Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Animal Care Advisory Committee - 02/16/2012wirnall Care Servfc% City of Corpus Christi 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 February 16th, 2011 Members Present: Bill Schroeder, Samantha Person, Dr, Nina Sisley, Heather Tarnoski and Dr. Barbara Whitlock Members Absent: Barbara Beynon (The following staff members were present) Larry Blas, Trisha Dang and Dr. Thomas House Guests: Jessica Savage 1. Call to order: Mr. Schroeder called the meeting to order at 12:30 2. Discussion and possible Approval of Minutes from January 1P 2012 Ms. Tarnoski made a motion to approve the minutes, Dr. Sisley 2 nd the motion all in favor motion passed. i 3. Discussion and possible Approval of Absences from Janua 19 2012 Mr. Schroeder noted that there were no absences at the last meeting. 4. Discussion of Current Zoonosis Report Mr. Schroeder noted that the Zoonosis report was attached for viewing and noted the item on the Chagas disease. Dr. Whitlock referenced the item on the rabid horse. Dr. House added that was the most significant item in Zapata County and added that the horse was brought in to the area. Mr. Schroeder asked if it was a skunk. Dr. House replied that is the most common with horses when this does happen, they will get bit on the nose, Mr, Schroeder asked if the animal was put down. Dr. House replied that there were 7 people it was in contact with it and started on the proper procedures. 5. Discussion of Current Shelter Report Mr. Bias introduced Ms. Trisha Dang as the new legal advisor for the committee. The committee introduced themselves to Ms. Dang. Mr. Bias informed the committee of the numbers for the activity report, There were a total of 541 dogs, 271 cats and others 125 for a total of 937. There were9 dogs and 14 cats for 23 rescues; adopted animals were 36 cats and 11 cats for 47; 86 return to owners. There were a total of 15 died in kennel; 658 euthanlzed for a total of 79.37 %. There were a total of 55 bite cases and 2,492 calls for service with an average of 83 per day. Mr. Schroeder asked about the increase in the return to owners. Mr. Bias said that we have been having a lot of sweeps and they know we are out picking up. Mr. Schroeder asked if these are being micro - chipped. Mr. Bias replied yes it is being done; a total of 81 were chipped. Ms. Tamoski asked if they don't have to on the first time. Mr. Sias replied that it depends on what is current or not and if the animal is already chipped. There have been a few that didn't want the chip but explained that it is required to have it done before leaving the shelter. We do point out that it is a benefit to have this for the animal. Ms. Person asked about the citations for the 81 dogs. Mr. Bias replied that it is up to the officer to write the citation and they have to see what has happened. Ms. Taube added that when they come in to the shelter to pick up the dog they are only able to write the citation for no rabies and city registration. Mr. Bias did add that we are waiting for a class for citation training thatway more of them will be Issued when required to do so. Dr. Whitlock asked that when the puppies are being brought in surrendered are you holding them for a length of time. Mr, Bias replied that no but I like to hold them for 24 hours because sometimes the owners change their mind or reevaluate and be safe. Dr. Whitlock asked how long the puppies are here before they are vaccinated. If we think they are a good candidate for adoption we will have Dr. House look at any animal for evaluation. Dr. House added that the pre - adoption area has been staying at full capacity. Dr, Whitlock asked if they are vaccinated right N � away or after they are put up. Dr. House replied that they are vaccinated when going into pre - adoption, Mr. Bias added that when they are out in the field and we do vaccinate if the owners come in to claim their pet at that time we will charge them for those vaccines. Mr, Bias informed the committee that Dr, House has done this. We are proposing a draft for a mobile unit for spay and neutering talking with Troy Riggs about this. Mr. Schroeder asked Mr. Bias about the trailer that was in the back for the emergency; would you be able to use it for this. Mr. Bias replied that with the trailer more needs to be done in order to utilize it for that. Mr, Schroeder explained the pictures on the truck and funds were raised with pictures taken of animals and posted on the vehicle. Those funds go towards anything needed for the trailer. Dr. House did add that it has been used for storage for hurricane preparedness and yes there are things needed to still put in. Also with the mobile spay neuter advantage it could be used as a triage treatment center, Mr. Bias added that the Lichtenstein Foundation was contacted and they are excited with what is going on. Discussion of Current Clinic Reporl Mr. Bias informed the committee that for the month of January there was a total of 100 spay and neuters for the public and 40 shelter animals for a total of 140 . Discussion regarding falconry Mr. Schroeder informed the committee of the memorandum on the falconry and note what is stated under the conclusion as follows. We would recommend caution in considering any repeal or amendment to the ordinance. Ms. Tarnoski noted that he has everything required for Federal guidelines you would think that would be sufficient for the City guidelines. Dr, Whitlock added that the Federal and State may be looking at different aspects and we don't know what their requirements are. The city is probably concerned with the neighbors of where they are being kept. Mr. Schroeder asked if there are any other cities that allow them, Ms, Person replied that according to the falconer no one else in the states prohibits them. The committee asked Mr. Bias to look for any other cities in Texas that allow raptors to be kept. Dr. Whitlock asked if he is asking to be able to hunt the birds. Mr. Schroeder replied that he wants to be able to house them here, Discussion review and possible recommendation of the Feral Cat Colony permit ordinance. Ms. Dang informed the committee that she had just acquired the information on the ordinance and hadn't had a chance to review them so there wouldn't be any information that she would add. A general discussion was held on the recommendation of the Feral Cat Colony ordinance, Ms. Person informed the committee that she had done more research and if we made an addendum to the current ordinance on the limitation on the number of cats. Ms. Person added that the City would come up with the rules of the feral cat program instead of there being an ordinance about it, Dr. House added that he felt it would be better to have the ordinance enforcement wise. Ms. Person replied that if it's too detailed people may not want to participate and the public that were here for the meeting last month were against it and they were cat people. Dr. Whitlock asked why they were against it. Ms. Person said that they were seeing the original draft. Mr. Schroeder added that you want Mr. Bias come up with an addendum to this for guidelines for the program. Mr. Bias added that we need to have an ordinance in the event they don't follow the guidelines. Ms. Person added that they would sign a contract. After further discussion the committee agreed to take out C (1) and under enforcement change community to neighborhood. The committee also agreed under definition pg 2 par. 1 to remove distemper. Ms. Dang informed the committee that state law trumps local laws, Ms. Dang noted that under revocation (a) where it may be suspended or revoked for the violations of the permit requirements. If the program manager is the one to do this then it needs to be someone else for under B if a caregiver wants to file the appeal. It would be Cdr. Schauer or to the Chief of Police or designee, It cannot be both. There needs to be rules to enforce in situations as such, if it was a program it would be hard to enforce violations. Ms. Dang asked if there were a lot of complaints in regards to this, Mr. Schroeder replied that there has been public in the past concerned citizens voice their opinion against it. Ms. Person noted she had watched to a webinar on colonies and with people who run the colonies cannot always catch the animals, If we can add to the rules; a caregiver is making an effort to get the vaccines done. Dr. Whitlock asked Ms. Dang referencing pg. 3 par 1 "every feral cat must be vaccinated against rabies and micro - chipped ". They must be vaccinated as required by the state; if you can check the legality of that. If the state is requiring something we can't make changes to that, Ms, Dang replied that if state is saying so, state law trumps local laws. Dr. Whitlock made a motion to send this ordinance back to legal, Ms. Tarnoski 2nd the motion all in favor motion passed. Discussion, review and possible recommendation on the Breeders permlt ordinance A general discussion was held on the possible recommendation on the breeders permit ordinance, Dr. Whitlock questioned the 6d' whereas on pg. i where it says, "by limiting the sale or transfer of puppy to an age of at least 8 weeks old it is sold and limiting the sale of puppies to only persons holding a breeders permit. The animal is not spayed or neutered but at 8 weeks it needs to be more acclimated. The committee agreed to take out, by limiting the sale or transfer of puppy to an age of at least 8 weeks old it is sold and limiting the sale of puppies to only persons holding a breeders permit. The committee discussed the change in term 'backyard breeder' and what it should be changed to, Mr. Blas pointed out that he gets calls about females in heat and dogs in the neighborhood wanting to go into the area where such dog is. Dr. Whitlock asked if you want the owner to keep them in the garage or inside. Mr. Blas replied that the City of Arlington has an ordinance in reference to that. The dog in heat is going to attract all the males in the neighborhood to want to get to that female. The committee requested to see the copy of the ordinance from Austin. Ms. Tarnoski asked the fee under section 6. Mr. Schroeder replied that is to be determined by Animal Control. Ms. Tarnoski also asked about sec, 6 item E, what is a dangerous dog pursuant to Texas Law, Mr. Blas replied that the dangerous dog is a Texas law that any dog the City deems as dangerous. Dr. Whitlock made a motion for this to be brought back with further information. Ms. Person 2nd the motion all in favor motion passed. Dr. House noted that on the discussion of how to word breeders permit and adding cats to this permit, 11. Public Comments No public comments were made. 12. Identi fy Items to be placed on next agenda The committee wanted the following items to be placed on the agenda for the month of March. Discussion and review on the Raptors Prohibition; Discussion review and possible recommendation for the breeders permit; and discussion review and possible recommendation for the cat colony permit. Ms, Tarnoski asked where the department was with Enough is Enough. MR. Blas replied that we are setting up meetings throughout the communities. 14. Adtournment Dr. Whitlock made a motion to adjourn, Ms,Tarnoski 2nd the motion all in favor motion passed. 1,53 pm Laura E. Robinson, DVM, MS * +�K 601 W. Sesame Drive Vacant - Zoo nosis Control Specialist Harlingen, Texas 76550 Lefty Tamayo - Public Health Specialist TEXAS office: (956) 444 -3212 FAX: (956) 444 -3216 Ue�a�[n�entr�r Slag Hcaldi Suvke5 5 HEALTH SERVICE F E RU ARY RABIES REPORT 2012 2011 2010 .JANUARY 4 0 2 FEBRUARY 3 0 3 TOTAL 7 0 5 LY NEWS Three rabid bats were reported during February in Region 11 bringing the total to 6 rabid bats for 2012. This is similar to the numbers seen in January and February of 2010, which could indicate increased bat activity and rabies transmission after a mild winter. Please be 1 prepared for more calls regarding bats in the next few months. Four unvaccinated dogs were exposed to the bats in Bee and Hidalgo Counties. Please remind dog and cat owners that rabies vaccination is required by law! OTHER RESULTS DATE COUNTY SPECIES RESULTS 2103112 Willacy Bat Decomposed 2117112 Nueces Donkey Unsatisfactory 2127112 Hidalgo Bat Decomposed O N L ROL� R 2012 2012 RABIES CASES i Horse-1 A Sat - 6 FEBRUARY CASES CASE# DATE COUNTY SPECIES 5 2101112 Cameron Evening bat 6 2121112 Bee Freetailed bat 7 2127112 Hidalgo Freetailed bat CCCCCCCCCCCCCGCCCCCCCCGGCCCCCCGCCC 7�77���� >� >3 »7a7�7�7 > ?a�77������� DSHS LABORATORY - CONFIRMED RABID ANIMALS HEALTH SERVICE REGION 11- 2012 COUNTY JANUARY FEBRUARY TOTAL BEE BAT -1 1 CAMERON BAT -1 1 HIDALGO BAT -2 BAT -1 3 WEBB BAT -1 1 ZAPATA HORSE -1 1 TOTAL 4 3 7 VISIT US: www.dshs.state.tx.us/regionll/services/zoonosis-shtm Publication #57 -10768 Cases by Species ZOONOSIS CONTROL HSR 11 PAGE 2 FEBRUARY 2012 Many families will be celebrating Easter in a few weeks. Along with the cute chicks, furry bunnies and colored Easter eggs comes another important but not -so -cute topic to think about: Salmonella. Salmonella are bacteria that can cause gastro- intestinal illness. There are many species and serotypes of Salmonella, and animals and raw eggs can be sources for many of them. Typical symptoms of Salmonella infection include fever, headache, malaise, abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea. Easter egg hunts are a popular tradition. Plastic eggs can be filled with goodies and hidden, but hard - boiled eggs should not be hidden if they are going to be eaten. Hard - boiled eggs should be .thoroughly boiled and kept refrigerated until served. If hollow eggshells are used for cascarones, they should be disinfected before filling with confetti. Children should not be allowed to handle or break raw eggs as this could lead to the ingestion of Salmonella. Another Spring tradition is giving chicks, ` .sucklings and bunnies to children as gifts. Chicks, ducklings and other animals can be a source of Salmonella, and very young children should not be allowed to handle them. Salmonella can cause serious illness in young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems. It is very important that people wash their hands with soap and warm water immediately after handling animals to prevent the spread of bacteria. Chicks and ducklings that are carrying Salmonella do not usually become ill from the bacteria. Unfortunately, many of these gift animals end up at shelters or die from inadequate care. Parents should always be consulted before giving a child a live animal. They require proper feeding, care and veterinary services, and the parents must be willing to assume the responsibility if the child doesn't. Chicks, bunnies and ducklings mature quickly into adult animals. Rabbits should be neutered if they are going to be kept as pets. This will prevent any unnecessary breeding and unwanted bunnies. Additionally, many cities have ordinances prohibiting poultry or limiting the number and types of pets. More information and materials about Salmonella, including a poster on hand washing and a template for printable stickers, are available at www.cdc.gov/ healthypets /easter_chicks.htm and www.edc.gov/ features /SalmonellababyBirds. CCCCG <CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC <CCCCCCC » » » » » » »> » » » > » »> > » »» CCCCCCCCCCCCGCCCCCCCC <CCCCCCGCCCCC >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> APRIL: Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month APRIL 5 -14: National Animal Control Appreciation Week MAY 6-12: Be Kind to Animals Week'' MAY 20 -26: National Dog Bite Prevention Week CHICKS BUNNIES AND SALMONELLA ZOONOSIS CONTROL HSR 11 PAGE 3 FEBRUARY 2012 SPRING CLEANING i ng is here, and people are heading outdoors to enjoy the sights, sounds and scents of nature. This is also a good time of year for cleaning and repairing homes, yards and gardens before the heat of summer takes over. Many of these activities can put people at risk of exposure to zoonotic diseases but can also be a way to reduce exposure in the months to come. Below we've included some precautions to take while cleaning out attics, sheds and other places rodents and pests may have taken refuge during the winter. You also will find some tips for reducing the populations of nuisance and disease- carrying pests around your home. As the weather warms, migrating bats return from their winter destinations looking for a place to roost. Sometimes bats will do this in homes and other buildings inhabited by humans. Common roosting places include attics, roofs and chimneys. There are a few basic measures people can take to prevent bats from entering their homes. Any holes or openings % inch or larger allowing access to the attic or interior of the house should be completely sealed. Window and door screens should fit tightly. Screens should be installed on top of chimneys to prevent bats from roosting in them. If bats are already in the home, they should be excluded using techniques that will allow the bats to leave the roost but not return. Detailed information on bat exclusion methods is available at www.npwrc.usgs.gov/ resource /mammals /housebattindex People may also encounter rodents or their nests in the attic, garage or cabin while Spring cleaning. It's very important to take precautions against disease transmission when cleaning areas rodents have invaded. The rodents, their feces and urine, and their fleas and ticks could potentially harbor the organisms that cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, typhus, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, gastrointestinal diseases and other illnesses. Gloves, goggles, disinfectants, insecticides and an N -100 (HEPA) mask are important personal protective equipment that should be used when cleaning areas where rodents have been living. Detailed guidelines can be found at www. dshs. state.tx.uslidculdiseaselhantav %ruses /information /pamphlet! and the CDC website www.cdc.govl rodents /. To reduce the likelihood that rodents will invade homes and other buildings, food and garbage should be stored in thick plastic or metal containers with tight fitting lids, spilled food should be cleaned up immediately, dishes should be washed soon after use, pet food should be put away after use and should not be left out overnight, grass and shrubbery should be kept trimmed, and woodpiles should be at least one foot off of the ground and 100 feet away from the home. Rodent control efforts should always include flea and tick control as well. Fleas and ticks can live on your pets, in your house, and in your yard. Effective flea and tick control involves treating all three with the appropriate products in accordance with label directions. Treatments often have to be repeated at two week intervals because the flea and tick eggs are resistant to most pesticides. The Texas AgriLife Extension Service has pamphlets on flea and tick control on their website: Fleas (English and Spanish) https:// agrilifebookstore .org /publications_deta!is.cfm ?whichpub =1621 https:l lagrilifebookstore .org /publications_details.cfm ?whichpub =1622 Ticks (English and Spanish) https: liagrilifebookstore .org /pubi!cations_details.cfm ?whichpu = https:llagrilifebookstore.org /publications details.cfm ?whichpublication =1626 While working outside on the yard and garden, people should protect themselves from mosquitoes and the diseases they transmit. Using an effective insect repellent and wearing long pants and long - sleeved shirts will reduce the chances of being bitten. People can also reduce the number of mosquitoes by eliminating the standing water mosquitoes need to breed. Any container that will hold water should be emptied, removed, covered or turned upside down. Water in vases should be changed twice a week, and pet water bowls should be changed on a daily basis. Bird baths should be scrubbed and the water changed twice a week. Old tires should be discarded properly or stored under a roof. Clogged roof gutters should be cleaned and leaky faucets repaired. Tree holes should be filled with sand or mortar, and any holes or depressions in the ground " collect water should be filled .or drained. Learn more about mosquitoes and how to control them, and even go on virtual backyard safari to identify mosquito breeding habitats at http:llmosquitosafari.tamu.edu /. More information about mosquitoes and the diseases they transmit is available at www.dshs. state .tx.us /idcu /disease /arboviral /. For additional information on any of these topics, please call Zoonosis Control at (956) 444 -3212 or visit our website at www.texaszoonosis.org. City of Corpus Christi Animal Care and Control Services MONTHLY ACTIVITY REPORT rr�� Total Cases by Activity & Species Activity Dogs # 1 % Cats # 1 % Other # 1 % Total by Activity # I % Restrained On Property 24 4 17 45 Restrained Off Property Picked up by ACS Officers 334 118 0 165 0 617 56.50 %0 Dropped off 257 175 119 43 0 475 43.50% Total Incoming Animals 591 54.92% 293 26.83% 208 19A5% 1,092 100.00% �'; It fl + 959 Relocated to Wild 0 0 2 2 0.24% Rescued 10 22 2 34 4.06% Ado ted 36 12 1 .49 5.85 Returned to Owner 52 4 1 57 6.81 Wildlife Rehabilitation 0 0 0 Paws & Claws Heartworm 0 0 0 Program Animal Died in Truck 0 0 0 0 0.00 ° Ia Animal Died in Kennel 2 0 0 2 0:24% Euthanized 326 190 177 693 .82.80% Total Outg oing Animals 426 50.90% 228 27.24% 183 21.86% 837 100.00% ILt - Relocated within Facility 71 29 1 101 62.35 %° Missing Kennel Card 2 14 0 16 9:88% Bite Cases 25 4 16 45 .27.78% Total Kennel Animals 98 B0.49% 47 29.01 % 17 10.49% 182 100.00% Failure to restrain lilure to vaccinate ailure to register Failure of care & keeping February 2012 Citations 6-101-18 6-126-15 626 -18 6-151- 4 Total 55 BtTIZ A E _ BI Dog Cat Other Total Restrained On Property 24 4 17 45 Restrained Off Property 0 0 0 0 Unrestrained 0 0 0 0 Unknown Restraint 2 119 74.84% 0 Total Bite Cases 1 24 1 4 1 17 1 45 Notes: There was 1 shelter animal that received other care. This was a dog that received dental care. QAttS FQR:SER1lICE Dog Cat Other I Total IDailyAvg. Totals 1 1648 1 346 1 592 1 2,586 1 86 Notes: These calls were made by customers directly to the facility, and do not include calls received via the City's Call Center. REVISED 7/29/11 fRIC__Ii►I QIFFttEPERRM�>t3 Type of Procedure by Species & Ownership Do g Cat Other Care Total by Owner Neuter Spay Neuter Spay # % General Public /Pet Owners 38 35 18 26 2 119 74.84% Shelter Animals 13 13 4 10 40 25.16% Totals by Species/Surge 51 48 36 2 959 100.00% Notes: There was 1 shelter animal that received other care. This was a dog that received dental care. QAttS FQR:SER1lICE Dog Cat Other I Total IDailyAvg. Totals 1 1648 1 346 1 592 1 2,586 1 86 Notes: These calls were made by customers directly to the facility, and do not include calls received via the City's Call Center. REVISED 7/29/11 Chapter 2 Administration Article N Division 1 Sec. 2 -60 -64 Chapter 6 Animal Care And Animal Control Division 8. Animal Control Advisory Committee Sec 2 -115 -116 In response to several questions that have arisen over the last year regarding the Animal Control Advisory Committee, I have created the attached synopsis of the rules. Although I have shared this with legal and the City Secretary's Office please do not consider this to be definitive. I intend only to make it easy for us to answer the simple questions. Anytime clarification is needed, legal is available to us. • Animal Control Advisory Committee consists of 7 members. • The members include: 1 veterinarian 2 local Animal Welfare organizations (At least one must operate as a shelter) 4 Representing the community at large • Terms last for 3 years. • Each member serves until their successor is appointed and qualified • Each member shall be a resident of the City of Corpus Christi • The City Manager (or Representative), Director of the Health Department (or Representative) and the Animal Control Supervisor serve as ex officio members without vote. • Officers: Chair and Vice Chair: Following the yearly appointment of new members, the Committee shall meet and at its earliest convenience by majority vote elect a Chair (Presides over meetings) and a Vice Chair (Presides in Chairs absence) • The Director of the Health Department (or designee) shall serve as the secretary. Responsibilities of the Secretary: Send notices for the meetings Keep and preserve the minutes Retain all documents filed with the Committee Advise and consult with City official as to the Committees work and recommendations Assist the Committee and Subcommittees in planning and coordinating its programs Perform other such duties that may be of assistance to the Committee A copy of the minutes shall be sent to all members • Subcommittees: Appointed only from among the current members Established by the Chair with the approval of the Committee Chapter 2 Administration Article 1V Division 1 Sec. 2 -60 -64 Chapter 6 Animal Care And Animal Control Division S. Animal Control Advisory - Committee Sec 2 -115 -116 • Meetings: The committee shall meet once a month, and Shall meet at the call of the Chair, or Shall meet on the call of a majority of its members • The Committee: Shall adopt its own rules of procedure of notice of meetings and conduct thereof Four members constitute a quorum • Purpose and Duties of the Committee: The Committee shall advise the City Council and City Manager about all aspects of Animal Control including fees, staffing, ordinances, procedures and policies and facilities. Jurisdiction and actions of the Committee is advisory only. • Specific tasks of the committee: Acquaint itself with the animal control needs and problems of the community, and: The City's animal ordinances and regulations The details of operations of the division, and community animal facilities such as pounds and shelters. Develop recommendations to meet community needs in this area and to improve the City's animal control program. Cultivate public knowledge, understanding and acceptance of the need for the services offered by the Animal Control Division and the ordinances and regulations it enforces. Provide a public forum for discussion of animal control needs and services and for hearing public complaints, inquiries or praise about such services. • Absences Unexcused absences from more than 25% of regularly scheduled meetings during a term year shall result in an automatic vacancy That vacancy shall promptly be reported to the City Council An absence is Unexcused unless excused by the board for good cause, no later than the next meeting after the absence • http: / /www.oag. state .tx.us /open /og trainina.shtml