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WC CWF Health District Board Minutes - 09/13/2019WICHITA FALLS-WIC�HITA COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH BOARD MINUTES September 13, 2019 Wichita Falls -Wichita County Public Health, District 1700 Third Street — Parker Conference Room Wichita Falls, Texas BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT" David Cariston, Ph.D., Chair Tonya Egloff, D.D.S. Lauren Jansen, Ph.D. R.N. Melissa Plowman Keith Williamson, M.D. VOIC Julie Gibson, 01,V.M,, Vice -Chair Robin Moreno, MHA-HSA, ACHE, Secretary I F11" wwl•V�Wmmm';*" 611 Amy K. Fagan, Nicki Bacon Amanda Pfeffer Arth u r J . Szczerba, M D, Amy GIII ardner A q I kh M; - Citizen At -Large -County Dentist -County, Registered Nurse -City Restaurant Association -City Physician -City Veterinarian -City Citizen At -Large -City Director of Health Assistant Director of Health Animal Services Administrator Animal Control & Kennel Coordinator Health Authority Municipal Court Prosecutor County Judge County Commissioner 1. CALL TO ORDER Dr. David Carlston called the meeting to order at,12:01 pm after a quorum of members was attained. 11. APPROVAL OF MINUTES, AND ABSENCES Dr. David Carlston called for the review and approval of minutes from the July 12, 2019 meeting. Dr. Keith Williamson introduced a motion to approve the minutes as presented and Dr. Ton,ya Egloff seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 1111. HEALTH AUTHORITY APPOINTMENT Dr. Arthur Szczerba was reappointed as Health Authority of the State of Texas administered by Wichita County Judge Woodrow W. Gossom, Jr, IV. ACREDITATION UPDATE Amy Fagan, Assistant Director of Health stated since 2006 the Public Health District has pursued a voluntary National Accreditation given by the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) organization. The IPHAB site visit team have reviewed about 500 Health District documents, in the last two years. The next step is the site visit scheduled for Thursday September 26 and Friday September 27 with a potential outcome by November. The focus has been on quality improvement highly beneficial for the District. V., ANIMAL ORDINANCE Lou Kreidler, Director of Health presented the Chapter 14 Anima,l Ordinance Review, the last revision in its entirety was in 2009. The need was for another revision in its entirety to comply with State law, uipdate practices, and policies. In review of the ordinance was discussions of problem areas, needed changes, and research of other Texas cities ordinances. After meeting with legal for the review a draft ordinance was finalized. Next was the Stakeholder meetings with: Veterinarians, Residential permit holders, Commercial permit holders, Rescue groups, Shelters, Dangerous dog owners, and feral cat caregivers. The ordinance was revised based on feedback from the stakeholder meetings and public comment. At the Animal Shelter Advisory Committee (ASAC) meeting on Augiust 30, 2019 the vote was to move forward to the Board of Health for review and recommendation. Thanks to Nicki Bacon, Amanda Pfeffer and Animal Services staff whom worked, hard for almost a year long process, now with the 25tdraft. Also, thanks to Amy, Gardner in legal that worked with us to legally fit the needs of Animal Services. Clarification and addition of definitions • Animal means any living organism of the kingdom Animalia that breathes and feeds on organic material. When used in this chapter the term "animal" includes, but not limited to dogs, cats, livestock, fowl, vertebrates, fish, and hermit crabs. • Animal Control Officer changed to Animal Care Officer. • Grooming and Grooming Business to include mobile grooming facilities, • Owner defined to when a person becomes the owner of an animal and is required to accept responsibility as such. • Pet Shop changed to Pet Store - All dogs or cats for adoption or sell must be from a recognized rescue. • Private Animal Shelter was added to, provide distinction between a private shelter and a municipal shelter. Prohibited Animal was, added to define what animals are, not allowed (lions, tigers, coyotes, foxes, wildlife, bats, poisonous reptiles, frogs). Deletion of definitions • Livestock Production Area - All livestock needs to be permitted and meet the requirements of the ordinance. • Vicious Dog Terminology was deleted throughout the section and changed to dangerous dog to align with State law. Disposal of Deceased Animals • Removal of dead livestock is the responsibility of the person responsible for the livestock both physically and financially. • Animal Services will continue to pick up domesticated animals (dogs, cats) and small wildlife on private property for a fee. Owner Surrender Animals • Owner must schedule an appointment to surrender an animal • Provide proof of ownership. • Must pay a fee. Removal of Waste, • An owner commits an offense if they: Knowingly allow the animal to enter or be present on private property or on property located in a public place and fails to have in their possession materials or imiplements that, either alone or in combination with each, other, can be used to immediately and in a sanitary and lawful manner both remove and dispose of any excreta the animal may deposit on the property, • It shall be the responsibility of the owner or the appropriate representative of any multi -family living complex to enforce or remove waste deposited by any animal being housed/harbored on such property. Adoption Policies • Can use a veterinarian, outside city limits but within 30 miles. An additional transportation fee will be charged. • Adopters can return animal for no charge or may rehome but must update information with ASC within 14 days. Responsible Pet Ownership Program • New program designed to provide education on pet care, State law and local ordiinance. • May be mandatory for offenders. • Taught by ASC staff. • Goal is to reduce the number of repeat offenders. • Can be taken to reduce or waive impound fees. Duty to Locate • A person commits an offense if he takes possession of a stray dog or cat within the city and knowingly 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 microchip scanner to be scanned for a microchip, checked for a tattoo or other identification screening and calling the owner through the screening. 3) Making a found report to Animal Services to include contact informatiion, description of the animal and location of where the animal was found, K Wearing of a Collar • Dogs are required to wear a collar and must have a rabies tag and city license attached. (Current requirement) Cats are required to wear a collar with a rabies tag and city license tag attached. Collar may be a breakaway collar to prevent strangulation. Permits • Permit section was completely revised. • Section for general rules and requirements. • Permits divided into two sections: Commercial and Residential. Permits -General • All dogs and cats owned by the permit holder or residing at the permitted property muist", have a current Rabies vaccination and City license. • It is required that the permit holder meet all standards of care set out in the ordinance, not limited to food, water, shelter and shade. • Seizure Warrant -Failure to comply with any of these regulations or to obtain a permit may result in a seizure warrant beings obtained and all animals removed from the property, Permits -Commercial • Fowl, rabbits, guinea pigs,, ferrets • Grooming business includes mobile grooming > Standards of care > Record keeping. • Kennel > One or more dogs or cats over 16 weeks of age > Must have current City License. • Performing Animals, Petting Zoo, Circuses • Present a certificate of health for each qualifying animal. • Present a Rabies certificate for each qualifying animal. • Negative Coggins for al equine. • Federal permits as required,. • Hand Sanifizer stations at both entrance and exits. • Stable/Riding School NEw • Private Animal Shelter • Adequate size for number of animals held. • Must check of lD including microchips - notify owners. • Records for data for key processes/outcomes must be available. • Animals must be spayed/neutered prior to adoption. Permits-R,esidential • Fowl Permit • Livestock Permit • No longer a livestock production area. All Livestock in City limits require a permit. • Livestock must have identifying marker, Documentation shall be provided to ASC at time of permit and when new animals are added. • Non -Conforming Use • Pet Fancier Permit • All animals must be spayed and neutered/microchipped/licensed. • Nlumber allowed determined by adequate housing space and size of animals. • Animals registered with a National Show animal organization exempt from spay and neuter. • Project Animal -New name • Rabbit Permit • Swine Permit • Pot-bellied pig weight less, than 125 lbs. • New permits no longer allowed. • Current permits grandfathered. Feral Cat Management • Section name changed to allow for management of all feral and not just a colony. >Feral cat colony (5 or more) >Non-member feral cat (4 or less) Non-member feral cats must meet all requirements of the section without the permission from neighbors. Feral Cat Colony • Must have permission from neighbors with shared property line to have colony. • A Colony shall not be located on a sidewalk or public right of way. • Must be microchipped. • All feeding must be done in a manner as to not attract wild�ilife. All left over food and trash must be removed daily. • Registration shall be posted in a clear location and visible at all times. Rescue Groups • Must be approved by the Animal Serviices Center. • Are responsible for ensuring their registered foster homes meet all requires City ordinances, • Must provide a list of all registered foster homes, to include name and address of the Animal Foster Home Caregiver, to the Animal Services Center. Foster Homes • Must be registered with an approved rescue group, • Must maintain rabies vaccinations for all animals in the home over 16 weeks. • Must meet all requirements of the ordinance for care of animals, • Any foster animal in home more than 6 months must have city license. • Any foster animal in the home more than 1 year is considered an owned animal and is no longer foster. • May have up to 4 personal animals. If greater than 4 personal animals must have Pet Fancier permit, Foster animal do not count in number of animals. • Must be owner of residence or have written permission from the landlord, Litter, Stud, Sellers Permits • Must show proof of health certificate from a Veterinarian in the past 12 months, for any permit in this section. • Must attend the ASC Responsible Pet Owner Program. • Must maintain records of all animals sold or given away. Must maintain for 1 year. • Prohibited to sell or give away animals in parking lots, flea markets, temporary events, or public gatherings. Private Animal Sales • Animal over 6 months of age must: * Be sterilized * Implanted with a microchip * Current rabies vaccination • Prohibited to sell or give away animals in parking lots, flea markets, temporary events, or public gatherings. Running at Large -Cats • Cats will be considered at large unless they meet the following qualifications; • Wearing a collar (can be breakaway) • Spayed/Neutered > Rabies vaccination • City License • Microchipped • Member of a registered feral cat colony. Running at Large • Any dog or cat found to be running at large will be required to be spayed/neutered whether returned to home or impounded. • If returned home must either: > Show proof of previous spay/neuter within 1 day or > Must prepay to have animal spayed or neutered and have the aniimal altered within 20 days and provide proof to Animal Services. • Animals registered with a National Show organization will be exempt from spay and neuter requirement on 1st impoundment. Dangerous • Vicious changed to Dangerous throughout ordinance to align with State law. • Definition updated to mirror State law with the addition of attaching an animal. • Must meet following guidelines: • Obtain liability insurance of $ 750,0100 • Have animal spayed/neutered > Register with Dangerous Dog National Registry • License required annually • Must have permission from landlord if not the owner. • Must notify ASC 10 days prior to moving to a new location for inspection prior to moving. • May not sell or give away or transfer ownership; must be relinquished to a vet or the AC for euthanasia, • Failure to comply will result in revocation of license and seizure of animal. Impoundment • Prior to release must be microchipped. Must provide proof of spay/neuter or prepay for an appointment to have the animal spayed or neutered. Appointment must be within 20 days, of release. Trapping • Must sign contract with AC prior to trapping. • Must monitor traps daily and notify immediately of any trapped animal. • May not trap on the weekends or City of Wichita Falls recognized Holidays. • May not trap when temp is below 45 or above 80 degrees or during inclement weather, Quarantine • Home quarantine only allowed on limited basis after all other available options are exhausted. Must be approved by the Local Rabies Control Authority (LRCA) and must meet criteria. • Required to show proof of spay or neuter or prepay for spay/neuter. Appointment must be within 20 days of release. • Must be microchipped. Inhumane Treatment • Abandons any animal that he or she has possession or ownership of at Animal Services, at any other place of business, on public property or with any person that has not consented or has revoked consent to be responsible for the care of the animal. • Fails to reclaim any animal that a person owns or temporary possession of. Transportation of animals,- enclosure or retrain required in the open bed of a motor vehicle. • It shall be unlawful for an owner or person in control of an animal to carry or transport the animal on any public roadway in an unenclosed vehicle (such as a pick-up or flatbed truck, jeep, or similar vehicle) unless the animal is: * Contained in a closed, vented animal carrier that is secured in such a manner as to prevent the carrier from failing or being thrown from the vehicle in the event of a collision„ or * Secured by a leash or other device that is cross -connected to prevent the animal from failing, jumping, or being thrown from the motor vehicle and from strangling on a single lead. • When the vehicle is parked the owner is responsible for providing adequate ventilation, water, shelter, and shade. Next Steps: 1) October 1, 2019 City Council discussion item. 2) October 15, 2019 City Council agenda item for vote. 3) If passed would be effective November 15, 2019. Concerns: Dr. Keith Williamson asked how would members of a National Show be identified and Lou Kreidler replied with registered paperwork, a certificate. Dr. Tonya Egloff inquired about when does a person need a dangerous dog registration. Lou Kreidlier answered any aggressive animal in the neighborhood that the owners do not keep up, the animal constantly chases individuals, only by chance has not bitten, an individual can fill out an affidavit. Amanda Pfeffer replied many individuals are hesitant to do the affidavit because it can go to court and the individual does not remain anonymous, Animal Services did not see the act or afterwards, therefore cannot declare the dog vicious. The ordinance changes make it more of a barrier or hard ship to keep dangerous animals, Currently there, are 6 affidavits, normally in a month 10 affidavits, 1-3 usually meet the criteria once identified as truly vicious, civil matter, or provocation. Amy Fagan said currently there are more vicious dogs than ever, the fee component for a vicious dog was raised substantially from a $100 to $400 annual fee. Lou Kreidler stated if an animal has mauled and severe injury there is no need for an affidavit. R Amy Gardner indicated the failure to comply covers that if not compliant can seize the animal. Dr. David Carlston questioned if you leave your dog with a neighbor when going out of town, does the neighbor have to get a kennel permit and Lou Kreidler replied no, it is not a commercial business. Dr. Carlston asked what about the Woof, Rover app for dog care. He does not want to make it harder for those people but there is a lack of clarity, to board 1 animal versus 12 in the house seems a need to keep an eye on them as well. Melissa Plowman said the app does some of the same things that require, a permit for other people, will it be checked into before the Council meeting. Lou Kreidler replied yes, will research to see what other cities have done and changes can be made up to the October 15th date for vote. Amy Gardner stated under the Commercial Animal Establishment section the app does not fall under the definition of a Commercial Animal Establishment, currently she does not believe it fits. However, if it is something the Board would like to consider adding, it can be looked at, but again would need to look at how people, are handling, if people permit these type of services, but not those that use the app. Lou Kreidler asked for the Board's recommendation to either move forward with the ordinance to Council or not to move forward or move forward with modifications. Dr. Carlston asked for a motion to move the ordinance forward with modifications to Council. Dr. Williamson introduced the first motion and Melissa Plowman seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. V1. NEXT MEETING DATE Fridlay November 8, 2019 was noted as the next meeting date. V11. ADJOURN Dr. David Carlston adjourned the meeting at 01:07 pm. Print Name-, David CadstonPhQ, Chair, Julie Gibson, Q VM1 Vice -Chair Robin Moreno, MHA-HA S, ACHE Secreten� City -County Board R