MINUTES OF THE MEETING
OF
THE ANIMAL CONTROL ADVISORY BOARD
The ANIMAL CONTROL ADVISORY BOARD met Tuesday, March 15, 2016, at 2:30 P.M. at
the Animal Care & Control Center.
ACAB MEMBERS PRESENT: ACAB MEMBERS PRESENT:
Carla Anthony Dr McDermott Gail Simpson
John Barwick Drale Short Tom Bryan
Kathy McCarley Pat Biegler
Tim Butts Dr. Reddick
Becky Carter
GUEST PRESENT
Lisa Jane - (Muscogee County Resident)
CALL TO ORDER
Kathy McCarley called the meeting to order at 2:37 P.M.
Kathy McCarley welcomed and thanked all Board members present to this called
meeting. Kathy McCarley stated we have a new Board member. Timothy Butts and
asked each member to introduce themselves. Each member introduced themselves
and Kathy McCarley welcomed Mr. Butts to the Animal Control Advisory Board.
Kathy McCarley requested Drale Short lead the meeting on what the Board would
be discussing today.
Drale Short requested the Board members look at their informational packets.
Drale Short asked the members to look specifically at the letter from Muscogee
County resident Lisa Jane. Ms. Short stated, Ms. Jane wanted to speak with the
Board about the Animal Control Ordinance Section 5-7.1 in reference to an
animal?s shelter. Drale Short stated, her interpretation of the letter from Ms.
Jane is she would like the ordinance revised concerning what is considered an
actual shelter. Ms. Janes does not feel the carport is an acceptable means of
shelter for a dog left on the outside. The ordinance presently reads ?carports
are a means for acceptable shelter?.
Drale Short informed the Board any revision, deletion, or add on to an
ordinance would have to go through the city attorney?s office for approval.
Becky Carter stated, she would be more inclined to question the issue of
tethering. Drale Short stated, the issue would be a clarification on the facts
surrounding what would be considered a permanent or non permanent shelter. John
Barwick asked, what should be considered permanent and non-permanent shelter
for the animals because the question would arise how a citizen can become in
compliance without the clarification. Drale Short replied, because of the
wording, specifics of temperature, and questionable shelter, her officers
investigate each situation and circumstance. The dog could have appropriate
shelter, but chooses not to use it during inclement weather. Kathy McCarley
agreed the wording within the ordinance relating to shelter may need a better
definition for what is considered shelter. Kathy McCarley asked if there were
any more discussion, and Lisa Jane was invited in to speak with the Board.
Kathy McCarley asked Ms Jane to speak to the Board about revisions she
requested. Ms Jane passed out a document with a list of revisions attached,
relating to shelter. Ms Jane stated, she has worked 14 years with animal
rescues and feels a need for an ordinance revision to shelter requirements.
Drale Short informed the Board members and Ms. Jane to conditions of shelters
requirement for an outdoor facility presently in the ordinance. Drale Short
stated, she believes when the ordinance was originally written all the outline
specifics were not listed because it may be made on baseline for any animal
owner. Drale Short informed Ms. Jane the Board will discuss her specifics for
revision at the next Animal Control Advisory Board meeting and send their
findings/decision to the City Attorney office for clarification and legality.
She thanked Ms. Jane for coming and would get back with her on the decision of
the Board. Ms. Jane was dismissed.
Drale Short told the Board members to scan the rest of their packets. The
impoundment zip code specifically the 31907 area, report still has the highest
percentage of intakes. Becky Carter stated the intake numbers are a lot lower
than in the past. Drale Short stated the cause for concern means educating the
public more is required. Carla Anthony stated she believes a lot of animals
may not be registered in that area and educating the owners of the necessary
laws and care of the animal is necessary. Carla Anthony asked was there a
report with relation of the zip code and registered animal in the 31907 area.
Drale Short stated she would request a report from the IT department.
Drale Short informed the Board, the Best Friends Community Cat Project is doing
very well and the number of surgeries for 2015 is listed in their packets. She
also informed them that a Pet Coalition was formed to address the animal issues
in their area. The coalition is made up of local rescues and animal controls in
Muscogee and Harris County. The coalition applied a for a grant to get animals
adopted and Best Friends issued the grant which included an employee work at
PetSmart where each rescue or animal control would have a specific day of the
week for their animals would be featured for adoptions. So far, the combined
efforts since the first week in February, a total of 22 animals were adopted.
Drale Short informed the Board, in her 2017 Fiscal Year budget she has
requested 2 additional employees, funding for vaccines, and a small foster care
program. A request for a large animal barn added on to the Animal Care &
Control Center to house large animals which get loose. Dr. McDrmott inquired
where it would be located, Ms Short replied at the Cooper Creek Park
horticulture area. Drale Short stated that was all the information she had for
the Board.
Kathy McCarley gave out flyers for the Rabies Clinic for April 28, 2016 at the
Civic Center. She encouraged Board members to give them to citizens they have
600 donated vaccines. The Health Department does not discriminate on where
they live, all residents from surrounding areas are welcomed. Timothy Butts
asked was it feasible that Animal Control give rabies shots to all animals. Ms
Short informed Mr. Butts the funding is not available to vaccinate all animals
impounded at the Animal Care and Control Center. However, vaccinating these
animals on impoundment will only provide our adopters with a healthier animal.
Many rescues and adopters are hesitant to receive animals from us because we
don?t provide any form of vaccinations. Kathy McCarley asked if anyone had any
other discussion, none were garnered.
Kathy McCarley adjourned the meeting at 3:58pm.
March 15, 2016
Kathy McCarley, Chairman
Contreana Pearson, Recording Secretary
C: Clerk of Council
ACAB Members
Attachments
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