Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Animal Care Advisory Committee - 04/28/2011Mina{ Caro Servic City of Corpus — Chnsti City of orpus 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 April 28th, 2011 Members Present: Bill Schroeder, Cheryl Martinez, Samantha Person, Helen Sterbach, Heather Tarnoski and Dr. Barbara Whitlock Members Absent: Barbara Beynon (The follovuing staff members were present) Aurora Parlamas, Larry Blas, Diana Naranjo, Elizabeth Hundley and Janet Schenzei Guests: Call to Order; none Mr. Schroeder called the meeting to order at 12:30 2. Discussion and possible Approval of Minutes from March 17M, 2011 Dr. Whitlock made a motion to approve the minutes, Ms. Martinez 2nd the motion all in favor motion passed. 3. Discussion and possible Approval of Absences from March 17 1 h, 2011 Mr. Schroeder noted that Ms, Sterbach was absent from the March meeting. Ms. Sterbach replied that her absence was work related. Ms. Martinez made a motion to approve the absence, Ms, Tarnoski 2nd the motion all in favor motion passed. Ms. Parlamas introduced Mr, Larry Bias as the new Program Manager for Animal Care Services. MT, Blas shared his background with Animal Control and added that he was looking forward to being a part of Animal Care Services. 4. Discussion of Monthly Reports A. Zoonosis Report Mr. Schroeder informed the committee the Zoonosis report was attached for viewing. Dr, Whitlock wanted to ask that with the numbers showing; is that what is positive or what is tested, Dr, House replied that is what came up positive. Dr. Whitlock also asked if they did a report on what was tested and if we still received that. Dr. House replied that he hadn't seen one in a while. B. Shelte _ r Report Ms. Parlamas informed the committee of the total numbers for the shelter in March. There were a total of 1,082 incoming animals with 548 from the field and dropped off was 534. Adoption /Rescue was 42; 57 return to owner and 72 bite cases. Ms. Parlamas also noted the totals for violations were 29 failure to restrain; 25 failure to vaccinate; 33 failure to register for a total of 87. Ms. Martinez asked if these are ones that people are paying money for. Ms, Taube replied that these are the citations issued but haven't been to court yet. Ms. Hundley added that these are the number of citations that the staff has filed for prosecution. This doesn't reflect what is on the docket and at this time people going to court today would be something that was issued 3 months ago. Mr. Schroeder asked how serious these were taken. Ms. Hundley replied yes and the code violations of city law; it is a class C misdemeanor, they are not subject to jail time if you are found guilty. There are arraignment dockets, you plead and work something out with a plea bargain with the prosecutor or set it for trial. The animal violations are handled very seriously. Animal Control Advisory Committee April 28 2011 Ms. Martinez asked if someone could obtain the information thru open records on how many are prosecuted. Ms. Hundley replied yes; you could ask what violations were resolved, plea bargains and standard judgments of the court. Ms. Martinez asked if the judge has the option to say no fine or this is what you will pay, Ms. Hundley replied generally the violations carry a fine and up to $500.00 and these are considered a standard window fine. It is considered a starting point, The citizen gets a citation for failure to vaccinate and registration because they do not have the proof. When they go to court they have.to provide the proof it's done or in some instances that you vaccinated and registered the animal within in a very short window from the date of the citation. In comparison when you are correcting a inspection sticker violation. There is some latitude for the prosecutor under law to exercise discretion on how to handle that case. Ms. Parlamas wanted to add that there was a requests for changes on the report to be made; not all of them got done. Mr. Noble was our staff that was making these changes and he is no longer with us. Ms. Ramos will be in contact with Chameleon so they can assist in making these changes. The changes that were made are not showing up but that will be straightened out. Mr. Schroeder asked about the bite case 'unknown'. Ms. Parlamas replied that should be combined and that will also be updated for 1 field. Ms. Martinez asked on the calls for service are these ones we went to or received in and not all taken care of. Ms. Parlamas replied that those are calls completed; on a average we receive 5,000 calls per month. A brief discussion was held on the totals and percentage rate from the percentage report and that the numbers may be skewed. Ms. Person pointed out that she was writing a grant and used numbers for the percentage report from the last year. The grant wanted to know the percentage amount from the last year in the city; the 62 % isn't an accurate number. You have to look at the number of animals coming in and not adding the ones for the surgeries or effective procedures. Dr, Whitlock asked under other euthanized are they opossums. Ms. Parlamas replied yes; Dr. House reiterated they are primarily opossums. C. Clinic Report Ms. Parlamas noted that there were a total of 146 surgeries for the month of March. Ms. Martinez asked if a change could be made in the report to reflect shelter animals and public animals. Ms. Parlamas added that could be changed, A brief discussion was held on the numbers for surgeries and how they are different on the percentage report. Dr. House felt that the 151 were owned animals and it wouldn't reflect the numbers that we do for the shelter. Dr. Whitlock noted that the numbers under surgery complete and altered animals are different. Dr. House replied that could be if the animals were not properly outcome from the system but it still wouldn't reflect the numbers. Ms. Martinez asked if relocate meant moving an animal from one kennel to another. Dr. House replied yes. Ms. Person asked why that would be relevant to the report. Ms. Martinez replied that Chameleon keeps track of the kennels and if a animal is moved It will reflect the change. Ms. Martinez asked if this is something that doesn't need to be in the report for the committee. Mr. Schroeder noted that it was asked before if there could be a definition for each item on the percentage report. This would be helpful for changes on any new committee members coming in. 5. Discussion and possible recommendation regarding fees for live trap pick u A general discussion was held on possible recommendation on the ordinance amendment regarding fees for live trap pick up. Ms, Blas informed the committee of calls he made and what they charged, When I talked with San Antonio they only charge for bite case animals and with the other cities that contact was made they are on a need basis. If they charge a fee is based on being able to meet the need; some of them charge the fee because they want the deposit as a guarantee. Ms. Hundley pointed out to the committee that there was a provision to strike a fees for trapping and charging for the rental traps and council turned it down. The staff put a provision forward approximately 2 years ago and a cost saving measure they thought to not pick up; the council had a outcry from the community it stayed on. What council may not have appreciated or heard was the discussion at that time the committee interest and their duty to make recommendations on the operation of the division. To try to get recovery of the expenditures of cost and to aid that we perform for the citizens, The committee will entertain a motion to request for staff to research a fair cost for service so the committee can recommend to council and staff recognizes it enact a fee to be uphe €d or turned down; the discussion will go forward in a public meeting. Ms. Parlamas informed the committee that when Mr. Blas made contact with the other cities he found that they were not charging fees to pick Lip the traps. We can expand the search as it relates to the charges and I will have Mr. Blas research 10 cities ask if you are picking up traps and are there charges to pick up. Dr. Whitlock asked if we can also ask them how many opossums are picked up, Animal Control Advisory Committee April 28 2011 Mr, Schroeder asked Ms. Hundley if the council will be receptive with a nominal fee for pickup. Ms. Hundley replied from the past proposal it was used as a cost savings measure and to have people return wild animals where they trapped them, It was the high incidence of carrying fleas and there were people that had been diagnosed with typhus at that time, Mr. Schroeder added that if we explain that the majority of the traps being picked up are not city owned traps may make a difference. 6. Discussion on mandatory spay and neuter on the 2nd impoundment A general discussion was held on the mandatory spay and neuter for the 2 1d impoundment of animals. Ms. Martinez added it was asked if the mandatory spay neuter be done here. Ms. Naranjo added that a proposal be done on the 5'h requirement of redemption. Ms. Taube explained that on the first impoundment animals not current or altered are required to be spayed or neuter. The animals that are current and not altered on the 2nd impoundment are required to be altered. Ms. Martinez asked if we were verifying that those are done. Ms. Taube replied that is being put back in place to make sure they are done. Mr. Schroeder pointed out that it was on the 2 "d impoundment mandatory micro - chipping, Ms. Martinez added being altered here before leaving. Ms. Parlamas asked Ms. Taube if it's required for the micro - chipping on the 2nd impoundment, Ms. Taube replied no there is not a requirement. Ms. Martinez asked if its mandatory, we discussed about having it done here.why let it leave then you don't have to follow up on, could this work, Dr. House asked if the City can dictate that the sterilization be done here. Ms. Hundley replied that we could look at this; there is a provision in the law for veterinarians working for releasing agency providing anything other than emergency veterinary care for animals that he or she knows is owned or should know is owned. The violation of not spay or neutering after a 2nd release is a criminal violation. Ms. Martinez asked if they are in violation and they fall under mandatory spay neuter when animal is impounded that the surgery can be done here before leaving. Ms. Hundley replied that it maybe only with the owners' consent and be charged but other than that the violation on .release of the 2nd impoundment releases criminal violation. Dr. Whitlock expressed it could be a problem if we force them to do it here instead of the vet of their choice because of the possibility something happens in the surgery would be upset by forcing it to be done here. Ms. Hundley added that what was said of making sure the animals are being altered or not, In fairness to staff to be able to investigate it is happening, how much compliance there is on the 2 compliance mandatory spay neuter. Beyond that all that is required is the form they sign and having been told about the requirement on release and if not done in proper time frame a municipal court violation will be filed against you and followed up on. Ms, Taube explained that she didn't recall how it wasn't being done but its being put back into place to follow up on such items. Mr. Schroeder asked if there is a form to show if failure to comply and what would be done. Ms. Hundley added that there was a form previously been prepared. Ms. Parlamas asked Ms. Taube if that was on the 2nd time then they have the referral, Ms. Taube replied yes, Dr. House wanted to add that under the previous discussion in regards to micro - chipping itie problem could be that it's picked up the first time under one name and the 2nd time it could be picked up by someone else7. - Di scussion on the meeting Wth Lichtenstein Foundation re garding Animal Care Services Spgy Spay Neuter Clinic Ms, Martinez informed that she personally knows members of the board for the foundation, They had requested a meeting and Mr. Schroeder a!so attended. The members had concerns since Ms. Copeland left and wanted to know how the clinic was doing and the numbers for surgeries done. Mr. Schroeder added that they expressed why they hadn't been brought up to date on the status of the clinic numbers. Ms. Martinez added that she told them about the meetings and that they could attend them. In the future we hope to continue to have support from them. Mr. Schroeder added there were legal boundaries addressed. The foundation provided the funds to start the clinic and we reported numbers for the first year. After that time we were not under obligation to keep them up to date. Ms. Martinez added that when they ask she provides them with any information on the clinic, Ms, Naranjo asked what their major concerns were there so it can be addressed. Ms, Martinez replied the total numbers of animals being spayed and neutered. Gulf Coast Humane Society is doing a lot more then what can we do to increase our numbers. Ms. Hundley added that for the committee's notification at that time I was the attorney that negotiated with Terry Marks who was in charge of the foundation before his passing; the other side of the negotiation was Ms. Margie Rose ACM who is now interim City Manager, We were very well connected with the agreement, on recollection of the agreement the City for that steed money to begin the clinic which is how Dr. House got hired who was a contract veterinarian before becoming a full time city employee. One of the expectations in the exhibit was performance numbers based on Dr. House staff and the ability and are incoming numbers how many surgeries we could actually complete in a month, I beiieve we have exceeded that by far on a monthly basis since the termination of the grant which was in 2009. We can provide a copy of the completed agreement. Was there not one of the exhibits saying that we expected to complete so many animals' each month? Dr. House added that there were many pages of the exhibits and just the contract was circulated. Mr. Schroder added that as a courtesy for the future to provide an annual breakdown of numbers to possibly secure future monies we may receive. Ms. Martinez added that it felt that they were going to sit back and see what happens, Ms. Hundley replied that senior management will ask me was it because the contract with the city and respectfully as a committee member answering to the council, was it that the Animal Control Advisory Committee April 28` 2011 foundation had concerns and approached a committee member personally and asked them to come to the meeting on behalf of the City. Ms. Martinez replied no, they know me on a personal level and asked me to go. They knew Ms. Copeland left; they were concerned and wanted to know what was going on. I asked Mr. Schroeder to attend the meeting with me, 8. Discussion on the animals leaving the shelter Wth pre - existing conditions A general discussion was held on animals leaving the shelter with pre - existing conditions. Ms. Martinez pointed out the issues with animals with kennel cough. There was a customer who had her animals spayed here and all of them got kennel cough. It ended up not being worth it for her to bring it get spayed if they all got it and take them to the vet for care. Dr. House stated that is not a animal leaving with pre- existing conditions that is a different subject. Ms. Martinez wanted to point out that there was a animal adopted out that died and one adopted that within a hour after leaving was coughing badly and took it to the vet and it was kennel cough. Dr. House replied that the dog in question was not kennel cough it was canine influenza. Ms. Martinez replied that the dauschund was kennel cough. Dr. House asked if it was cultured. Ms. Martinez replied she believed so. Dr. House doubted that it was kennel cough, we did have a problem with the canine influenza, and one was adopted out with that. At first we thought we were dealing with a upper respiratory virus until we saw high numbers of dogs becoming sick. The canine influenza had not been seen in this area, it started in Florida and slowly moved around the Gulf coast; we quarantined about 2 dozen animals which slowed the adoption process. At this point we do have it under control and none since and the quarantine has been lifted, Dr, House added that there werel or 2 animals adopted before it was identified. Dr. Whitlock asked if someone adopts and they take their animal to the vot and the vet feels it's a pre- existing condition something from here, do they help them with the treatment. Ms. Martinez replied that PAAC has being paying for it. Ms, Par €auras added that once it's adopted it's the owner's responsibility; we do allow them to comeback if they want to choose another animal. If the pet dies if they want to come back we allow them to pick another pet. , Dr, House wanted to add that we so many animals and do the best we canto keep them healthy and there is a full process, it's fully invested.b.efore going into the adoption building. We do not have the diagnostic equipment and dathe best with what we have. Dr. Whitlock expressed her concern. from a previous place of work if there was a pre- existing we missed; we.would.see the animal back. Ms. Hundley the taw states that other than emergency treatment that the vet cannot supply those services because its government funded there is a Texas constitutional provision that prohibits the city from putting tax payer money into privately held property. Dr. Whitlock said she had talked to the state board and they had said this could be done; which was the state board investigator who should be familiar with the law and what Texas veterinarians can do, Ms, Hundley the USHS general counsel for Animal Control Services and the head of Zoonosis for our region Dr. Robinson disagree on the interpretation that would allow a political sub - division to extend those resources if in fact we cannot in the adoption agreement we provide information that the animal is adopted out as is that we do everything we can to ensure the health condition of the animal. But after that animal leaves here is a window of time to which that condition may have been dormant and then resurfaces we don't know that, Or if for example there was an animal left here a few years ago 3 days later the animal started existing symptoms of parvo. There is a period of time that the animal had to have been dormant, so we don't know if it's dormant and adopted out with parvo, or Instead for the animal to come into contact, if a puppy comes into contact with another animal that had parvo. The owners come forward saying that it only could have come from here. Dr. Whitlock commented on how can we as the city offer vaccination clinics to the public since that's not sterilization like you are talking on the public health side of law. How can we do that and not send home antibiotics for a sick animal. Ms. Hundley replied that's correct but there is a ordinance.that provides for low cost vaccinations, and to reduce or waive the fees for certain events; but when its held with a public health event that is what allows that. Could it be seen as a emergency I don't know because that provision was in place before I was a part of the City. Ms. Martinez asked if there could be some provision 10 allow something for the animals that are adopted out if they are sick. Ms. Hundley added.that what Ms. Parlamas said has been the same policy the entire 10 -12 years I have been with the City that you adopt out and within a short window and with each program manager is different. If you adopt a animal and its presents sick symptoms within a window of time you're allowed to come back and exchange the animal. If the animal dies it's a different story, they may come back want their monies back then that goes thru risk management.. Dr. Whitlock added that what she has seen with the Texas administrative code it appears to be contradicting, you have the part under Public Safety or Health, then the other as a municipal or non - profit we are allowed to shelter, sterilize or vaccination or other medical care and treatment Dr. Whitlock asked that if we know a animal is sick and we know it's sick do we send medicine home. Ms. Pariamas replied we probably wouldn't adopt out if we knew one is sick. Dr. House replied the one that we did, we specifically told the new ..owner that the animal started showing signs that day of illness. I told her that you can take the animal and take it Immediately to your veterinarian for treatment or you can select another animal. I had seen the animal the day before and had been developing the symptoms of canine influenza but dldn't realize it was influenza at that time. It was released ill, the customer understood the risk and decided she liked the dog. Dr. Whitlock added that she thought very few people like the option that you can bring it back if it's sick and pick another dog, Ms. Pariamas replied normally the dogs do not go out sick that was an exception. If they show Signs later like Ms Hundley stated than that is a different story. We understand and it's not a guarantee, and no it won't replace the one. Ms. Hundley wanted to add that staff is working on revising the adoption application and terms and provisions and will share that, The adoption family is educated about before they take the animal out of the facility. Animal Control Advisory Committee April 28` 2011 9 Discussion and possible recommendation for reappointment for board members for Animal Control Advisory members Mr, Schroeder noted that there is a vacancy to replace Ms, Sterbach and her replacement will go to the end of present term. Ms. Person and Ms. Beynon are up for reappointment. Ms. Beynon expressed in a email to remain on the committee. Ms. Person also expressed her intentions to stay on the committee. Mr. Schroeder asked about a retired veterinarian whom is a friend. Since she is not a practicing veterinarian could she hold the at large position, Dr. Whitlock asked that we could get a veterinarian in a at large position. Ms. Hundley replied yes, Ms. Hundley added that if the committee knows anyone who would like to serve and they can recruit for service the City Secretary office receives their application and the liaison next month will bring back people who have submitted applications and showed interest in this committee. You will review those and make your recommendation. 10. Public Comments No public comments made, 12. Identify items to be placed on agenda Ms. Martinez a discussion on treating shelter animals after adoption. Ms. Martinez wanted to add voted on for staff to comeback with a proposal the micro - chipping of animals being returned to their owners as a..5ch requirement of a redemption of a dog or cat; on the first pick up Dr. Whitlock wanted a discussion to offer animals quarantined for a bite case be given a parvo- distemper in the beginning of the quarantine if not current. Dr. House expressed that it takes 14 days for it to build up in their system and they are only here for the 10 days. Dr. Whitlock added that she felt it would be good if we were able to offer it to the customer. Ms. Person wanted to have a discussion on the Feral Cat Colony permit, Ms. Martinez also wanted to add one for the breeder permit. Ms. Hundley did point out to the committee that they were hearing the breeders permit regulations yesterday. 13. Adjournment Ms. Martinez made a motion to adjourn, Ms. Person 2 1 d the motion all in favor motion passed. 1:52 p.m. Animal Control Advisory Committee April 28 2011