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Animal Shelter Advisory Committee Minutes - 04/16/2021 THE ANIMAL SHELTER ADVISORY COMMITTEE (ASAC) MINUTES April 16, 2021 Animal Services Center 1207 Hatton Road Wichita Falls, Texas COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: Nicki Bacon Animal Shelter Administrator Leslie Harrelson Public Citizen Marvin Peevey Animal Walfare Organization Bryan Wade, D.V.M Veterinarian COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENCE: Angela Bakken Local Rabies Control Authority Steve Jackson City Council Liaison OTHERS PRESENT: Lou Kreidler Director of Public Health I. CALL TO ORDER Nicki Bacon, Chair, called the meeting to order. II. REVIEW &APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY MINUTES The minutes from the ASAC Meeting from February 21, 2021, were distributed and reviewed. Mrs. Harrelson made the motion to accept these minutes with a second by Dr. Wade. The motion was carried. III. OLD BUSINESS None IV. NEW BUSINESS Ms. Bacon continued with the shelter update and shelter numbers. Ms. Bacon stated that the live outcome rate for 2020 was 69%. Ms. Bacon stated that in 2019, the live outcome rate was 51%, which was a significant increase. Ms. Bacon stated that in 2020, the return to owner rate was 23%, and in 2019, the rate was 19%. In 2020, the number of animals sent to rescues, specifically cats and dogs, was 32%, and in 2019, the rate was 19%. Ms. Bacon thanked the rescue groups for stepping up in a big way. Ms. Bacon went on to state that in 2020, there were 683 dogs and cats that were euthanized which makes the percentage rate 31% of the animals that came into the shelter. In 2019, there were 1577 dogs and cats that were euthanized, making the percentage rate 49% of the animals that came into the shelter. The total percentage of dog and cat adoptions in 2020, was 14% compared to 2019 13%. Ms. Bacon stated that so far, for 2021, our live outcome rate is 74%. Ms. Bacon went on to say that obviously, that will change since we are only three months in, but we are hoping to keep the momentum going. 1 THE ANIMAL SHELTER ADVISORY COMMITTEE (ASAC) MINUTES April 16, 2021 Ms. Bacon stated that she went on and included the differences from 2019 to 2020. She said that there was a 13% increase in dogs and cats that went to rescue. There was a 4% increase in dogs and cats that were returned to their owners. There was a 1% increase in adoptions. Ms. Bacon stated, which is still a significant number. Mrs. Kreidler replied that we also were dealing with Covid. Ms. Bacon went on to say that the shelter euthanized 18% fewer animals in 2020 compared to 2019, and the live outcome rate increased 18%. Mrs. Bacon went on and stated that since 2018, the shelter has steadily decreased its euthanasia rate. Mrs. Bacon also stated that she hopes in 2021 and 2022, the shelter can reach its goal of a 90% live outcome rate. Mrs. Bacon went on and thanked the citizens and rescue groups stating that if it weren't for them, these numbers wouldn't have been possible. Mrs. Kreidler replied that even Animal Control had placed a big emphasis on returning animals home to their owners in the field, which has caused some consternation for some citizens due to the animal being pickup and being returned home. Mrs. Kreidler continued that she then has to explain that the first time the dog is picked up, we want to try to get that animal home. Mrs. Harrelson asked if the concerns are because a dog at large is supposed to be spayed and neutered. Mrs. Kreidler replied no, even in the field, they are required to be spayed and neutered. Mrs. Harrelson asked then where the consternation is coming from. Mrs. Kreidler replied because the animal was out, and they took it back home. Because if they were responsible pets owners, their dog wouldn't be out. Mrs. Kreidler said that nine times out of ten once I explain why we return the animal, they are okay. Mrs. Harrelson asked, how do you think the first quarter of this year compares to the first quarter of last year? Ms. Bacon responded in January of 2020, we had brought in 225 cats and dogs, and this year we have brought in 184 cats and dogs. Mrs. Harrelson replied, so the shelter is still down. Ms. Bacon replied, yes, we are still down. Mrs. Harrelson replied that she was wondering since Covid didn't hit until March of last year. Mrs. Harrelson said that due to Covid, she expected to see that great progress for 2020 due to many places,Animal Services, and the community shutting down. So with the community not out there, picking up strays and trying to owner surrender has helped your numbers. Ms. Bacon stated we also changed the ordinance requiring citizens to make an appointment and then Covid shutting everything down made it even harder. Mrs. Harrelson stated she expected the numbers to look glorious, and they do. She was hoping that Animal Services can continue that phenomenal trend, and so far, it appears we are. Mrs. Harrelson then offered Ms. Bacon congratulations. Mrs. Bacon replied that was exciting. Mrs. Bacon went on to say that the intake numbers for 2019 and 2020 were very comparable. Mrs. Harrelson replied that especially with the increase in what the rescues have pulled. Mrs. Kriedler stated that the rescues have been amazing. Mrs. Kreidler continued even with the 4% increase in adoptions since we require the citizens to make an appointment. Mrs. Harrelson replied, yes, it was harder. Mrs. Harrelson stated that they try to pull exclusively from Animal Services. But they got shut down because New York got shut down, so our number were less than she wanted them to be, and she was excited to see that others pick up their slack. Mrs. Kreidler replied, it's just been a very difficult year. Mrs. Harrelson replied that it really was but way to persevere and tell your team good job. Ms. Bacon replied that she has sent out emails letting them know what a great job they were doing. She continued that the supervisory team is also trying to find ways to incentivize the Animal Care Officers to return the animals back to their owners out in the field because it keeps them out of the shelter, and those citizens are appreciative. 2 • THE ANIMAL SHELTER ADVISORY COMMITTEE (ASAC) MINUTES April 16, 2021 Mrs. Harrelson asked would you ever consider a post promoting the positivity of Animal Control. She continued with that there is the whole privacy thing. Still, if someone was willing, maybe you could get a picture of just the dog itself and not of the owner. Stating that did you know that Animal Services would pick up your dog the first time and try to return it to you as long as it is properly tagged and they have that identifying information as a way to help educate the community and also as kind of an award. Mrs. Bacon stated that it could be a discussion. My only concern would be citizens asking so why they are not having to pay to reclaim it. Mrs. Harrelson replied, so explain it. Put the post out there and state this is how we're trying to serve our community. If this is a first-time offense, we are not trying to make money off you. We are just trying to get the pet back to the home that lost it. Ms. Bacon replied that it is definitely a discussion. Mrs. Kriedler replied that she did agree that Animal Services should post some of their numbers. Mrs. Harrelson replied that she does think that Animal Control needs to toot their own horns more. Mrs. Kreider replied that she did agree that the numbers need to be posted. Ms. Bacon replied not just on the city's web page but on Facebook as well. Mrs. Kreider replied yes. Mrs. Harrelson replied that people are quick to say that Animal Control doesn't do anything; they never help. I call them all the time they never respond, and nothing gets done. You could combat that by saying we issued this many permits this month. We issued this many tickets. We took in this many animals. We returned this many animals home. We sent this many animals to rescue.Anytime you can put facts out there, it will help. Mrs. Kreidler stated that posting our monthly numbers with some of the statistics that Ms. Bakken started keeping last year would be a great start. Ms. Bacon replied that she was 100% on board with that idea. Ms. Bacon continued on to ordinance discussion. This pertains to our ordinance implementation and the things we've seen since we've changed our ordinances, and what is going on. So with our reclaim, we thought that after the second time, we shouldn't see any issues because the owner should have spayed or neutered their animals. What Animal Services is thinking that should be added to the ordinance is, and we are debating whether it should be the second or third time if the animal comes in and is still not neutered or spayed regardless of receiving citations, we hold the animal and take them to their spay and neuter appointments personally like we do now with adoptions. What are the committee's thoughts on that idea? Mrs. Harrelson stated that she would support animals being spayed or neutered, so that makes sense. Mrs. Harrelson asked Mrs. Bacon if there was a problem with compliance. So even though they are having to go a pre-pay somewhere they're just not following through. Ms. Bacon replied yes. Mrs. Harrelson stated that they see that. Mrs. Bowman, the Animal Care and Adoption Supervisor, sends them a list every week, and there are a lot of no-shows. Ms. Bacon replied I know some veterinarians are not giving the citizen's their pre-pays back which I think is a good idea. That incentivizes them to keep their appointments, but it is still not enough. Mrs. Kreidler replied that when they pre-pay for their appointment and no-show, that it is still a cost for the veterinarian. Mr. Peevey stated that he thinks it should be after the second impound because anyone can have a family emergency, but if they miss that second time, there is no excuse. Mrs. Harrelson asked if there was any feedback from the city council on what they would go for. Mrs. Kreidler replied, we have 3 • THE ANIMAL SHELTER ADVISORY COMMITTEE (ASAC) MINUTES April 16, 2021 not. This is the first decision discussion that we are having. Mrs. Harrelson advised that she would support it either way. Dr. Wade stated he would support the third time. Mr. Peevey stated that he thinks it will have an easier time passing the city council if it was the third impound. Ms. Bacon thanked the committee for their feedback. Ms. Bacon continued with under section 14-452 of the city ordinance under the cruelty of animals section that Animal Services recently had a court case regarding the shelter. Ms. Bacon went on to further advise that the defendant's lawyer did notate that the ordinance stated the shelter shall be roofed. The ordinance does not say anything about gaps in the roof or the three solid walls or if the roof needed to be sturdy. Ms. Bacon advised that they were looking to reword that portion so that it reads that it must have three solid sides, a solid attached roof with no gaps, openings, and the like, and shall have a solid floor. Ms. Bacon asked if anyone had any other ideas for wording this portion of the ordinance because the defendant was contesting that they did have a roof. Mrs. Harrelson replied that a good lawyer is going to poke holes in anything, so you just have to try to be as bulletproof as possible and stated that she supported the wording. Mr. Peevey replied that he also supported the new wording. Mrs. Kreidler asked Mrs. Harrelson if she would like to discuss the email, she sent to her after snowmageddon since they were discussing shelter about the animal being required to be brought in. Mrs. Harrelson replied yes. Then continued that her proposed ordinance changes would be that the animals would be brought in during extreme temperatures. Mrs. Harrelson then read that animals would be required to be inside during extreme weather conditions. The state law right now defines extreme temperatures as a heat advisory that has been issued by a local or state authority or jurisdiction—a hurricane, tropical storm, or tornado warning that has been issued by the national weather service. When the actual or effective outdoor temperature is below 32 degrees Fahrenheit or below, Mrs. Harrelson informed the committee that this was in line with what Animal Control can do already when it too cold or too hot outside. This also falls in line with the Tufts University chart. All the research I could find and I am sure that veterinarians can speak to this that there are no incidents of death or an animal freezing if the temperature is 44 or above,but when the temperature starts to get below 44 degrees depending on the body conditions of the pet. So you just can't say large dog or small dog because it could be a really fat, well cared for small dog or an emaciated, very sick large dog, and it has a less chance of surviving after the temperature is below 44 degrees. Mrs. Harrelson advised the committee that where she came up with bringing the animal in when it was below 44 degrees, and again this falls in line with Animal Services because right now, your current rules are if a pet is in a car and the temperature is below 45, or above 85 that's considered a danger. So I thought bringing the animals in at that time should just be part of the ordinance that we pursue. That way, we are not relying on Animal Services to try to determine if the animal is in danger or not. Also, animals outside in extreme weather conditions should be treated as imminent danger. That would give Animal Control a little more lead way with stepping foot on-premises if need be when seeing animals outside. Mrs. Harrelson advised that she look up the enforcement for that situation. What I have written is that Animal Services has the right to seize animals in imminent danger when waiting on a warrant that could result in death. In fact, failure to provide aid could be argued as cruelty and would not bode well for us when we are trying to protect animals. Texas law deems cruel situations where a person must fail to act or fail to provide care to an animal. Failure to act or provide care rises to the level of cruelty 4 THE ANIMAL SHELTER ADVISORY COMMITTEE (ASAC) MINUTES April 16, 2021 when it involves failing to provide necessary care, food, shelter, or abandoning an animal. Necessary care, food, and shelter is statutorily a fine when food, care, or shelter that is required to maintain the animal is being withheld. Mrs. Harrelson stated that she thinks they could easily make a case for that. She continued with stepping onsite without a warrant.Arguments for trespassing could be met with the following. In situations where cruelly treated animals are in open view of neighbors or passersby, the courts have extended the open field doctrine. The open field doctrine permits warrantless entry. The fourth amendment protects people, not places. When a person knowingly exposes to the public is not subject to the fourth amendment protection. So if you can see it and it is in plain cognitive view, it is not subject to the fourth amendment protection. So the Texas court has upheld those warrantless entries and seizures of cruelty- treated animals under the emergency doctrine. This doctrine states that seizures are allowable when there is a need to act immediately to protect life or prevent serious injury. So if the animal is in open view and you can see it through a chain-link fence or if you're in an alley and you can see the back yard, then it's not protected by the fourth amendment. So we could make a pretty strong case for that if that is something you wanted to pursue stated Mrs. Harrelson. Mrs. Kreidler asked Mrs. Harrelson to forward her that information so she could discuss it with legal. She went on to say that when Ms. Bacon was doing her research, she couldn't find any information. Ms. Bacon stated she even search Minnesota, and Chicago all of the areas that are known for extremely cold weather. Mrs. Harrelson stated that the North and the Midwest tend to be much more progressive with animals and animal welfare than we are. Our animals are animals, and we are shipping our animals to them because they do not have homeless animals or shelters full of animals. So it probably is not a problem for them. Mrs. Bacon informed the committee that there isn't a state law stating that an animal has to be brought in. She also stated she called the Texas Animal Safety Commission, and there was nothing stating that an animal had to be brought inside a home, but it did state it needed adequate shelter. Mrs. Harrelson replied adequate shelter in extreme weather. Mrs. Bacon then stated that it included the three solid sides, roof, and floor. There's a lot of things that we can do like Noah does or FEMA does is put out an advisory that states that this is how you can keep your animal safe during cold or hot weather. Mrs. Harrelson said that when the weather is below freezing for days and days on end, a dog will freeze in a dog house. The lip in front of an average dog house is four inches, and we received over a foot of snow. Mrs. Kreidler replied that they weren't saying that it was something that they wouldn't consider. There would just be barriers. That it would be difficult to pass as the dog riding in the truck. Mrs. Harrelson replied that she understood but didn't think they should table or back off on ensuring that animals have appropriate shelter. Because an animal staying outside in a dog house when it is below freezing for days on end is going to end up freezing. Ms. Bacon replied an option could be that during a freeze or colder weather like they have done in other cities where the weather is colder. The shelters had to be lifted off the ground. So that it is protected from the rain and the snow, those are things that we could look at as being part of inclement weather. Mrs. Harrelson replied that's how we need to approach it as in extended inclement weather. Mrs. Kreidler replied that we might have better success at 32 degrees instead of 44 degrees. Mrs. Harrelson replied that she knew that but with the Tufts body scale and all my research that stated 44 and below is unsafe. The state does define extreme weather conditions as 32 degrees and below. Mrs. Kreidler replied that might be more palatable for City Council. Mrs. Harrelson replied that another option is given the citizens options that may not have a way to bring their animals inside. So we need to give them options, and I am willing to be one of those options 5 THE ANIMAL SHELTER ADVISORY COMMITTEE (ASAC) MINUTES April 16, 2021 like the Humane Society did this last time. Some people don't have heat for themselves or limited options of heat like a fireplace or a space heater. But if they do not have a way to provide adequate shelter for their animals, I would like for us as a community to have some options available. Mr. Peevey replied that looking at it from another perspective. With P.E.T.S and the Humane Society being non-profits, we need to be doing the legwork and looking at the expense. Because the city council is looking at it as tax dollars, so we would need a plan. Mrs. Harrelson stated that when there is a declaration of a natural disaster, then FEMA pitches in money so that could cover the cost. Some citizens didn't have water because their pipes froze, and there were places for people to go but not in place for the animals. I just think we should have a plan in place for the animals in that situation. Mr. Peevey asked if the shelter had a generator. Mrs. Kreidler replied that, yes,Animal Services has a generator and that it doesn't supply power to the whole building, but it does supply power to the dog runs. Mrs. Harrelson stated that she was looking into getting a generator due to her clinic being shut down due to the weather. Mrs. Bacon continued with the next item that they were working at changing is in the adoption portion. It was added that it was mandatory for all pets living currently in the home had to be microchipped. She explained that it has been a big barrier and has hindered some of the adoptions. Some applicants have said these are my pets, and I am not going to microchip them and have walked out. So we are just proposing to remove that portion in the ordinance which could help increase our adoptions. Mrs. Harrelson replied that she is okay with doing that. Mr. Peevey stated that he also agreed with removing that part of the ordinance. Dr. Wade stated that if removing it would be more beneficial to assisting with getting more adoptions, he agreed with removing that portion in the ordinance. Mrs. Bacon informed the committee that the responsible pet ownership class was going well. That Animal Service has seen a lot of participation and that Animal Service has been able to return many pets back to their home due to the free or reduced cost. The Animal Care Officers are really pushing this course in the field when it comes to either writing a citation or mandating the class. They are mandating the class as an option. They have been utilizing the class as a great tool which has been very beneficial. Mrs. Kreidler asked if tickets have been issued for those that fail to show up to class. Ms. Bacon replied that they had issued citations for those failing to show for class. Mrs. Harrelson stated that she was glad to hear that the class was going well despite COVID and offered Ms. Bacons congratulations. Mrs. Kreidler informed the committee that another new service that Animal Services were getting ready to start is that Mrs. Bowman, the Animal Care and Adoption Supervisor, was going to start animal behavior classes. So if a citizen adopts from us, they can take the class that goes over basic commands to help reduce adoption returns. We placed a fee with the class. It's five dollars per class because we feel like if they had to pay something, then they would be invested in the class.Another thing that we decided is if a foster has a dog from a rescue group, they can take the class for free. Mrs. Harrelson replied that she thought that was a great idea. 6 THE ANIMAL SHELTER ADVISORY COMMITTEE (ASAC) MINUTES April 16, 2021 ADJOURN No date was set for the next meeting in July. Mr. Peevey made the motion to adjourn. Dr. Wade seconded the motion to adjourn. The motion carried all were in favor. /1/-e-JA; (4'e-c4`- t - Nicki Bacon Date ASAC Chairman Anim /yervices Adm' 'strator 12®2 Steven Parady ate ASAC Recording Secretary Animal Services Sr.Admin Clerk 7