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WC CWF Health District Board Minutes - 05/11/2018PUBLIC HEALTH BOARD MIf41-a Wichita Falls -Wichita County Public Health District 1700 Third Street - Parker Conference Room Wichita Falls, Texas BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Julie Gibson, D.V.M,, Vice -Chair Veterinarian -City Robin Moreno,; MHA-HSA, ACHE, Secretary Citizen At -Large -City Larry Rains, D,D.S. Dentist -County Keith Williamson, M.D. Physician -City 3 1L-13117_1 *34 k rel David Carlston, Ph.Dr, Chair Citizen At -Large -County Melissa Plowman Restaurant Association -City Kathleen Williamson, MSN, Ph D., R.N. Registered Nurse -City OTHERS PRESENT: Lou Kreidler, R.N., B.S.NA Director of Health Amy Fagan, M.P.A. Assistant Director of Health Dr, Arthur Szczerba, M_D_ Health Authority 1. CALL TO ORDER r. Julie Gibson called the Health Boardmeeting to order at 12:03 pm after a quorum of members was attained. APPROVALOF Dr. Keith Williamson introduced a motion to approve the minutes as presented and Robin Moreno seconded the motion. - motion passed At this time, it was noted the excused absence of Dr. David Carlston, Melissa Plowman and Dr. Rathleen Ar1II;iAL SERTICES Lou•ler introduced Katrena Mitchell the Animal Services Administrator d Mandi Pfeffer would be needed today. Katrena Mitchell stated it was time for a change no major overhaul of the Chapter 14 Animal Ordinance had been done in at least 8-years. The outdated ordinances put Animal Services behind the curve an the trends across the nation and Texas. Many hours had been spent in the review and research of ordinances from Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Plano, Denton, San Antonio, Weatherford, Irving and other Texas cities. The revisions have not been reviewed by Legal yet as a new City prosecutor just started this week. Review of the major changes• • -c DEFINITIONS a Animal means any living organism - . feeds on organic disputeMandi Pfeffer explained reasons for change in the definition was several incidents where individuals did not any of e definition. Harbor means to provide any animal, fowl, livestock or wildlife with food, water, shade or shelter for any I iven amount of time, tAXA did not want to take the responsibility to provide the much needed care for the animals as possible. Public Nuisance • Any animal, fowl, livestock ownedlharbored by the same person that is repeatedly at large (e.g. two or more times per 12-month period) • Providing food or water to feral cats without a feral cat permit • A place or condition that has the potential to produce obnoxious or foul odors r- y at iarge :Tas Wnree or more i U J, cal if problems. The obnoxious or foul odors are mainly the result of the mass number of people in the communit that hoard it is another way to be able to get in and help the hoarders and the animals. REMOVAL OF WASTE An owner of a dog commits an offense if he: 1) Knowingly allows the dog to enter or be present on private property or on property located in a pub place and 2) Fails to have in his possession materials or implements that, either alone or in combination with ea other, can be used to immediately and in a sanitary and lawful manner both remove and dispose any excrete the dog may deposit on the property. The ordinance as it states now owners are responsible for the removal of waste deposited by their anim regardless of where. Animal Services receives one or two calls every day from a citizen that an individual 11 walking a dog in the neighborhood that defecates in their yard the change would help with the enforcement. be enforced. MICROCHIP REQUIRED All dogs and cats 16 weeks of age or older must be microchipped. Any unchipped animal redeeme from Animal Services must be chipped prior to leaving the shelter Animal Services will micrmochip th animal and a fee applied The owner must maintain current contact information with Animal Services and the microchip compan., If an animal is soldlgiven away, the owner must have the microchip transferred to the new owner withi 30 days. Katrena Mitchell indicated that one of the big changes is the need for every dog and cat to have a microchi have the current information or an animal dearly loved with no tags, no microchip and no way to get it bac home. Many cities have moved toward microchipping all animals since it is a permanent form of identificatic that helps with the identification to get the animal back home. Dr. Gibson asked where did the 16 weeks of age or older derive from. the rabies tag. Dr. Gibson commented it is hard to microchip a 2 pound chihauhau or yorkie any of the smaller breeds at 1 weeks of age. Most times her clinic waits until 6-months when spayed or neutered while under sedation leE of a worry for the health of the animal, Mandi Pfeffer replied in some cases with the requirement to spay/neuter or certain incidents the dog can t too old the vet deems it inappropriate because of health issues. The vet provides the documentation 1 verification to dismiss or delay the requirement. 0 Dr. Gibson asked if that needs to be put into the ordinance? I F IWW41 hmv&-the citizens that are not compliant to prosecute. DUTY TO LOCATE A person commits an offense if he takes possession of a loose dog or cat within the city and knowing fails to make, within 72 hours after taking possession, a reasonable effort to locate the owner by, 1) Calling the telephone number listed on the animal's tags 2) Taking the animal to Animal Services, a licensed veterinarian or other animal agency with a microchi scanner to be scanned for a microchip, checked for a tattoo or other identification screening an calling the owner through the screening 3) Posting on local lost and found Pets social media as well as Animal Services social media 4) Making a found report to Animal Services to include contact information, description of the animi and location of where the animal was found it provides some guidelines for those that find a loose dog or cat. Within the last year there has been increase in people that find an animal, fall in love and keep the animal not wanting to find the owners until t animal becomes disruptive. The people then bring the animal to Animal Services say it was a stray found months ago and the owner may have already stopped looking for the animal. Mandi Pfeffer mentioned the State law says they have to make reasonable effort but that is person interpretation of reasonable and these are specific guidelines to follow. Animal Services cannot be lax in t State law but can be more critical and harsh than the State law that would help in the future to differentia between the caretaker and owner. OUTSIDE CATS Sec. 14-82 - All outside cats must be spayed and neutered. cat goes outside people need to be responsible to spay/neuter. The majority of the many cats Animal Cont Officers and citizens bring in are the outside cats. PERMITS • All dogs and cats owned by the permit holder or residing at the permitted property must also obtain c licenses and current proof of rabies on all owned dogs and cats • It is required that the permit holder must meet all standards of care recognized by the City inclu and not limited to food, water, shade and shelter. • All livestock shall have some type of identifying marker such as a brand, ear tag, etc. to help iden the owner All identifying markers should be documented and registered with Animal Services. Sec. 14-119 - Seizure Warrant Failure to comply with any of these regulations or to obtain a permit may result in a seizure warra being obtained and all animals removed from the property. Katrena Mitchell asserted a lot of calls are received of livestock out loose but a black cow looks like anoth black cow, as sheep, as pigs. Animal Service wants to get the livestock back to the owners. Mandi Pfeffer affirmed Animal Control Officers (ACO's) go out in the middle of the night on a lot of loo permitted livestock but have a hard time to get ahold of the owners so the livestock have to be restrained. No a citation can be issued but there are no consequences the problem continues with the same owners with many the revision allows a follow-up with consequences. Lou Kreidler questioned if it would be checked when the ACO's are out doing the livestock permits. Mandi Pfeffer answered yes it would be a requirement. 9 Dr. Rains asked how much is a citation. Mandi Pfeffer replied up to $425 but it would be what the judge assesses. Katrena Mitchell stated any non-compliance would result in a seizure warrant to take the animals. PET77NG ZOOS 1) Must provide to Animal Services a copy of Health Certificates dated within 30 days for all animals present. 2) Must provide to Animal Services a copy of current coggins needed for any equine present. 3) Must provide to Animal Services a copy of current Rabies certificates for any mandated vaccinated animals present 4) Must call Animal Services no later than 10 days prior to the event and set up a permit inspection to be held within normal operating hours of Animal Services. (0) Failure to provide all required documentation will result in permit not being issued. UM7UgfPWU I I - implementations for clarification it would �ssure safety for the people that go to the petting zoos. an equine and needed a coggins. Mandi Pfeffer believed so but would check because it is a broad range not specific to a domes;]ticated hor oniv. if Tot she would make sure iti iT iT;121mi T MUM iT;Ami coggins paperwork it was uncertain if the zebras had any illness. The coggins have to match up with a speci 11:4 1 t W 0 Mm"5e5teu 5ettP5 toprovid the required documents will result in no permit issued. PET FANCIER'S (more than 4) • All must be spayedlneutered • No more than 2 documented violations of any City Ordinance unaltered versions but wants with the revision to move only to the altered version. Lou Kreidler questioned what was the reasoning behind all spayed/neutered. iludi Wilei wingadid olLe-i Posi siti iilact'fava ounDies avd Wais t1a auires a stud or litter Der ine pet Tancler Wes Of cu"Eact us inat coulu cause a permit suspension it Nouto De Miter Tor an pi rpus all were altered they need to meet all the requirements. FERAL CAT COLONY REGISTRATION a) Each cat colony will be registered by the caretakers with Animal Services and caretaker must agree meet all standards of care set forth in this Chapter, b) There will be a limit of 12 cats per colony and only I registered colony per block. c) Any feral cat picked up by Animal Services which has an appropriate ear tip will be rmeleased at t nearest registered cat colony and that caretaker notified. d) Copy of the Cat Colony registration1permit shall be posted at the feeding location and viewable fro the street or alleyway. e) Caretakers of feral cat colonies shall obtain a cat colony permit which shall be valid for one year a implement proper management and sterilization practices. Any person or caretaker determined to in violation of proper management and sterilization practices shall be issued a written warning and allowed 10 days to come into compliance. Failure to comply shall result in a violation of this chapter ri I W well. PRIVATE ANIMAL SALES a) No owner or person shall advertise, display, transfer ownership or offer to transfer ownership of any dog, cat or ferret over the age of 6 months of age that is not sterilized, implanted with a microchip and currently vaccinated against rabies. b) The sterilization requirement in subsection (a) shall not apply if the owner can provide proof that the animal meets one or more of the following conditions: 1) The animal is registered with a national registry or is a sporting dog, livestock dog, working dog performance doge or the owner is a member of a national breed club, local breed or perfonnance club or sporting or hunting club or 2) The animal is a professionally trained assistance or police service animal. hopefully the revision helps those people that flip animals and helps the Animal Shelter numbers. VICIOUS ANIMAL LICENSE 1) Have the dog spayedlneutered or provide documentation from a veterinary clinic stating the dog is spayed or neutered. 2) The registered owner of the dog must be at least 18 years old 3) Have the dog microchipped and registered for its life with a National registry and present proof to Animal Services. 14 resulting from an attack by the vicious animal and proof of the required liability to Animal Services. This is to be done no later than 30 days after a person learns that they are the owner of a vicious dog as defined in this section. Proof of the required liability insurance shall be provided yearly to the Health Distlfct. TICIW'S (continued) Sec. 14-341 - Failure to Comply Failure of an owner to comply with any part of this Chapter shall warrant the obtaining of a seizure warrant and the animal removed from the property. RECLAIMS b) At an animal's first impound, the owner can agree to spaylneuter the animal and provide proof of payment to and appointment at a veterinary clinic to Animal Services prior to release of the animal. All reclaim and boarding fees will be waived with proof of payment for sterilization and the scheduled appointment. Katrena Mitchell stated at the animal's second impound it is a mandatory spay/neuter. a loll- .4go r-BTF-Tm- 7-4F.V TrIUVW.T.I., - !1 111'I liability insurance coverage she gets verification of a current policy but it does not state how much is paid o of pocket each month. Dr. Rains questioned that you have to have an insurance policy on your dog for biting somebody. Mandi Pfeffer replied the dog does not even have to bite just have the perspicuity to attack. Dr. Gibson remarked that some of the homeowner insurance will not even cover the dog. Katrena Mitchell said people had been able to get the liability insurance through their homeowners. A dog th is declared vicious is not a nice dog and not wanted inside the city limits. gai-rh%aWfat WeRM-rim, now. Mandi Pfeffer responded at least twice a month she gets an affidavit to start an investigation. Lou Kreidler asked how many are registered as vicious. 1.1 • Owns or has care, custody or control of an animal having an obvious or diagnosed illness, injury, communicable illness transmittable to animal or human without having the animal treated by veterinarian or following a proper treatment regimen for the injury or illness. • Fails to provide basic grooming for an animal. • Cause, allows or trains an animal to right another animal or possesses animal fighting paraphernalia training equipment INHUMANE TREATMENT (continued) • Fails to adequately provide an animal owned by hum or under his care, custody or control wit necessities of life including., food, potable water, sanitary conditions, shelter or protection from the hea cold, other environmental conditions or other circumstances that may cause bodily injury, serious bo injury or death of an animal. • Teases, taunts or provokes an aggressive reaction from an animal. Katrena Mitchell said clarification on the inhumane treatment was made to assure that all the animals basi needs are met. A lot of calls are received about kids walking down the street teasing, running sticks again become an issue. TRANSPORTING AN ANIMAL Sec. 14-460 — Transporting an Animal in an Open Bed of a Motor Vehicle a) A person commits an offense if he carries or transports an animal within the open bed of any movin pickup, flatbed or similar vehicle. b) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that the animal was in a carHer or other device such a pet taxi or dog box secured to the vehicle sufficiently enough to keep the animal from failing from vehicle. The carrier or other device shall also provide adequate ventilation, shade and shelter. 1954 W, an anicie trom ine numane �56ciely ollffe year because of riding in an open bed of a truck. Lou Kreidler asked what if they tether them. not in direct eye sight. Lou Kreidler asserted that they are driving the truck she knows that is going to be a problem. They say they do it on the farm but they are on a highway if someone cuts you off you are going to hit t brakes your dog can be trained but gravity comes into play. The tether would have to be in direct site at times a mirror would not constitute because a window does not constitute as of now on the tether. Lou Kreidler confirmed when it is 110 degrees outside a lot of calls are received about an animal left on flatbed or truck bed on the hot metal and have not been able to do anything about it. Mandi Pfeffer stated because they are technically not confined but possibly instead for overheated under t State law. It had been talked about for those animals left in the back of a pickup truck. One incident with a d when hit with the temp gauge it ranged from 120 to 140 degrees the dog needed vet care at that point. Dr. Rains asked how would that be enforced to give citations or the police. Katrena Mitchell affirmed police officers can enforce all the Animal ordinances. 0 WILDLIFE EDUCATIONAL CENTER a) A Wildlife Educational Center shall obtain a wildlife education center permit from the Animal services and shall comply with any and all applicable local, state and federal regulations. The owner or operator of the Center shall provide copies of all documentation required by Federal and State guidelines for all animals housed within the premises. WILDLIFE REHABILITATORS a) All wildlife rehabators shall obtain a wildlife rehabilitators permit from Animal Services and shall comply with any and all applicable federal, state and local regulations regarding the handling and release of wildlife. Animal Services she# require copies of documentation of all required Federal and State permits currently held by the wildlife rehabber. b) The wildlife rehabilitator must also present the name, address and phone number for all sub -permit holders under their original permits at the time of their yearly permit. Animal Services reserves the tight to inspect any premises associated with the Wildlife Rehabilitator based on any complaints received. Katrena Mitchell said last summer one of the sub -permit holders had baby raccoons in a cage in their front with the raccoons it could have been a big issue if the raccoons had come down with rabies. Therefore, the requirement of names, addresses and phone numbers for all sub -permit holders to inspect those premises based on any complaints received. ANIMAL CARE 4) An owner, harbor or caretaker of an animal is required to provide any animal in his care with humane care and treatment as follows: a) Access to an adequate supply of fresh air b) Species specific food c) Fresh water d) Exercise e) Shelter as defined by this Chapter 0 Veterinary care when needed to prevent suffering g) Grooming vave7w&tM�&_� many people that do not provide care for their animal. prosecutor will review soon followed with discussions and a presentation of the final to the Board for recommendation. Lou Kreidler remarked that Dr. Gibson at one time mentioned seeing a lot of stray cats with feline leukemia. Dr. Gibson said her office sees ouite a bit of FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) if the animal goes outside "I"i RMW 210yi 1 101164 144111*1--1 W11 14 W 1; 11 1 1, PIANO -1 0 00-1 1 911 1 liwillawasiewww"Ilky, 1W - M i vild I 1W to get just a handful 5 or 6 cases. ■ Ue UU"e 1H Me for a successful court case. Katrena Mitchell noted the revisions will help the Animal Control Officers be able to enforce the ordinances and provide consequences in turn to help the community as pets included stay healthy, happy and maybe a few less animals. Monday the shelter had only 8 dogs that facilitated a deep clean of the kennels then Thursday the shelter was again super full. 9 problem of great significance around here. Karena Mitchell replied that it happens in the area her thoughts are that people may think it happens mo than it does since there is more of an awareness. involved we may help them work it but it becomes their case not ours. Katrena Mitchell commented probably more occurrences of hidden rooster seizures. Last year had 54 Jrooste in a residential neighborhood the neighbors did not complain about all the crowing. us out to the site. ordinance because a neighbor has chicken coops in the front yard. Zvi outside, be DE tusked, fixed and vaccinated. Dr. Gibson said pot belly pigs are not heard about as often now but her clinic does not see pigs, so are th many seen. Katrena Mitchell replied Animal Services this year have picked up 12 pot belly pigs and have 5 now. Mandi Pfeffer stated it was terrible a year ago. The owners do not expect the pigs to get so big, not fe properly are bigger for their age, the pigs bust out of a yard and the ACO's chase them down. IV. NEXT MEETING DATE Friday July 13, 2018 was noted as the next meeting date. V. ADJOURN Dr. Julie Gibson adjourned the meeting at 12:53 pm. 7 ;11!111�1q;p City -County Board Wo