Animal Shelter Advisory Committee Minutes - 08/19/2004rm
PLACE
TIME:
DATE:
MINUTES OF THE MEETING FOR
THE ANIMAL SHELTER ADVISORY COMMITI
OF
AUGUST 19, 2004
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE
Date
By P4., Tiro, $
Wichita Falls- Wichita County Public Health District, Parker Conference Room,
1700 Third Street, Wichita Falls, Texas, 76301.
12:00 Noon.
Thursday, August 19, 2004.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: James W. Spears, DVM & Chairman, Roy Ressel, R.S.,
Local Rabies Control Authority, Debbie Mills -ARC Representative, and Eamon Riley,
Animal Welfare Representative.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
ABSENT: Katie Lovelace, Citizen -At -Large & Secretary.
HEALTH DISTRICT
REPRESENTATIVES: Roy Ressel, R.S., Local Rabies Control Authority, Susan Morris, R.S.,
and Diane Syrus (taking minutes), all from the Environmental Health Division.
WICHITA FALLS CITY
COUNCIL: Mike Norrie, Councilor.
MINUTES:
I. Call to order: Welcome. Dr. James Spears presided and distributed the agenda.
II. Approval of Minutes: After formatting changes were made; the minutes from the
ASAC Meetings on March 11 th, March 25th, and April 29th were distributed and
reviewed. Ms. Mills made the motion to accept; Mr. Ressel, R.S., seconded; motion
carried. Mr. Ressel, R.S., explained that minutes were not taken from the first ASAC
Meeting which was held with Legal on March 4, 2004.
III. Reports: Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for the Animal Reclaim Center were
reviewed. Subchapter D. Standards for Allowable Methods of Euthanasia for
Animals in the Custody of an Animal Shelter were distributed.
IV. Old Business: Mr. Norrie, Councilor, asked Dr. Spears for a two minute orientation of
the previous ASAC Meetings. Dr. Spears stated that ASAC Members were
impressed with their last inspection of the Animal Reclaim Center (ARC) and the joint
coordination between the ARC and the City of Wichita Falls. Members discussed the
new Standard Operating Procedures. Mr. Norrie, Councilor, asked if the ASAC had a
mission statement? Members stated that the ASAC's purpose was according to
Chapter #823, Animal Shelters, Texas Health & Safety Code, as mandated by State
Law.
Mr. Riley mentioned his concerns regarding pet ID microchips, exotic wildlife, and
Wild Bird Rescue. Dr. Spears stated that he approved of the Standard Operating
Procedures. Mr. Riley asked what happens when exotic birds are received? Ms.
Mills told members that the ARC does not keep these animals in possession, and
they are quickly transferred. Dr. Spears said that this was recommended, and to
keep contacting Wild Bird Rescue for transfers.
Dr. Spears made the motion to accept the Standard Operating Procedures. Mr.
Ressel, R.S., seconded; motion carried.
V. New Business: Dr. Spears announced that he had received a telephone call from
Ms. Katie Lovelace, citizen -at -large /secretary, yesterday and she was resigning from
the committee. Mr. Norrie, Councilor, inquired about criteria & length of service for a
replacement for this position. Mr. Ressel, R.S., volunteered to notify Mrs. Lydia
Torres, City Clerk. Mr. Ressel, R.S, stated that Ms. Lovelace's term would expire on
December 31, 2004.
Ms. Mills stated the Animal Reclaim Center completed another TDH inspection by
Ms. Janice Widener. Ms. Morris, R.S., added that Ms. Jan Buck, TDH, recently
retired. Ms. Morris, R.S., accompanied Mr. Widener, TDH, on this inspection and
commented that she was impressed with the ARC Facility; the strong urine smell was
gone, no evidence of rodents, floor resurfaced, and walls repaired. Ms. Morris, R.S.,
commented that the ARC has made great headway and to continue. Ms. Mills stated
that two required inspections would be due in January, 2005; both a Veterinarian
Inspection & from TDH. Ms. Mills added that Dr. Kathy Sultemeier had performed the
last Veterinarian Inspection, and she prefers these inspections to be done
simultaneously.
Mr. Ressel, R.S., distributed Subchapter D. Standards for Allowable Methods of
Euthanasia for Animals in the Custody of an Animal Shelter. Members discussed the
upcoming State Law going into effect in January, 2005, and upcoming Texas classes
offered. Mr. Ressel, R.S., notified Ms. Mills that on August 26, 2004, from 1 -4 pm,
there would be a courtesy video viewing available at the Hursh Police Department.
Members discussed sending Dr. Spears to be certified to present the course. Dr.
Spears stated that this would be acceptable, but he did not have the carbon
monoxide experience. Members discussed carbon monoxide and routes of injection
for euthanasia. Ms. Mills stated that 3 employees from the ARC (Sandra, Ms. Mills,
and her assistant) would be attending the National Humane Society Euthanasia
Training in September in Grand Prairie to become certified. Dr. Spears
recommended continuing education classes in the future to keep this certification.
Mr. Ressel, R.S., advised that a letter would be mailed today to all Wichita Fall's
Veterinarians notifying them of the new Certificate Tag, fee for License, and
increased Fee Schedule to be effective in September.
VI. Next Meeting Date: Dr. Spears asked about scheduling the next meeting. Members
decided to meet again on January 20, 2005, at 12 noon, at the Animal Reclaim
Center.
VII. Adjournment: Mr. Riley made the motion that the meeting be adjourned; Ms. Mills
seconded; the motion carried, and the meeting was adjourned at 12:45 p.m.
Respectfully S m ted,
✓#VOA-11
Ja s W. l) ars, DVM
C irman
Diane Syrus
Environmental Health Div., Clerk III