ k.
Dr.Whitlock added that with the County and City Health department has a trailer as a command center for what they do which is
air conditioned. Ms.Ramos asked if it is for the animals. Dr.Whitlock replied no. It is not designated Just for people but for
emergencies.Ms.Sterbach asked if the link for purchasing the pictures an the city website.Ms.Ramos replied not at this time.
Mr.Schroeder added that he and Ms. Martinez l about making a brochure to be set out front. Ms.Ramos replied that we
could do that and we have one for the cats and dog kennels. They are always taken out to our events and we can add another
brochure for the Pet Taxi. Mr.Schroeder added that you could put on there what the funds are going for. Mr.Schroeder
explained once we know we have the funds then the item is sent to the website and is taken to the printer. The pictures are 20 x
standard sizes. Ms.Martinez added that the dog Sammy on I picture had cancer and went thru ceo and was euthanized
this past Monday.
Mr.Schroeder asked for any other items for the agenda. Ms, Beynon added that she would stilt like to see the numbers for
enforcement activity.What violations are being issued month to on .Copeland stated that the convictions go thru
Municipal Court;but I am wanting to see violations are being written up month to month. Ms.Ramos replied that i thought you
wanted convictions. Ms.Beynon replied yes she did but that is thru Municipal Court that we uldn't do that and said that she
use to give the number of violations written and is what was decided. Ms. Ramos replied at you want to know how many;
that is run from the Crystal reports which I don't know myself.Ms.Copeland will be able to get that information for you.
B. Adiournmen t
Ms. Beynon made a motion to adjourn, Ms.Martinez 2nd the motion all in favor motion passed.12:95 prn
City of Corpus Christi Animal Control Advisory Committee Meeting