Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Animal Care Advisory Committee - 07/21/2011.1m Care Servlc City of Corpus — Christi �.►�.r�r City of Corpus 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 July 21St, 2011 Members Present: Bill Schroeder, Barbara Beynon, Samantha Person, HeatherTarnoski and Dr. Barbara Whitlock Members Absent: Cheryl Martinez (The following staff members were present) Larry Bias, Aurora Parlamas, Annette Rodriguez and Dr. Thomas House Guests: Mary Clemones, Anthony Clemones, Courtney Turnlund, Hannah Werner, Caleb Werner, Kristy Werner, Linda Summers, Bethany Summers and Harold Bennett 1. Calf to order: Mr, Schroeder called the meeting to order at 12:30 2. Discussion and possible Approval of Minutes from June 16 2011 Ms. Beynon amended to minutes to reflect that Ms. Sterbach was.not at the last meeting Ms. Beynon made a motion to approve the amended minutes, Dr. Whitlock 2n the motion all in favor motion passed. 3. Discussion and possible Approval of Absences from June 16 2011 Mr. Schroeder noted that Ms. Tamoski was absent from the June meeting. Ms. Tarnoski informed the committee that she had not been at the meeting due to a family emergency. Ms. Person made a motion to approve Ms. Tarnoskis' absence, Ms. Beynon 2 1d the motion ail in favor motion passed. 4. Discussion and possible Approval of Minutes from the Specially_ Called Meeting July 11th, 2011 Mr. Schroeder asked for the approval of the minutes from the Specially Called Meeting. Ms. Beynon made a motion to approve the minutes, Dr. Whitlock 2nd the motion all in favor, motion passed. 5. Discussion of Current Zoonosis Report Mr. Schroeder noted that the Zoonosis report was attached for viewing, Dr, Whitlock asked if we were submitting fewer bats for testing. Mr. Bias replied that we are sending them out and that they were all coming back negative. Mr. Schroeder mentioned the item on Chagas disease. Ms, Beynon asked if we were having cases reported by people for this. Dr. House roplied that it was more of a problem in the Valley then here, Dr, Robinson sends the information in the newsletter in the area but it is primarily closer to the border. Ms. Beynon added that in the pure bred dog community being tested and in the past they were coming up positive but nothing currently. 6. Discussion of Current Shelter Report Mr. Bias informed the committee for the shelter report for the month of June as follows. The total of incoming animals from the field was 405 and brought in the total was 662 for a total of 1,067. The total of outgoing animals were 938 which included 74 adoptions, 49 returned to owners, 829 euthanlzed, 5 died in truck and 1 died in kennel. There were a total of 70 bite cases. The total calls of service for the month of June werel, 441, Mr. Bias replied that they did have a relocation of an alligator and that he would check with Ms, Naranjo on why it wasn't showing up. Ms. Person and Dr. Whitlock mentioned that the transfers were not showing up on the report. Mr, Blas replied that he would check with Ms. Naranjo on why the numbers were not showing up or the report. Dr. Whitlock asked how the percentage rate is figured for euthanasia. Ms. Parlamas the total of 1,067 incoming animals, you times that amount by the 829 which represents the total percentage rate. Mr. Schroeder asked what was done to help in the increase of the adoptions. Mr, Blas replied that it was more people and Ms. Naranjo and I had done a survey of the adoptees and they mentioned Pet Harbor or word of mouth. Ms. Beynon asked if the website had pictures of the animals for adoption, Mr. Blas replied yes. Dr, Whitlock asked if there were any animals sent to GCHS for the Paws and Claws. Mr. Blas replied no. Dr. House added that there were some recently but was in July, Mr. Schroeder asked if the bite cases were animal to animal. Mr. Blas replied that they are animal to human. Mr. Blas informed the committee for the number of violations for the month of June. There was 9 issued for unrestrained, 5 for failure to vaccinate, 2 for failure to license and 1 for the care /keeping of animals. Mr. Blas also notified the committee of 2 seizures in June, at one we picked up 8 dogs and the other 13, 7. Discussion of Current Clinic Report Ms. Blas informed the comm1teo there was a total of 111 surgeries for the general public and 18 for the shelter totaling 129, Ms. Beynon asked the shelter animals are the ones for adoption. Mr. Blas replied yes those are from the adoption program. Ms. Person wanted to point out that she was told by an officer that they don't always scan because the equipment isn't working or it doesn't have batteries, which is a concern. Mr. Blas replied that the last time this was brought up he spoke with the staff and advised all the animals need to be scanned at both incoming and outgoing. I also informed them that we should have the equipment at the stations in the front and in the back for incoming and those that are euthanized, Dr. House informed the committee that when you compare the numbers from June to the prior months there was a time when we were on vacation using personal leave that needs to be used by fiscal year. There was a concern for a time with people not showing up for the scheduled surgery. We have taken steps to increase the percentage of people showing up for surgery. There was an outbreak of influenza where we quarantined the pre - adoption and a parvo outbreak. Which held us back some but now is going well and the kennels are filled back up Dr. Whitlock asked about the parvo may have been in May because it shows that only 1 animal died in the kennel in June. Dr. House replied that we also have the process of pre -adopt with vaccinating, spay /neuter and the quarantine time its better now than prior months, 8. Discussion on the Breeders Permit Mr. Schroeder noted the item was for discussion only. The committee decided to table this discussion till next month since Ms. Martinez was the one who wanted it on the agenda. Ms. Beynon commented the Bill 1451 which regulated certain dog and cat breeders; you have to have 11 or more in tact females and produce more than 50 puppies or kittens within a year. The bill has been signed and they have to get the rules implemented and a board in Austin that will draft rules and they will go out for public comment and needs to be in place. They expect by September 2012 will be enforcing the law. 9. Discussion on City Registration requirements Mr, Schroeder noted this item was asked by Ms. Martinez and would be tabled until the next meeting, 10. Discussion and Recommendation for the Feral Cat Colony Permit Mr. Schroeder informed the committee of the draft that Ms. Person has provided for the committee for the discussion. Ms. Beynon commented that she felt there would be complaints from the community. If you have someone that has a colony and they move or can no longer care for the cats, will there be provisions to transfer to someone else or relinquish, Ms. Person noted there's an item on the 2 page that would fall under. Although it isn't on here it can be transferred to another person. Ms. Beynon also asked what if the caretaker fails to renow any vaccines or registration. Ms, Person replied if the caretaker if they fail to do requirements the city can seize the colony. Mr. Schroeder asked if someone moves can this be transferrable to another party. Ms. Person replied it is listed to have an emergency contact and should have a back up person which will be required, A general discussion was held on the importance of a back up for the caretaker in the event it is ever needed for whatever reason. Ms. Beynon asked if the applicants be required to be qualified as the caretaker for such a colony. This would protect the City in the event something happened within that colony. Ms. Person felt that may be too hard since there are a lot of requirements to do for the cats and permission if they don't awn the land they are on from the land owner and the surrounding neighbors. Ms. Parlamas added that they registered feral cat care giver for the City of Corpus Christi and the registration itself consists under the following requirements. Ms. Person added that in reference to # 3 under caregiver requirements wanted the committee's opinion. A person isn't going to do this before having an application being approved or not. With the feral cats getting all of this done will take time, Ms. Beynon replied with the feral cat colonies in the city have listened to people tack about how they are growing with new cats coming in. Ms. Person stated that it will be limited to 20 per colony. After a brief discussion the committee agreed upon 4months after they have been approved for the colony to have everything completed for the cats in that colony. Ms. Beynon added that Ms. Hundley had stated before that all cats will be required to be vaccinated, spay or neutered and registered with the City. Ms. Person asked if that wouldn't be the permit fee they pay. Ms. Beynon added that everyone in the City is required to have the registration it would be the same for the cat colonies. Ms. Tarnosk asked how much it would be for each cat to get everything done. Dr. Whitlock replied with vaccinate, spay or neuter, microchip and register estimate $100 per animal. Ms. Person pointed out that if this is helping from keeping the City euthanizing the animals. Dr. House replied that we had discussed yesterday putting together a package for feral cats for the colony, to make it a certain amount for each one. Ms. Parlamas added that when you have a feral cat in a colony and with no more than 20 when you microchip them would you know what colony it's in. Ms. Person replied yes, the chip would be registered to the given colonylperson. Dr. Whitlock added that a lot of the times the vaccination in the hardest part. Ms. Person with the vaccine with the information I read it said 3years for feral cats. Ms. Beynon added that with state law requires 1 revaccinated a year later at that point can get the 3year vaccine. Dr. Whitlock added that she would recommend that because the first rabies shot doesn't provide protective immunity. Mr. Schroeder asked that if they fail to renew their permit registration do they lost their colony. Ms. Person replied yes they would not be following the rules of the contract. Dr. Whitlock wanted to add that having worked with feral colonies before she had seen them complete all what's needed and then have a neighbor complain to the city and want the cats gone. Ms. Person and the committee decided to continue further discussion at the next meeting before making a recommendation. 11. Discussion and recommendation on givingpanro distemper vaccine to animals going into quarantine A general discussion was held on giving parvo distemper vaccine to animals going into quarantine. Dr. Whitlock wanted to point out that if the vaccine is not given on the first day then it wouldn't be any good. The committee decided to table the discussion until the meeting in August. 12. Discussion and recommendation on ordinance amendment for the - keeping of urban chickens Mr. Blas informed the committee that the topic for the keeping of urban chickens was brought to his attention by the legal department. The committee had a discussion in reference to the keeping of urban chickens. The square footage should be is 25 ft between any business and dwelling around them. Ms. Tamoski noted that at this time there is no limitation on the size of the pen. The committee agreed that a size should be required when housing the chickens. Ms. Beynon pointed out that California recently had raised their requirements on the square footage on their hens. Ms. Parlamas wanted to point out that we have public here also to talk about this under public comments. Ms. Tamoski wanted clarification that if someone lives on under an acre of land you are not allowed owning chickens. Ms. Parlamas replied yes. Dr. House pointed out that we may want to add allowance for boiler pen for 4H or FFH. Ms. Parlamas noted that under section B, if under an acre and they have an enclosed building -they are allowed to own chickens. The committee agreed to table for further discussion next month. 13. Public Comments Mr. Clemones spoke about the problems he has had in his neighborhood with feral cats, at first it was within the required limits, but the amount tripled and have problems since with the feces and urine all over the yard. He understands the idea of the feral cat colony, but even with that the amount of 20, the problem with the feces will not go away. Dr. WNtieck asked if the ladies cats were vaccinated and altered. Mr. Clemones replied no. Mr. Clemones agreed it will help with the animals being altered but that won't take away the feces and now have had another neighbor start to do the same thing and have been threatened by the owner; one residence where there are too many cats and right now trying to find out who owns the property because no one is currently living there. Mr. Schroeder added that in this situation if someone wanted to do a cat colony and one of the surrounding neighbors do not comply with what they want then they won't be able to establish the colony. Dr. House suggested that we add another requirement which would be an inspection of the surrounding area of where the cats would be. Mr. Blas also added that if we start getting complaints on the colony of cats, the owner of the colonies permit can be revoked. Ms. Person replied yes. Ms. Summers' brought a hand out on the "Residential Urban Chicken Keeping: An Examination of 25 cities and spoke to City Manager and legal department are having this brought to the chair. Ms. Summer's pointed the person who wrote the handout goes thru all the stipulations and compares from state to state. Ms Summers 'stated that her family has owned 7 chickens for a year and can provide the size of the coup that they keep them in but could provide you with that information. We found by doing the research online that we were not allowed to have them even though the neighbors have all agreed it was okay with them for us to have them. Everything is kept very clean and has had no complaints from anyone about a smell from our property. When I spoke with the council and under 6 -157 which is for exceptions to the distance and numbers of animals and referencing homing pigeons. If the ordinance does change and you put a number of what is allowable, if a person goes over the amount of required have a permit for those. Ms. Turnlund commented briefly on the urban chickens, they own 4 at their home and also uses this as a part the curriculum of home - schooling her children. Mr. Harold Bennett asked about the items B and C. Ms. Summers added that from what she understands under A it looks like you can but it's not allowed. Ms. Summers asked that if the ordinance could be made more clear when they go to look over this Item. 14. Identify items to be placed on next aaenda The committee wanted the following items to be placed on the agenda for August 2011. Discussion on the breeders permit; discussion on the city registration requirements; Discussion and recommendation for the Feral Cat Colony permit and discussion and recommendation on the keeping of urban chickens. Ms. Beynon asked about the speaker on the raptors. Mr. Schroeder replied that he was going to make contact after he got back from his engagements for the performances and has not done so. Dr. Whitlock had a question she wanted to ask the committee, stated that she was doing an on The Cattery and as a part of the Texas Department of Health Services has a form to fill out. There is information on here that talks about what is required under chapter B -23 and wasn't sure if our committee fits the criteria. Dr. House looked over the paper work; Dr. Whitlock added that we didn't have a county official or municipal official on our committee. Ms. Rodriguez pointed out that we do have a County Advisory Committee. Dr. House added that he is the vet for the Nueces County Animal Control and meet the requirements that you are speaking of. 15. Adjournment Ms. Tarnoski made a motion to adjourn, Ms. Beynon 2 1 d the motion all in favor motion passed. 2:00 pm