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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Animal Care Advisory Committee - 05/17/2012p1ma1 Csre servlc City of Corpus Chnsti +w..ti..� 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 May 17th, 2012 Members Present: Bill Schroeder, Samantha Person, Dr. Nina Sisley, Barbara Beynon and Dr. Barbara Whitlock Members Absent; Heather Tarnoski (The following staff members were present) Jesse Carreon and Mark Schauer Guests: Cheryl Martinez, Mark Schauer and Mark Crider 1. Call to order: Mr. Schroeder called the meeting to order at 12:35 2. Discussion and possible Approval of Minutes from April 19th, 2012 Mr. Schroeder noted that Mr. Bennett was present at the meeting for April, Mr. Bennett made a motion to approve the minutes, Df, Whitlock 2 1d the motion all in favor motion passed. 3. Discussion and possible Approval of Absences from April 19th, 2012 Mr, Schroeder noted that there were no absences for the month of March. 4. Discussion of Current Zoonosis Renort Mr, Schroeder noted that the Zoonosis report was attached for viewing. A general discussion was held on the Zoonosis report and the focus on was bats. 5. Discussion of Current Shelter Report Mr. Carreon informed the commiftee of the numbers as follows: A total of 215 dogs, 169 cats and 274 otherwere picked up from the field fora total of 658; 370 dogs, 360 cats and 58 other dropped off at the shelter for a total of 788 for a total of 1,446 for incoming animals. 3 others' were relocated to wild; 12 dogs and 93 cats were rescued; 28 dogs and 11 cats for a total of 39 were adopted; 40 dogs and 6 cats return to owner; 10 dogs, 1 cat and 2 others for a total of 13 died in kennel; 360 dogs, 295 cats and 266 other euthanized for a total of 921. A total of outgoing animals were 1,127. A total of 114 animals were relocated within the facility, 2 relocated to wild; 15 missing kennel cards and 53 bite cases. The total of calls for service for dogs was 1,600, 326 cats, and 712 other for a total of 2,648 calls for an average of 88 calls per day. Mr. Carreon also added that the call included sweeps for stray animals which include the Hillcrest area. The committee asked what the others under bite cases were. Mr. Carreon replied opossums which we have to do a report on. Ms. Beynon asked if the 41's from-the vets were under other, Mr. Carreon replied yes and we average picking up 35 -40 on 41's and that many for trapped calls. 6. Discussion of Current Clinic Report Mr. Carreon for the month of April there was a total of 53 dog neuter, 40 dog spay, 32 cat neuters, 16 cat spays for a total of 141, The total of shelter animals were 16 dog neuters, 16 dog spays, 7 cat neuters and 5 cat spays for a total of 47 for a total of 188 surgeries for the month of April. 7. Discussion and possible recommendation for board members for the Animal Control Advisory Committee Mr. Schroeder noted the vacancy for the board. The committee reviewed the nominees for the vacant position. Dr. Whitlock made a motion to elect Cheryl Martinez for the position, Mr. Bennett 2 1d the motion all in favor motion passed. 8. Discussion of the Lichentenstein Foundation Asst, Chief Schauer informed the committee that he and Mr. Carreon decided that it would be more beneficial to do a Pet Taxi to assist with picking up and taking back the animals for surgery. We would have a designated location for the public can drop them off at a given time and a time for pick up, We would be advertising this and also make them aware if it's not done that citations can be issued. We have had the training class for citations so we will be seeing more of those being given. Dr. Whitlock asked if this would be for the vaccinations and city tags. Mr. Carreon replied yes and any stray dogs, any violations. We have the city broken up into 32 parts. We went off of Vectors' routes. We are hoping to have volunteers to go canvas the neighborhoods and we will hold the people accountable when we see people who have violations. Asst. Chief Schauer added that the citations could be for dogs tied to a tree, stray roaming, no leash, we can also cite for no spay or neuter. We have a vehicle in the city that we can utilize for this which has a side door. The Lichentenstein Foundation and the Coastal Bend Community Grant's foundation sat down with us on this. We are looking into the costs for this. There will be cages that need to be mounted in and whatever is needed to house the animals in the vehicle. Mr. Schroeder asked how many animals would be able to be in the vehicle. Asst. Chief Schauer replied with stacking the cages would have plenty of room. - The monies from the foundation would go towards the medication, equipment and whatever is needed for the staff running the animals. 9. Discussion on the Hurricane Evacuation Trailer Mr. Schroeder noted the item for the hurricane evacuation trailer. Mr. Carreon added that when he went to look it was in good shape, at this time is being used to store any items needed during the time for evacuation. Mr. Schroeder noted that when we first started the trailer we had some of the committee members put their dog's pictures and were going to raise funds where the public could put their pets on it too, It would go towards whatever was needed for the vehicle but that never materialized. We also had a website the citizens would have been able to purchase to have their pets' picture on it. 10, Discussion and review of the Raptor Prohibition Mr. Carreon informed the committees that he had contacted animal controls were contact throughout the state and a majority of them referred us to Wildlife experts, Bonnie Bradshaw from the 911 Wildlife has provided the following information: North American raplors are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Anyone possessing a North American raptor s is protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Anyone possessing a North American raptor is required to have a permit from the US Fish and Wildlife. A suggestion for the Advisory Committee is to include the ordinances that anyone possessing a permit; report it to the local Animal Control facility so the city is aware of raptors in the city limits. This will allow the city to be informed of the location of any raptors that are legally being rehabilitated. Mr, Schroeder commented with the last item noting rehabilitated rather than permanent housing. Is there an ordinance to rehabilitate and not to keep them? Mr. Carreon replied yes; a lot of them have the permits to do this but they are out of state. I spoke with someone in Virginia and it is allowed there. I have contacted the Falconry people themselves so we can get accurate numbers. 11. Discussion and possible recommendation of the Breeders' Permit ordinance Mr. Carreon informed the committee on the intact permit and registrations fees on the hand out for this subject. Mr. Carreon pointed out that after talking with some of the cities regarding their intact permit the overall consensus was that the permit is a tool to encourage the public to spay and neuter their animals. Many people will surrender their animals once they are cited for not having proper permits for their intact pets, A higher pet registration fee for the unaltered animals and a much a higher impoundment fee for unaltered animals has been the easiest way to educate the public on the importance of spay and neutering. The cities from the research were San Antonio, Pleasanton, Houston, Arlington, Carrollton, San Angelo, Dallas, Irving and Plano. Mr, Carreon explained why a'proposed license fee; All dogs over the age 6 months of age old Must be spayed or neutered OR obtain a permit at the cost of $100 to keep then "in- tact'. "What's the point'; in an attempt to spare animals from euthanization due to over - population and unwanted dogs in Corpus Christi, the intact dog permit is an incentive for pet sterilization as a means of controlling overpopulation. "What happens if I don't comply ?" You can be fined; you can be issued a citation or receive mandatory court appearances. It will make people more aware of the problem of pet over - population and it will also. How do I enforce this? All dogs in the city of Corpus Christi are required to be licensed. Sec 6 -26, Application requirements: (a) required. No person may own, keep, harbor or have custody of or control of any dog or cat over four (4) months of age within the city without having registered each dog or cat as provided under this article, except as permitted by subsection (c) of this section. A general discussion was held on the fees for permit, it was suggested by Dr. Whitlock to do a lower fee and it can be raised as necessary in the following year. 12. Public Comments Mr. Crider pointed out -that the Caller Times had done 3 articles on Animal Control in the last month and brought copies of the articles, Mr. Crider also noted that it's still behind the numbers that San Antonio does. Mr. Crider informed the committee of the various subjects in which the articles were related. Also what can we do to have the Caller Times to write more articles like San Antonio does? Cdr. Schauer informed the committee during a visit to San Antonio we found out that there is no 10 day quarantine period for an animal to go into the adoption area. They will give the shots and allow people to walk to the adoption unescorted, if they find an animal they want to adopt even if it's not altered yet, they can adopt and then pick up after its been altered. We are looking into moving environmental and using that space for a 2 11d clinic area, so the pets are not waiting as long for their shots, We are also looking into different cleaners and sanitizers for the shelter. We are also looking into making a puppy room so we can kennels to where we can care for them before being transferred out. There is a $250K for the next budget year, but won't know until the budget is passed. If we get these monies we are looking into getting better food for the animals and replacing some of the cages in the trucks. The possibility of increase staff with wanting to expand the veterinarian services. Asst. Chief Schauer also informed the committee that we are talking to the individual locations where we have had community service workers from and starting them backup for the shelter again, Mr. Schroeder mentioned that one of the judges he knows if they are able to send some people over to do this at the shelter. Asst. Chief Schauer replied that we have had the workers already coming from municipal court in the past which is what we would use again. We are also in the midst of updating the Inside of the building with painting and whatever is needed to clean up the shelter. Mr. Crider asked if we could buy items for ACS to use. Asst Chef Schauer replied that we are trying to make resources for that, everything is stuck in the general fund. But it is something to look at. Dr. House noted that San Antonio is a much larger city and they do see twice as many animals that we do. Our budget is about 1/6 of the budget they do. They do not pick up opossums or dead animals; they also do not take owner surrender animals in the field. Asst. Chief Schauer also added that when Larry Blas left, we had Mr. Carreon here to step in who came from San Antonio. TO get this place together managerial wise, rules manuals. We are looking into grants to assist, We are looking into bring someone in from the police department to come in and assist Mr. Carreon in getting the department together. There are two options for this. Dr. Whitlock noted that she had learned that they don't pick up stray animals; they only pick up bite case, injured and aggressive dogs. Mr. Carreon added that we get about 100 -120 calls a day for stray dogs, the stray dog calls takes time. It goes thru many channels, the call center, dispatch and supervisors. Asst Chief Schauer added that we are looking into the possibility of solid waste cart pick up the dead animals that are not an immediate hazard; they do not work the same hours we are 2417. With opossums and all the others the public complains when we were not picking up. Ms. Taube added that with the dead animals anything over 50 Ibs we give to solid waste, which use to be 100 pounds; dead animals on the highway go to Texas Dot. 11 Identify items to be placed on next agenda The committee wanted the following items to be placed on the agenda for the month of June, Discussion and review of the Raptor Prohibition; Discussion and possible recommendation of the Breeders' permit ordinance and discussion and review of City Animal Control pet registrations. 14. Adjournment Dr. Whitlock made a motion to adjourn, Mr. Schroeder 2nd the motion all in favor motion passed. 1:40 pm P Laura E. Robinson, DVM, MS 601 W. Sesame Drive Vacant - Zoonosis Control Specialist Harlingen, Texas 78550 Letty Tamayo - Public Health Specialist TEXAS Office: (956) 444 -3212 FAX: (958) 444 -3216 DepttltniolE at State tfeiikh %vic:es .200NOSIS HEALTH SERVICE REGION 11 MONTHLY NEWSLETTER 1 2012 RABIES REPORT 2010 2 3 5 9 2 JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY 2012 201'1 4 0 3 0 2 2 1 1 3 2 TOTAL 13 5 21 Three rabid bats were reported in Region 11 during May: one each in Cameron, Nueces and Willacy counties. No exposures were reported to these bats. In addition, a destroyed bat from Cameron County and decomposed dog from Webb County were investigated. MAY CASES CASE# DATE COUNTY SPECIES 11 5109112 Nueces Freetailed bat 12 5115112 Cameron Evening bat 13 5/25/12 Willacy Freetailed bat 2012 RABIES CASES OTHER RESULTS DATE COUNTY SPECIES RESULTS 5107112 Cameron Bat Destroyed 5/14/12 Webb Dog Decomposed CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC ??> �7. �7 :�7�� ?i.�7��7� ? ?ir�7 ?� ? ?�7�.�� DSHS LABORATORY- CONFIRMED RABID ANIMALS HEALTH SERVICE REGION 11- 2012 COUNTY JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY TOTAL BEE BAT -1 1 CAMERON BAT -1 BAT -1 BAT -1 3 HIDALGO BAT -2 BAT -1 3 NUECES BAT -1 1 WEBB BAT -1 BAT -1 SAT -1 3 WILLACY BAT -1 1 ZAPATA HORSE -1 1 TOTAL 4 3 2 1 3 13 VISIT US: www.dshs.state.tx.ustregionlllservices/zoonosis.shtm Publication #157 -10768 %.uses Py apeaies Horse -1 Sat -12 ZOONOSIS CONTROL HSR 11 PAGE 2 MAY 2012 TURTLES REPTILES AND SALMONELLA Did you know that turtles and other reptiles such as snakes and iguanas can carry Salmonella? The sale of turtles with a shell smaller than 4 inches long has been prohibited in the United States since 1575 to prevent turtle- associated Salmonella infections. (salmonellosis) in humans. These small 1W turtles were banned for sale as pets because young children are more likely to see them as toys and put them in their mouths, ingesting the bacteria in the process. Households with children under 5 years of age should not keep turtles or other reptiles in the home. The same goes for households which include elderly persons and people with weakened immune systems. Turtles and other reptiles should not be allowed in childcare centers or nursing homes. Salmonella can contaminate the tank or terrarium, dishes, and water that the reptile comes in contact with, so this equipment should never be cleaned at the kitchen sink. Any surfaces that the animal comes in contact with should be disinfected immediately. People should always wash their hands with warm soap and water after handling reptiles, their cages, or their feces. Reptiles carrying Salmonella usually do not become ill from the bacteria and will not appear sick. In Texas, all stores that sell reptiles are required to post warning signs and distribute written warnings regarding reptile- associated salmonellosis to people who buy reptiles. Links to the law, samples of the .signs and warnings, and other information on salmonellosis can be found at www.dshs. state. tx. uslidcu /disease /salmonellosis /. The CDC also has websites with information on pet - associated salmonellosis: c l4pwww.edc.gov/healthypets/diseases/salmonellosis.htm and www.cdc.gov/ healthy petslspotlight an_turtles.htm. The poster on page 3 is available at www.ede.gov/ healthypets /resources /amph reptile - poster.pdf. CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC > » » >3 » >7 >� » » > » »a » »7 » > ?.>> %i DEFEND YOURSELF AGAINST WEST NILE f Remember the "Four D's" for your defense against exposure to West Nile virus infected mosquitoes: • DUSKIDAWN are the times of day you should try to stay indoors. This is when infected mosquitoes are most active. • DRESS in long sleeves and pants when you're outside. For extra protection, you may want to spray thin clothing with repellent. • DEET (N,N- diethyl- m- toluamide) is an ingredient to look for in your insect repellent. Other approved repellents include picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus and IR3535. Follow label instructions and always wear repellent when outdoors. • DRAIN standing water in your backyard and neighborhood - old tires, flowerpots and clogged rain gutters. These are mosquito breeding sites. For information about West Nile virus in Texas, go to www.dshs. state .tx.us /idcu /disease /arboviral/ WestNilel. CCCCC CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>> WELCOME, DAWN! Please help us welcome Dawn Viebrock, our new Region 11 Zoonosis Control Specialist, who starts working with us on June 1. Dawn comes to DSHS after working with the Department of Family and Protective Services in Corsicana. Originally from Central Washington State, Dawn has an Associate's degree in Science and earned a Bachelor's in Human Services from Western Washington University. She has seven years of experience in surveillance for zoonotic diseases, including rabies, hantavirus, and West Nile virus. Dawn is excited to be moving to the Rio Grande Valley with her family and is looking forward to being part of the Zoonosis Control Team! `' Contact with amphibians (such as frogs and toads) and reptiles (such as turtles, snakes, and - lizards) can be a source of human Salmonella infections. Small turtles, with a shell length of less than 4 inches, are a well known source of human Salmonella infections, especially among young children. Because of this risk, the Food and Drug Administration has banned the sale of these turtles since 1975. Salmonella germs can cause a diarrheal illness in people that can be mild, severe, or even life threatening. g =M Amphibians and reptiles can carry Salmonella germs and still appear healthy and clean. Salmonella germs are shed in their droppings and can easily contaminate their bodies and anything in areas where these animals live. g Reptiles and amphibians that live in tanks or aquariums can contaminate the water with germs, which can spread to people. Protect Yourself and Your Family from Germs Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water right after touching or feeding amphibians or reptiles, anything in the area where they live and roam, or water from their housing or habitats. Adults should supervise hand washing for young children. 5 if soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer right away and then wash your hands thoroughly with.soap and water as soon as you can. To prevent contamination, keep amphibians and reptiles out of kitchens and other areas where food and drink is prepared, served, or consumed. Tanks, feed or water containers, and any other equipment or materials used when raising or y caring for amphibians and reptiles should be cleaned outsidethe house. Be aware that the equipment and materials, including the tankwater, can be contaminated with Salmonella and other germs. 0 � Don't let children younger than 5 years of age, older adults, or people with weak immune r systems handle or touch amphibians or reptiles. Don't keep habitats containing amphibians or reptiles in a child's bedroom, especially children 0� younger than 5 years of age. Don't let reptiles and amphibians roam free in your home. Don't bathe animals ortheir habitats in your kitchen sink. L If bathtubs are used for these purposes, they should be r thoroughly cleaned afterward. Use bleach to disinfect a tub or a; other place where reptile or amphibian habitats are cleaned. For more information, call 1 -809- CDC -INFO or visit www.cdc.gov. CS223414 -A Photo Credit: Jim Capaldi September. 2010w tv.fllckr.com /photos /jcapaldi City of Corpus Christi Animal Care and Control Services MONTHLY ACTIVITY REPORT VIOLATION SUMMARY Total Cases by Activity & Species Failure to restrain - 17 Failure to vaccinate - Dogs Cats Other Total by Activity Activity # ! % # I % # ! % # ! % 33 3 - W Picked up by ACS Officers 227 125 73 425 40.36% Dropped off 250 362 16 628 59.64% Total Incoming Animals 477 45.30% 487 46.25% 89 8.45% 9,053 100.00% Relocated to Wild D 1 30 31 Rescued 11 27 2 40 Adopted 30 4 0 34 3.62% Returned to Owner 53 2 0 55 5.86% Wildlife Rehabilitation 0 0 Paws & Claws Heartworm 0 0 0 0 0.00% Program !Animal Died in Truck 0 0 1 1 0.00% Animal Died in Kennel 2 4 2 8 2.74% Euthanized 303 368 99 770 75.94% Total 04 going Animals 399 42.49% 406 43.24% 134 14.27% 939 100.00% Relocated within Facility 73 22 7 102 65.81% Missing Kennel Card 0 0 0 0 0.00% Bite Cases 34 3 16 53 34.19% Total Kennel Animals 73 47.10% 1 22 94.99% 7 4.52% 155 100.00% VIOLATION SUMMARY Dog Failure to restrain - 17 Failure to vaccinate - 18 Failure to register - 24 Failure of carelkeeping - 4 Total 63 BiT.. ASSS = -... e ... -w Dog Cat Other Total Known Animal Restrained on Property 1 0 0 1 Known Animal Roaming 0 0 0 0 Unknown Animal Restrained on Pro ert 33 3 16 52 Unknown Animal Roaming 0 0 0 Total Bite Cases 1 34 3 16 53 Type of Procedure Do g by Species & Ownership Neuter I Spay Cat Other sure Total b Owner Neuter Spa # % General Public /Pet Owners 41 72 4 17 0 0.00% Shelter Animals 8 18 1 3 1 0.00% Totals by S ecies /Sure 49 90 5 20 1 165 100.00% Chapter 2 Administration Article IV 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 Iast 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: I 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 qualifZed • 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 IV 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.oa §.state.tx.us /open /oci training.shtml