Animal Shelter Advisory Committee Minutes - 02/19/2009RECEIVED IN
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE
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THE ANIMAL SHELTER ADVISORY COMMITTEE (ASAC)
FEBRUARY 19, 2009
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Julie Gibson, DVM ■ Members
Marty Maxwell, Animal Welfare Organization Rep. ■
Penny Miller, Citizen -At -Large ■
Susan Morris, Chairman /LRCA/Zoonosis Administrator ■
Rick Wright, Animal Reclaim Center Operator ■
Diane Syrus, recording secretary ■ Staff
Stephen Dodge, A/C Supervisor ■ Staff
Lou Franklin, Director of Public Health ■ Staff
ABSENT:
Michael Smith, Councilor- District 1 ■ Council Liaison
I. CALL TO ORDER
Susan Morris, L.R.C.A., Chairman presided. Mrs. Morris introduced Lou Franklin, Director of
Public Health, and Stephen Dodge, Animal Control Supervisor.
II. REVIEW & APPROVAL OF May MINUTES
The minutes from the ASAC Meeting on September 25, 2008, were distributed and reviewed. Mrs.
Maxwell made the motion to accept these minutes, with a second by Ms. Miller. Motion carried.
III. OLD BUSINESS
Mrs. Morris explained the status of Feral Cat Ordinance, and with Kristin Howcroft,
Assistant City Attorney, and Lou Franklin's assistance. The issue being we could not
pass an ordinance allowing people to have cats without current rabies vaccinations.
Susan distributed to members an excerpt of the ordinance. Mrs. Franklin explained the
feral cat colony application process, which property owners in the neighborhood are
affected, and the need to get their permission for the colonies.
Mrs. Franklin noted other changes in the ordinance: some definitions have been added,
she gave examples of changes with certain permits with upper limits and comparisons to
pet fancier or hobby breeder permits. She clarified separating the Environmental Health
and Zoonosis Divisions in the ordinance and adding foster pet permits.
Mrs. Franklin noted hearing processes were transferred to a dif ferent and separate
section of the ordinance. She discussed the new Fee Structure which has not been
changed since 2004; these fees will be raised a little, most are $5 increases, and we have
added the ability to pay with credit cards. Mrs. Franklin discussed increased license fees
and when we get our own shelter; we want to offer different options to encourage spaying
or neutering.
Animal Shelter Advisory Committee February 19, 2009 page 1
Mrs. Morris asked if there were any questions or statements on the feral cat ordinance.
Mrs. Franklin asked if members want a full copy of the ordinance; she will be more than
happy to print this ordinance in color to better illustrate the changes.
Penny asked if our wildlife question was resolved. Mrs. Morris said this has not been
resolved. Discussion followed on various wildlife companies in the city and across the
state of Texas, which Mrs. Morris has researched. She stated few very Texas cities even
inspect or acknowledge these. Penny gave one example company locally that has state
and federal permits and annual inspections. Members discussed the kind of birds and
animals at this business. Mrs. Franklin stated we really want to complete the Feral Cat
Ordinance first.
Mrs. Franklin added another minor change; cats are no longer required to wear tags and
there is no longer the term "cat at large ". Cats can either be micro - chipped or show proof
of tag or ownership. Mrs. Morris said feral cats are required to have their left ear tipped
as feral cat recognition. Mr. Wright gave one example if a feral cat is picked up, scanned
and there is a micro -chip; then will the Animal Reclaim Center have a list to call to pick -up
the cat? Mrs. Morris said yes, this is part of the permitting process but colony cats are not
required to be micro - chipped, just ear tipped. Discussion followed why micro - chipped is
not economically feasible.
Discussion followed on the pros and cons of micro - chipping versus ear tipping and tags.
Mrs. Morris asked for any additional old business.
IV. NEW BUSINESS
The city has decided on an architect for the new Wichita Fall's Animal Services Center,
which will be its name. Discussion followed on the divisions of the City of Wichita Falls
that were involved, the process, and the scoring system. She said a local firm was
selected in conjunction with a firm with shelter experience. Mrs. Morris announced that
Secord & Lebow Architects in partnership with Quorum Architects from the Dallas area
has built seventeen shelters. Discussion followed as to the different amenities the shelter
would offer. We have been advised that once the contract is signed (March 3d); we
should be move -in ready in eighteen months, location has been narrowed down but not
selected yet. Mrs. Franklin & Mrs. Morris personally visited shelters in the Dallas area.
Mrs. Morris announced educational plans in shelter operations for herself and the animal
control officers to take advantage of as much training, as possible.
Dr. Gibson asked about a crematorium and Mrs. Morris said they have been discussing
this and were looking at all options.
Mr. Wright asked if this facility is still going to be just a reclaim center, and Mrs. Morris
said no. We don't know how we could get out of not doing adoptions. Her plan now is to
work with every real entity to lower our euthanasia rate; still working with every humane
society that want to work with us, and rescue groups. Mrs. Franklin stated the only
animals that we will adopt are animals we feel are adoptable but no one else wants. She
Animal Shelter Advisory Committee February 19, 2009 page 2
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added this is not our intent - -that is your mission and needs to remain so. Mrs. Franklin
said that as long as you are in the community, that is your mission, but if some animals
have no place to go, we can offer this.
Mrs. Morris has been asked to contact all local vets to provide low cost spay and
neutering at our shelter. We do not plan to hire a vet, probably hiring an experienced vet
tech to run the shelter and refer animals out if medical care is needed. Dr. Gibson asked
about Home Again Micro -Chips and their lost pet insurance. Discussion followed.
Mrs. Morris reminder ASAC Members they are invited to Luncheon for Committees and
Boards on March 26, 2009, and also a Health Fair here on April 4th from 9 a.m.- 1 p.m.
which all departments, the Wichita County Humane Society, P.E.T.S., and the Obedience
Club has been invited to participate. Mrs. Franklin added last year, the animal- oriented
events were a big hit and our biggest draw. Mrs. Morris offered the Humane Society to
set -up an adoption clinic if desired, just to let her know if a space is needed.
V. ADJOURN
Mrs. Morris asked committee members when they would like to meet again, or do we
leave the date open until after we meet with the architects or do members want to set now
? No comment was made. Mrs. Morris said if no further business, do I hear a motion to
adjourn? Mr. Wright made the motion; Dr. Gibson seconded it, motion carried to adjourn
at 1:05 p.m. and all were in favor.
Susan B. Morris, Chairman
Zoonosis Administrator /L.R.C.A.
& O
Diane Syr s, Zoono s SSF, Sr. Admin. Clerk
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Date
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