MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
CONSENT AGENDA/WORK SESSION MEETING
SEPTEMBER 29, 2015
The meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called to order at 9:02
A.M., Tuesday, September 29, 2015, on the 2nd Floor of the Citizens Service
Center, located at 3111 Citizens Way, Columbus, Georgia. Honorable Teresa Pike
Tomlinson, Mayor, presiding.
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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Tomlinson and Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner
Pugh were Councilors Jerry Barnes, Tom Buck, Berry Henderson, Judy W. Thomas
and Evelyn Woodson. Deputy City Manager Lisa Goodwin, City Attorney Clifton Fay
and Deputy Clerk of Council Lindsey Glisson were also present.
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ABSENT: Councilors R. Gary Allen, Mike Baker, Glenn Davis and Bruce Huff were
absent. Also absent were City Manager Isaiah Hugley and Clerk of Council Tiny
B. Washington.
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As Mayor Tomlinson introduced Reverend Joseph Baker to give the
invocation, she announced that she had just received word that Mr. Harold
?Lefty? Encarnacion is currently in the hospital and that it is a dire
circumstance.
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INVOCATION: Reverend Joseph Baker of St. James AME Church.
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Mayor Tomlinson acknowledged the presence of Mrs. Jo McDaniel, wife of the
late Councilor Charles ?Red? McDaniel.
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PLEDGE: Led by the students of Wynnton Arts Academy.
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*CONSENT AGENDA:
Due to lack of a quorum, Mayor Tomlinson stated that the items listed on
the Consent Agenda would be moved to the end of the meeting.
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WORK SESSION AGENDA:
TNR/FERAL CATS:
Public Works Director Pat Biegler took to the podium to give a
presentation to the Mayor and Council entitled Managed TNR Cat Population. The
information was presented as follows:
Categories of Cats
? Domestic
? Managed (We are here)
? Feral
Managed Cat Colonies
? Provide Significant Population Control
o Euthanize ALL Diseased/Injured
o Neuter/Spay to Stop Propagation
? Prevent Disease
o Euthanize Infected Cats
o Administer Vaccination
o Return to Colony Management to Oversee
? Spay/Neuter
o Reduces Population
o Prevents Disease
? Managed Cat Colonies are NOT Feral Cat Colonies.
? They are Public Health Aids to Reduce Population, Increase Vaccinations, and
Reduce Disease.
3 Ways to Deal with Feral Cats
? Total Euthanasia
o Community Response
o Cruelty
? Unmanaged, Wild Feral Cat Colonies
o Disease Concerns
o Populations Concerns
? Moderate Approach
? Compassionate Compromise
? Population
? Disease Management
Today?s Presentation
? Pat Biegler
o Where We Are
o Where We?ve Been
o Where We?re Going
o Program Costs
? Guests Public Health
o Population and Disease Control
Managed Colony Cats
? Unlike many communities, Columbus has moved to actively address issues with
Feral Cats and convert Unmanaged Colonies to Managed Colonies.
? Feral Cats are wild cats, unowned or of unknown ownership, that have
established territories, are fed by one or more residents in that territory,
reproduce regularly, and can carry disease.
? Managed Colony Cats are non-domesticated, free roaming cats that are fed by
identified caretakers and have been vetted, neutered, vaccinated, have their
ears clipped, and are monitored by caretakers.
Managed TNR Program
Of the 3,356 cats we have brought in so far this calendar year-
? 212 or 6% have been euthanized
? 2,199 or 66% have been placed in Managed Cat Colonies; and
? 928 or 28% have been returned to owner, adopted or placed with rescues
? Prevented 7,500 cat births
Managed TNR Programs are the single best practice to:
? Reduce Feral Cat Population (prevent 7,500 offspring)
? Eliminate Disease
? Balance Compassion for Animals with Management and Veterinarian Techniques
Modified TNR Program
? Columbus has adopted a Modified TNR Program, which uses these 6 possible
outcomes to a greater or less degree.
Possible Outcomes of Our Program
1. Returned to Owner
2. Euthanized if Diseased or Injured
3. Adopted if Domesticated
4. Placed with Rescue if Adoptable
5. Fostered if Adoptable
6. Released (TNR) after Vaccines and Spay/Neuter
Process for Cats Brought In/Trapped
? Chip or Tag? = Returned to Owner (if possible)
? If visibly healthy and friendly = vaccinated (if available) and adopted or
placed (28%)
? Young cats might be fostered
? If feral = to veterinarian who is part of the TNR program (5 veterinarians in
town participate)
? If unhealthy = euthanized (6%)
? If healthy = to Community Cat Program (66%) ? vaccinated, spay/neutered, ears
clipped, released back to original location in neighborhood without
irresolvable complaints
Components of the Program
? TNR
? Education
? Nuisance Response and Control (Cat Deterrents)
Modified TNR Program
? If irresolvable complaints
o Re-home (limited opportunities)
o Barn Cat Program (limited opportunities)
o Euthanize
? No sanctuary available in Muscogee County at this time
(Tenvac-Trap, Evaluate, Neuter, Vaccinate and Contain)
Cost of Proposed Alternative Containment/Sanctuary for 5,000 Cats
? Building $5.0M
? Personnel and Operation $9.0M Annually
*Disease Concerns- See Huffington Post Article re: Hoarding
Background
? In May 2011, the City?s Save A Pet Program was proposed by Mayor Tomlinson
? TNR was 1 of 9 Components of Save A Pet
1. Adoption
2. Rescue Groups
3. Volunteers
4. Feral Cat TNR (Managed Cat Program)
5. Foster Care
6. Medical and Behavioral Program
7. Spay/Neuter
8. Pet Retention
9. Proper Pet Care
? In March 2013, Council approved a change to the City Ordinance defining the
Community Cat Program and allowing residents to feed/care for more than five
unowned Free Roaming Cats, only if participating in the Managed Cat Population
Program.
? In December 2013, CCG received a grant from Pet Smart Charities for $58,250
for a TNR Program.
? That year 1,000 cats were trapped, checked by a veterinarian, and either
euthanized (if warranted), or neutered, vaccinated, ear clipped, and released,
most back into their original neighborhoods.
? Until December 2013, our only solution was Trap and Kill, which was a very
limited effort due to lack of funds for personnel and traps. This response
encouraged hoarding and escalates Feral Cat Population, threats of no
vaccinations, etc.
? In 2010-2013 an average of 2,550 cats were trapped and euthanized each year.
? In September 2014, the City was awarded a $6,000 grant by Best Friends, which
has allowed us to expand our capabilities, funding a person, a van, traps, and
sufficient funding to vet, euthanize if necessary, spay/neuter and vaccinate
2,000 cats per year for three years, as well as provide for public education
and nuisance control.
Calendar Year Euthanasia Report
? 2010 79%
? 2011 64%
? 2012 53%
? 2013 38%
? 2014 29%
? 2015 26%
Result of combined best practices that balance population control with
compassion.
Our Vision
? Continue to reduce the Feral Cat Population through best practices
? Continue to increase the live release rate and reduce the necessary
euthanasia rate of healthy animals
? Reduce the occupancy of our In-Shelter Cat Population, saving tax dollars
while balancing the needs and desires of citizens
(We have an active Save A Pet Committee to assist with ideas to reach these
goals)
FY16 Animal Control Budget
? Roughly $1M
? Does not cover cost of vaccinations
o $7.00 per animal
? Does not include cost of traps or staff for trapping
? Does not include any medical test kits for Leukemia and Aids ($15.00 per
animal)
? Does not include any contracting for wildlife control
? FY16 budget does include cost of food for the first time
Guests
? Dr. Keri Riddick, Benning Road Animal Hospital
? Dr. Hank Hall, Northside Animal Hospital
? Scott Trebatoski, Hillsborough County, Tampa, Florida
? Rebecca Guinn, Attorney, CEO Atlanta Lifeline Project
? Peter Wolf, Best Friends Animal Society
? Dr. Deborah Ackerman, MS. PhD. Adjunct Associate Professor of Epidemiology
UCLA School of Public Health
Dr. Keri Riddick
Benning Road Animal Hospital
Population, Disease Control
? Licensed Vet for 15 years
? Newest Member of ACAB
Dr. Hank Hall
Northside Animal Hospital
Population, Disease Control
Experience with TNR
Scott Trebatoski
Hillsborough County, Tampa, Florida
First Coast No More Homeless Pets Program
Long Term Program Successes
Rebecca Guinn, Attorney
CEO Atlanta Lifeline Project Program (Fulton & DeKalb Counties)
Program Successes
Peter Wolf
Best Friends Animal Society
Dr. Deborah Ackerman, M.S. PhD.
Adjunct Associate Professor of Epidemiologist
UCLA School of Public Health
Conclusion
Managed Cat Colonies are not the whole answer but are certainly the best
solution we have at this time which balances compassion and the need to protect
the public.
***
At this point in the presentation, Director Biegler then turned the floor
over to Drale Short, Public Works, Special Enforcement. Ms. Short proceeded to
introduce the first guest, being Dr. Keri Riddick, the newest member to the
Animal Control Advisory Board.
***
Dr. Keri Riddick, of Benning Road Animal Hospital, 2047 Fort Benning Road,
Columbus, Georgia 31903, came forward to address the Mayor and Council. Dr.
Riddick acknowledged the complexity of this issue, but expressed that the
common goal is to save as many animals as possible. She explained when a cat is
captured; this is the perfect opportunity for the animal to be tested for
diseases and parasites.
***
Dr. Hank Hall, of Northside Animal Hospital, 5360 Veterans Parkway,
Columbus, Georgia 31904, came forward to address the Mayor and Council. Dr.
Hall stated the purpose is to reduce the population of stray cats, which in
turn will reduce the problem with rabies. He went on to describe the efforts of
local veterinarians to help with the spaying and neutering of stray cats in the
community.
***
Mr. Scott Trebatoski, Director of the Pet Resource Center for the
Hillborough County Government, 440 N. Falkenburg Road, Tampa, Florida 33619,
came forward to address the Mayor and Council.
Mr. Trebatoski took to the podium to give a presentation to the Mayor and
Council entitled What Do We Do About the Cats. The information was presented as
follows:
Framing the Discussion
? Most Important: TNR/Community Cat Programs DO NOT encourage more cats to be
outdoor cats. The intention is to reduce births and ultimately reduce outdoor
cat population. Adequate provisions for enforcement should discourage outdoor
cats and people who let cats indoors/outdoors- the ideal goal would be no
outdoor cats.
? All of the cats in this discussion already live outdoors in your community.
? Any risks of rabies and other diseases already exists and is worse without
TNR than with TNR? at least the TNR cats get some vaccination protection and
unhealthy cats are not returned to the field.
? Recent scientific papers have concluded that partial culling (trapping and
removing cats) actually increase cat population over doing nothing. TNR
programs on the other hand reduce population by limiting growth of existing
population. (Published study by Tasmanian government: Lazenby, Mooney &
Dickman, 2015)
Current Return to Field Best Practices: Repeatable Results across the Nation
**All examples are 100% government operated shelters.
? California 20% reduction
? Florida 50% reduction
? Texas 33% reduction
Unrealistic Alternatives Debunked
AWAKE! Hillsborough Animal Health Foundation
? Public Health Issues:
o The incidence of various diseases in cats has been shown to exist at
approximately the same rate of infection in indoor & outdoor cats. Stats quoted
are not exclusively outdoor cats.
o CDC considers toxoplasmosis as a food borne illness affecting 60 million US
residents from eating undercooked meat or improperly handling raw meat- they do
not even list cats as a concern for toxoplasmosis infection in humans. Most
humans affected are asymptomatic- only severe in compromised immune systems.
? Cat Welfare:
o Remember- these cats already are living outdoors with no medical care and are
thriving.
o TNR cats ultimately are vaccinated at least one time and sterilized. They
produce no more kittens that ultimately have high rates of mortality including
predation and infanticide (adult cats eating new born kittens)
o Trapping a small number of cats each year and removing them does not reduce
population and therefore does not improve cat welfare of outdoor cats.
? TNR ?Not Working?:
? This is an outright misrepresentation of actual results of reduced shelter
intake across the nation where return to field programs have been in place for
years.
? Ethical & Legal Issues:
o The representation of the Florida statues and administrative code are in
conflict with a letter issues by the attorney for Florida Fish & Wildlife
Commission which states domestic cats are not exotic wildlife and are the
domain of local gov?t.
o Ethics: The site says it is unethical to ?re-abandon cats?. Where is the
ethical discussion of the killing of hundreds and thousands of outdoor cats
each year?
? Wildlife Predation:
o Whether cats are trapped and removed, left alone or TNR is practices cats
outdoors will be predators and there is no easy solution to that problem.
o The cost to remove 80% or more feral cats from a community with a 1-2 year
period required to mitigate the issue is financial impractical- estimated in
the millions per jurisdiction. More officers, more kennel staff, more
euthanasia costs, and higher turnover in employees.
o TNR is not a perfect solution but it does not increase the rate of predation-
these cats are already in the community and outdoors.
Sanctuaries
? Impractical: The amount of resources required is extensive- large parcels of
land, care costs, long range housing for 12+ years for each cat
? No Proven Example
o No successful large-scale sanctuary taking in cats each year at the rate
required for your community.
o Isolated small scale successes will not solve the problem
o Horrible examples of failure of large sanctuary (Caboodle Ranch, Madison
County, Florida)
? Who is going to be responsible?
Hard Costs Seen in Jacksonville, FL (Community Costs Combined)
FY06-07 FY07-08 FY08-09 FY09-10 FY10-11 FY11-12 (Kitten Nursery Program Begun) FY12-13
Community Cat Diversion Program/Feral Cat Program Costs $356156 $333,639 $430,960
$360,329 $348,039 $321,898 $316,995
Other Cat Program Costs $862,841 $856,010 $659,704 $580,852 $469,474 $549,049 $509,305
Total Cat Program Costs $1,218,997 $1,189,649 $1,090,664 $941,181 $817,513 $870,947
$826,300
Return to Field Based Programs Success
? Jacksonville, FL (7 years)
o 50% reduction in community cat intake
? San Jose, CA (5 years)
o 37% reduction in community cat intake
? Charlotte, NC (3 years)
o 28% reduction in community cat intake
Scenario Assumptions:
? Resources remain same at 8 bowls of food placed by caregivers
? For each bowl of food, one new offspring can be supported
? Cats require ? bowl of food to survive, but will not support new births
(offspring die)
? Cats protect their territory/resources whether sterilized or not
Scenario 1: Do Nothing
Year 1: Four Become Twelve
Year 2: Do Nothing
Food resources remain the same so there is more competition for the food
limiting births (remember that cats needs at least ? bowl of food to survive in
scenarios but that level of food will not support births of new offspring)
Year 2: Twelve Become Fifteen
Scenario 2: Aggressive Trap & Eliminate
Food resources remain because person doesn?t know that cat is removed-or-the
person still has the ?need? or ?desire? to feed outdoor cats
Year 1: Two Become Ten
Year 2: Aggressive Trap & Eliminate
Food resources remain the same so there is more competition for the food
limiting births, but elimination of two reduces the competition leading to more
births.
Year 2: Ten Becomes Sixteen
Year 2: Super Aggressive & Eliminate
Food resources remain the same so there is more competition for the food
limiting births, but elimination of four reduces the competition.
Year 2: Ten Becomes Fourteen
Scenario 3: Sterilize, Vaccinate & Return = ?SVR?
Cat returned to its original location continues to consume same resources even
when sterilized.
Year 1: Four Become Ten
Year 2: Sterilize, Vaccinate & Return
Food resources remain the same so there is more competition for the food
limiting births; sterilized and returned cats continue to consume same food
they did before sterilization.
Year 2: Ten Remain Ten
Scenario 4: Aggressive ?SRV?
Food resources remain the same and sterilized cats continue to consume the 2
bowls of food that they have in their original location (same as they did
before being sterilized).
Year 1: Four Become Eight
Year 2: Aggressive ?SRV?
Sterilized and returned cats continue to consume same food they did before
sterilization; there are no resources for other cats to survive.
Year 2: Eight Becomes Four
What about Public Health?
Basic Biology of Cats:
? Adult cats & kittens can get/have rabies.
? Toxoplasmosis (toxoplasmosa gondii) is classified as the leading food borne
illness by CDC ? the percentage of cat-related infections is so small that is
not even listed as a cause on CDC website.
? Toxoplasmosis is most commonly acquired by people when they eat meat that is
not cooked completely, especially pork, lamb, or deer meat.
? Toxoplasmosis (toxoplasmosa gondii) is transmitted through cat feces/stool.
? Cats only get toxoplasmosis once in their lives and shed the virus for 2
weeks (kittens most likely get toxoplasmosis).
? Must eat dirt or feces to acquire toxoplasmosis from cats.
? Cats protect their territory/resources whether sterilized or not.
***
Ms. Rebecca Quinn, CEO Atlanta Lifeline Project Program, 129 Lake Street,
Avondale Estates, Georgia 30002, came forward to address the Mayor and Council.
Ms. Quinn stated that there are about 15,000 animals sheltered in the
Atlanta area on an annual basis. She explained that Catlanta, a TNR program,
was launched ten years ago, and is the largest organized program in the state.
She went on to describe the TNR program that was enacted in DeKalb County.
***
Mr. Peter J. Wolf, of Best Friends Animal Society, 5001 Angel Canyon Road,
Kanab, Utah 84741, came forward to address the Mayor and Council.
Mr. Wolf took to the podium to give a presentation to the Mayor and
Council entitled Trap-Neuter-Return: A Public Policy Issue. The information was
presented as follows:
Introduction
? Peter J. Wolf
o Cat Initiatives Analyst, Best Friends Animal Society
? Analyze science and public policy related to community cat issues
Public Opinion
? 2014 Luntz Global survey of Americans (commissioned by Best Friends)
o Respondents were asked to indicate their preference from among three options
for managing community cats
? 691 (68.3%) chose TNR
? 242 (23.9%) chose impound/lethal injection
? 78 (7.7%) chose ?do nothing?
o Nearly 3 to 1 support TNR
? 2014 Luntz Global survey of Americans (commissioned by Best Friends)
o These results correspond to those of previous surveys
? The public strongly opposed lethal roundups of community cats
? And more generally: lethal methods as a shelter?s means of population control
Options and Feasibility
? Sound public policy must reflect science
o There are only two approaches known to reduce the population of community cats
? Intensive TNR efforts
? Focused
? Shelter-based return-to-field
? Intensive eradication efforts, such as those used on small oceanic island
? Poisons
? Introduced disease (e.g., panleukopenia)
? Lethal trapping
? Hunting
? Examples
o Marion Island
? 115 square miles, sub-Antarctic Indian Ocean, barren, uninhabited
? 19 years to exterminate approximately 2,200 cats
? Methods: feline distemper, poisoning, hunting and trapping, and dogs
o Ascension Island
? South Atlantic Ocean, sparsely populated
? Columbus is 6.5 times larger
? Four-year restoration project
? ??.including eradication effort [resulting in the deaths of 635 cats] and
monitoring of cats and seabirds?
? Taxpayers: nearly $1.3M (in 2013 dollars)
? Sound public policy must reflect reality
o Eradication efforts are unlikely to attract much support anywhere in the U.S.
? Horrendous methods employed
? Astronomical expense
o The only feasible option: TNR
? What about the ?traditional? approach?
o Complaint-driven impoundment typically resulting in death
o Not stabilizing or reducing the population of community cats
? Recent study: ?low-level ad hoc culling of feral cats? is not only
ineffective at reducing their numbers, but might actually lead to their increase
19
Some success stories
? Community Cat Projects
o Across the country
? San Antonio, TX
? Albuquerque, NM
? Baltimore, MD
? Pima County, AZ
o Impressive results
? Reduced shelter killing
? Reduced feline intake
o Columbus, GA (program year 1)
? Overall feline intake down 27%
? Kitten intake down 7%
? Approximately 2,500 cats sterilized and vaccinated
? Approximately 7,500 kittens prevented
Mythbusting the ?threats?
? Wildlife impacts
o 1.3-4.0 billion bird mortalities annually attributed to domestic cats in the
U.S.
? Reality check
o Partners in Flight Population Estimates Database: total number of land birds
in North America is about 4.7 billion
o Putting ?estimates? into context
? Free-roaming cats in the U.S. alone killing up to 85% of North America?s
birds each year
o 2014 State of the Birds report
? ?Habitat loss is by far the greatest cause of bird population declines?
o Pioneer of ?Kitty Cam? method (UGA)
? ?Cats aren?t as bad as biologists thought.?
? Rabies
o Reality Check
? Rabies cases in 2013: 247 cats, 89 dogs (CDC report)
? The lowest figure reported for cats since 1991
? Since 1960, only two cases of human rabies in the U.S. have been attributed
to cats
? Only one study investigated human exposures in U.S.
? Dogs were four times more likely than cats to send a person to the emergency
room for post-exposure treatment
? Toxoplasmosis
o Dramatic headlines
o Reality check
? Consumption of undercooked or raw meat is a risk
? Hand washing is an easy prevention measure
? Cats typically shed oocysts only once in their lifetime (if at all)
? Hand washing is an easy prevention measure
? Links between T. gondii infection and mental illness, memory loss, etc.
little more than correlation
? Correlation is not the same as causation
? Toxoplasmosis is a legitimate public health concern
? Data from the large-scale National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
reveal significant decreases among people 12-49 years of age born in the U.S.
(exposure ? illness)
o 1988-1994: 14.1%
o 1999-2004: 9.0%
o 2009-2010: 6.6%
o Meanwhile, the popularity of TNR increased dramatically
? This raises doubts that community cats pose a serious threat of infecting
humans with the T. gondii parasite
? ?Unmanaged feral cats? are 4.8 times more likely to be exposed to T. gondii
than managed colony cats
o And 11.8 times more likely to shed oocysts in their feces
o Feeding community cats seems to be an effective measure for reducing the
likelihood of T. gondii exposure in cats
? And, by extension, in humans
Summary
? No feasible alternatives to TNR
? Focused TNR efforts have demonstrated successes here and elsewhere
? Most of the threats are grossly exaggerated
o Even if every single claim were true, TNR is still the best option we have
for reducing the population of community cats
? Public opinion
? Scientific support
***
Dr. Deborah Ackerman, Adjunct Associate Professor of Epidemiologist UCLA
School of Public Health, was put on conference call to address the Mayor and
Council.
Dr. Ackerman stated that she had submitted a letter, which included
research information, to the Mayor and Council; in addition to that
information, Dr. Ackerman spoke on the relation of toxoplasmosis and
psychiatric disorders. (This letter is on file in the Clerk?s Office.)
***
At this point in the meeting, Councilor Barnes expressed his concerns for
the increasing numbers in the stray cat population. He read a letter from
Councilor Glenn Davis, who was absent from this meeting, on his concerns on the
feral cat issue in our community.
Councilor Barnes then introduced Dr. Judith Milcarsky.
***
Dr. Judith Milcarsky, DVM, of The House-Call Vet, P.O. Box 9248, Daytona
Beach, Florida 32120, came forward to address the Mayor and Council.
Dr. Milcarsky stated that informational material was provided to the
members of Council. (This information is on file in the Clerk?s Office.) She
went on to explain in detail to the Mayor and Council the association between
feral cat populations, rabies, cat-scratch disease, ringworm, hookworms,
roundworms, and toxoplasmosis.
***
Dr. Christopher A. Lepczyk, of the School of Forest and Wildlife Sciences,
Auburn University, 602 Duncan Drive, Auburn, Alabama 36849, came forward to
address the Mayor and Council.
Dr. Lepczyk took to the podium to give a presentation to the Mayor and
Council entitled Evaluation of TNR as a Management Option. The information was
presented as follows:
United Sates Cat Population
? 90 million pet cats
? 65% (60 million) pet cats allowed outdoors
? 60-100 million stray/feral/semi-feral cats
? 120-160 million outdoor cats in U.S.
? Global population unknown
? Considered among the 100 worst invasive species
Dilemmas Posed by Outdoor Cats
1. Disease transmission and human health
? Plague, rabies, toxoplasmosis
2. Wildlife predation
? Extirpated many island species
? Evidence of impact on bird populations
3. Invasive species
? Competing and alteration of systems
4. Nuisance
? Getting in garbage
? Overabundant
Management Options for Outdoor Cats
1. Adoption
2. Licensing
3. Contraception
4. Euthanasia
5. Sanctuaries and enclosures
6. Trap-Neuter-Release or Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR)
7. Do nothing
Ultimate goal of all methods is to reduce outdoor population to few or no
individuals.
Dynamics of Animal Populations
? Populations can only change over time through changes in vital rates of:
1. Birth
2. Death
3. Immigration
4. Emigration
? Hence if the management goal is to reduce a population size, the rates of
death and/or emigration need to be greater than recruitment (births +
immigration)
o Enhancing death and/or emigration
o Reducing birth and/or immigration
Linking Management to Cat Populations
? Agreement on the need to manage outdoor cats
? Any long-term approach must manage one or more vital rate
Management Action Vital Rate Affected Cats Remain on the Landscape
Adoption Emigration (Birth) Maybe
Licensing None Yes
Euthanasia Death No
Sanctuaries Emigration (Birth) No
Contraception Birth Yes
TNR Birth Yes
Nothing None Yes
What Population Dynamics Can Tell Us about TNR
? TNR is an in situ management technique designed to decrease a population over
time via death rate exceeding birth rate
o i.e. sterilization results in reduced (or no) births
? This technique works mathematically if the following conditions are met:
o Death rate do exceed birth rates
o Population is closed (no migration)
? Notably, however, meeting these two conditions for cat colonies is extremely
difficult
? Most common condition broken is the closed population as new cats are
recruited via migration (mathematically the same as new arrivals)
Does TNR Reduce Cat Populations?
? Mathematically under specific assumptions, cat populations can decrease and
eventually disappear
? While some studies have demonstrated gradual declines, none to date have
demonstrated disappearance, even after 10-20 years (beyond life expectance of
outdoor cats)
o Notably, most of these are also actively removing migrants or attempting to
sterilize all new arrivals, and most have small populations (<100 individuals)
when management began
? Overall, while TNR is mathematically possible, it has not been shown to
greatly reduce cat populations in the real world
Assessing Stakeholder Attitudes on Outdoor Cats
? Social survey disseminated to 5,407 people from 6 stakeholder groups in 2011
across six Hawaiian Islands:
1. Agriculturalists (n = 373)
2. Animal welfare activists (n = 277)
3. Conservation professionals (n = 698)
4. Hunters (n = 1,650)
5. Native Hawaiians (n = 49)
6. Public (n = 2,360)
Stakeholder Attitudes on Cats
? 84% of respondents did not enjoy seeing feral cats
? Only 12% assigned an intrinsic value to feral cats
? 73% believe feral cats threaten native fauna
? Majority of respondents (78%) support permanently removing feral cats from
the landscape
? Live capture and lethal injection were most preferred management technique
? TNR was least preferred technique for management
? Acceptability of each technique varied by stakeholder
Cost Benefit of Cat Management
? In a comparison of TNR to trap and euthanize, TNR costs 2.2 to 2.4 more money
than trapping and euthanizing
? Trapping and euthanizing programs are cheaper and deliver benefits sooner
? If at abandonment continues
o Increases costs of both T&E and TNR
o T&E must be repeated every 5 years
o Whereas TNR does not reduce the number of cats
The Conservation Continuum
Tractable (Relatively Easy) Intractable (Very Difficult)
Removing lead from fishing tackle Climate change
Removing plastic beads in personal hygienic products Seal level rise
Global deforestation
Coral bleaching
Take Home Message
1. Outdoor cats are a clear problem in many communities
2. Strong desire to reduce and remove them from the landscape
3. TNR is not a preferred method and does not work
4. Nearly all management actions will be triage without addressing the front
end of the equation by working to change policies regarding cat breeding and
allowing cats outdoors
5. Without responsible pet ownership, the problem is unlikely to disappear
***
Dr. Joel McNeal, of Cartersville, Georgia, came forward to address the
Mayor and Council.
Dr. McNeal took to the podium to give a presentation to the Mayor and
Council entitled Trap-Neuter-Return perpetuates artificially high densities of
feral cats. The information was presented as follows:
Where do you find feral cats in GA?
? Low to no population density away from human habitation.
? Moderate densities where human food sources (usually unsecured trash or pet
foods) are available.
? High (colony) densities where they are provided with supplemental food,
water, and shelter.
How are feral cat colonies established?
? Unsecured trash (restaurant dumpsters, etc.) or pet food attracts one or a
couple stray cats.
? Well-meaning people put out food; cats produce kittens.
? New cats are born or immigrate to food source.
Births and immigration add individuals to a population
? Sterilization of cats slows the birth rate (population down)
? Well-fed, unsterilized cats are able to have more kittens (population up)
? Cats will be attracted to food/shelter/water (population up)
? Increased likelihood of cat abandonment near feral colonies (population up)
Deaths and emigration remove individuals from a population
? Vaccination, sterilization, and providing food and shelter decreases the
death rate (population up)
? Greatly decreased likelihood of emigration with a steady food source
(population up)
? Feeding greatly increases the carrying capacity
? Sterilizing a percentage of the population slows, but does not reverse the
rate of population growth
? Carrying Capacity is the maximum population of a species that the environment
can sustain indefinitely, given the food, habitat, water, and other necessities
available in the environment
Is TNR more humane than euthanasia?
TNR Euthanasia
Trap Cat Trap Cat
Anesthetize cat Anesthetize cat
Perform neutering surgery Humanely euthanize cat
Confine cat until recovered from surgery
Release cat back into environment
Feed cat daily for its lifespan ?What does this accomplish?
? Feral cat caretakers feel like they have saved a life and feel they are
helping the cats
Cat dies (humanely euthanized before it has to suffer too long, if it?s lucky)
Evaluation of the effect of a long-term TNR and adoption program on a
free-roaming cat population
Julie K. Levy, DVM, PhD, DACVIM; David W. Gale; Leslie A. Gale, BS
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. 2003: 222(1)
? Frequently cited as ?evidence? for the efficacy of TNR
? 56% of the initial population were kittens, 25% socialized
? The decrease in numbers cited was due to adoption, not TNR
? 23 cats still remained on site at the end of the study; 73 were adopted; 23
disappeared; 10 died; 17 were euthanized
?Immigration or abandonment of new cats may be a frequent event, and
free-roaming cats do not appear to have sufficient territorial activity to
prevent new arrivals from permanently joining colonies. These new arrivals
could substantially limit the success of TNR if an ongoing surveillance and
maintenance program is not effective.?
Management of feral domestic cats in the urban environment of Rome (Italy)
Natoli et al. 2006. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 77:180-185
? Starting numbers were provided by the cat caretakers, not via accurate census.
? Population demographics (# of kittens, etc.) were not considered
?The spay/neuter campaigns brought about a general decrease in cat number but
the percentage of cat immigration (due to abandonment and spontaneous arrival)
is around 21%. This suggests that all these efforts without an effective
education of people to control the reproduction of house cats (as prevention
for abandonment) are a waste of money, time and energy.?
Analysis of the impact of trap-neuter-return programs on populations of feral
cats
Patrick Foley, PhD; Janet E. Foley, DVM, PhD; Julie K. Levy, DVM, PhD, DACVIM;
Terry Paik, DVM
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. 2005: 227(11)
Results of the programs had previously been summarized regarding the number of
cats neutered, but the effect of neutering on the free-roaming cat population
had not been analyzed. Our analysis indicated that any population-level effects
were minimal, with Rm (the multiplier) ranging from 1.5 to 4, which indicated
ongoing population growth (similar to values in previous studies), and critical
needed values of neutered cats (i.e., the proportion of all cats that needed to
be neutered to reduce Rm to <1.0) of 71% to 94%, which was far greater than
what was actually achieved.
Take-home points
? Feeding cats leads to higher local carrying capacity and higher cat densities
than would be present in the absence of human intervention
? Sterilizing less than 70-95% of the entire feral cat population in Columbus
per year will not significantly slow down population growth due to the high
reproductive output of the remaining fertile cats
? Feeding cats in colonies leads to: local decimation of small wildlife;
frequent contact between cats and other wild mammals which, in turn, increases
human health risk from zoonotic disease; increased nuisance complaints; more
cats dying per year
? There are no peer-reviewed studies that show a population decrease due to
TNR; claimed decreases are invariably due to removal of cats through adoption
and euthanasia or due to counting the removal of kittens as a population
decrease while not initially counting the birth of those same kittens as a
population increase
***
At the conclusion of Dr. McNeal?s presentation, Councilor Woodson made a
few statements and asked a number of questions as it pertains to the speakers
present in opposition of the TNR program.
Councilor Barnes asked for the specifics regarding the process of TNR, to
include all of the vaccinations that the cats receive.
In response Director Biegler stated that if the cat is friendly, the City
will trap it, vaccinate it and put the cat up for adoption. She further
explained that if it is a feral cat that is extremely ill or injured the cat
will then be euthanized without being vaccinated. If the feral cat appears to
be healthy, it is then sent to a vet, where they are examined further, then
vaccinated, spay/neuter, their ear clipped and then released back into the
community.
Councilor Barnes then read an excerpt from a rabies prevention report that
was issued by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), which stated
that no matter what vaccine is given that a booster injection must be given
within a year, an additional injection is given sometime after and must be done
every three years thereafter.
From the audience, Dr. Hall agreed that this was a true statement. He
further stated that three year vaccines can have an effective dose that lasts
up to forty-two months.
Councilor Barnes expressed that he is concerned with how these cats are
able to receive the booster injection that they need if they are released back
into the community. With this, Mayor Tomlinson asked the veterinarians that
were present to email the Councilors information on how these vaccinations can
be effective without receiving the booster injection, include information on
the last report of a human being getting rabies from a cat.
***
Ms. Christy Reeves, of 261 Archer Street, Canton, Georgia 30114, came
forward to address the Mayor and Council. Ms. Reeves stated that she suffers
from Toxoplasmosis, due to a cat using her sandbox as a child in 1978, as a
litter box. She stated that she spent large amounts of time in Emory Hospital,
and a paper was written about her since she was one of the youngest statistics
to have developed Toxoplasmosis. As a result of her condition, she will forever
be blind in her right eye.
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Since there was not a quorum present at this time in the meeting, Mayor
Tomlinson stated that the two resolutions that were listed on the Consent
Agenda excusing the absences of Councilors Mike Baker and Bruce Huff from the
Council Consent Agenda/Work Session Meeting would be postponed until the next
Regular Business Meeting.
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THAW THE FREEZE:
Mayor Tomlinson began her presentation to the Council entitled Thaw the
Freeze and stated that Dr. Benjamin Blair, with Columbus State University, was
present to answer any questions that the Council may have. The information was
presented as follows:
Thaw the Freeze
A New Tax System for a New Era
Community Discussion
? Mayoral Debates
? Revenue Review Commission
? Work Groups of Elected Official/Community Leaders
? Civic Clubs, Neighborhood Assoc., Realtor Groups, Let?s Talk Meetings, Forums
? Debate
? State of the City Addresses
? Media Coverage
? Editorials
Citizens with the Freeze are Entitled to Keep It
? Approved by Referendum in 1982;
? Upheld via Referendum in 1991;
? Upheld by Georgia Supreme Court;
? The Freeze is a Pact;
? Citizens have Planned and Budgeted;
? If you have the Property Tax Freeze, you will kept it;
? Such a Proposal has Never Been Voted On.
Thirty Years of Data to Determine Effectiveness of Property Valuation
Caps/Freezes
Does the Freeze Achieve Its Goals?
? It does not cap city budgets ($50 million v. $265 million);
? It does not protect seniors or those on fixed income (benefits immobility);
? It does not help families in tough economic times (frozen from downward
valuations);
? It depresses the tax digest and economic development (high Occupation Tax and
Commercial/Investment Tax);
? It inhabits transparency (pushes taxes around);
? It creates tax inequity (different tax levels for same house/lot); and,
? It constitutes a ?Welcome Stranger Tax?.
Sunset Proposal with Tax Break
? All those with the Property Tax Freeze keep it and that system is retired;
? All future transfers vest in a new Tax System where the property is valued on
the Fair Market Value;
? All value transfers receive an increased tax break in the form of a $20,000
increased Homestead Exemption.
Tax Break in New System
? Possible because of inefficiencies in current system.
? Proposal takes Homestead Exemption from $13,500 to $20,000 (nearly a 50%
increase in exemption).
? EXAMPLE ? Reduces first year property tax by $262 on $200,000.
Effect of Tax Break on City
? Total Cost to City - $440,892 in first four years.
? Over 15 years net gain to City is $2.3 million.
? Had the Tax Freeze been sunset in 2003, the City could lower its millage rate
by 3 mills and still collect today?s revenues.
Effect of Tax Break on School District
? Total Cost to School District - $599,746 in first four years.
? Over 15 years net gain to School District is $3.1 million.
? Had the Tax Freeze been sunset completely in 2003, the School District could
lower its millage rate by 4 mills and still collect today?s revenues.
No Relationship with LOST Penny
? Political Urban Myth that Freeze was quid pro quo for citizens passing
original LOST.
? LOST was passed in 1975.
? Freeze was passed seven years later in 1982.
? No relationship or promise related to the two issues.
Constitutionality of Proposal
? Columbus/Muscogee ? Great latitude of tax legislation. Recognizes validity of
system that protects reliance of citizens and gives notice to new transferees.
? Blevins ? Local Legislation of Freeze is constitutional. Freeze does not have
to be Local Constitutional Amendment. Notes all differing exemption rates are
?non-uniform?. The exemption rate must simply be rational.
? Sims ? Classifications broadest freedom. Presumption of constitutionality.
Highest standard on challenger to negate ?every conceivable basis which might
support it.?
? Nordlinger ? Classifications only need a ?legitimate? governing interest.
? Current Auto Tax ? Two systems, one retired
? Exemptions:
o Standard - $13,500
o Senior Citizen - $21,500 (Local Legis.)
o Disabled Vets - $70,400
o Police/Fire KIA ? 100% Exempt
o Military KIA - $43,000
? USD ? Several different districts, legitimate governing purpose.
Polley?s Memo
? Griggs v. Greene Co. ? State Rev. Commissioner order certain counties to
assess certain property types at different rates. No legislation, no vote.
? Traver v. Dalton ? City exemption taxes in exchange for property owner
deeding water rights to City.
? Hutchins v. Howard ? County officials pulled property tax returns and applied
varying tax rates (?without investigation or assessment?) to various property
types until they reached desired overall revenue increase of 15%.
? Warren v. Suttles ? Three successive legislative repeals. Legislative
repeals, as opposed to a court finding of unconstitutionality can?t resurrect
the first.
? Augusta v. Mangelly ? Concurring opinion. SUPPORTS our non-severability
clause and recognizes non-severability is presumption.
Question for Voters: Do We Have the Best Tax System for this Era?
? Which tax system best allows us to take advantage of our growth?
? Which tax system allows revenue to keep up with the cost of services?
? Which tax system gives us more flexibility to provide relief to the most
citizens?
? Which tax system stimulates economic activity versus suppresses it?
Process for Adoption
? Council must request issue be placed on ballot.
? Georgia Legislature must allow Muscogee County Ballot Question.
? Sunset Proposal with Tax Break must be approved by majority of voters.
(November 2016).
Ballot Question and Tax System
? One question which repeals current system and replaces it with exact freeze
system that will close on January 1, 2017.
? The same question creates new FMV Tax System with increased homestead
exemption tax break of $20,000, for all transfers occurring after Jan. 1, 2017.
? One part cannot pass without the other.
No Severability
? Ballot issues rise or fall as one system.
? By virtue of the law and the express language of the referendum, should any
part of the ballot issue or tax system be successfully challenged, ballot
question is void ab initio. We revert back to prior tax system.
? See sample ballot language approved by multiple legal resources.
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2016 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA
Deputy City Manager Lisa Goodwin explained the 2016 Proposed Legislative
Agenda to the members of Council. Deputy City Manager Goodwin stated that
Director Peter Bowden, of the Convention & Visitors Bureau was present to speak
on his item as well.
Other Local Option Sales Tax (OLOST) ?Hotel/Motel Exemption:
The Columbus Consolidated Government is requesting that the Local
Legislative Delegation to the General Assembly introduce legislation to amend
O.C.G.A. 48-8-96(h)(1) so that it only applies to LOST referenda held after
January 1, 2011, thereby leaving the original two exemptions contained in the
2004 legislation in place in Columbus, Georgia. (Requested by Councilor
Henderson)
Sales Tax Accountability and Transparency User Safeguard (Point of Sales Data):
The Columbus Consolidated Government is requesting the State take
necessary steps to ensure the full collection and timely remittance of all
sales and use taxes due to the State and to local governments, whether such
steps include additional funding for the Department of Revenue for audits and
compliance purposes, privatizing sales tax collections or allowing local
governments to collect and audit local sales taxes locally. (Carry over
2010/2011/2012/2013/2014/2015) (Requested by Mayor, City Manager, and Finance
Director)
911 Surcharge ? Increase:
Introduce/support legislation to increase 911 fees from $1.50 to $2.50 for
telephone landlines and wireless phones from $1 to $2.50. (Carry over from
previous years) (Requested by Deputy City Manager Pam Hodge)
Thaw the Freeze:
Request that local delegation to the Georgia General Assembly introduce
local delegation to sunset the Columbus Georgia Homestead Assessment Freeze
found at Ga. L. 1981, p. 1926 and substitute a new homestead exemption tax
system effective for all homestead purchases after January 1, 2017. (Requested
by Mayor)
Repeal of Hotel Destination Fee Imposed by HB 106 2015 Session:
This item requests repeal Section 3 of HB 106, to be codified as O.C.G.A.
?48-13-50.3, which imposes a $5 per night fee on hotel lodging, a part of the
transportation funding plan enacted by HB 170. (Requested by Mayor Pro Tem
Turner Pugh)
Personal Transportation Vehicles (PTV?s):
This item requests an amendment to the provisions of O.C.G.A. ?40-6-365
(c)(3) which governs the ability of local governments registration of PTV?s
which are allowed to be used on public streets in specifically designated
areas. The amendment would allow inspection and registration of such vehicles
annually instead of once every five years. (Requested by Councilor Davis)
Legislative Vetting Period:
Request that the local delegation support proposed statewide legislation
to call for a forty-eight hour vetting period to any substantive amendment to
legislation pending on the floor before either house of the legislature before
final adoption of the legislation. (Request of Councilor Davis)
Deputy City Manager Goodwin stated the resolutions would be brought back
to the Council on October 13, 2015, for their consideration and approval. The
Hometown Connection and Legislative Agenda will take place on October 16, 2015,
from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Columbus Ironworks Convention & Trade
Center, where the approved items will be presented to our Delegation.
At this point, Deputy City Manager Goodwin, called on Peter Bowden,
Director of Columbus Convention & Visitors Bureau to address the Mayor and
Council. Director Bowden explained that the bureau supports the monitoring and
oversight of the hotel/motel tax law.
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BOND RATING UPDATE
Deputy City Manager Pam Hodge began her update on the bond rating. During
her introduction, she announced that Mr. Courtney Rogers, Senior Vice President
of Davenport & Company was present to answer any questions that the Council may
have.
Deputy City Manager Hodge stated that the Rating Update Report issued by
the Moody?s Investors Service, was provided to Council. (This report is on fill
in the Clerk of Council?s Office.) She further stated that according to the
report, Moody?s has decided to downgrade the City?s bond rating from Aa2 to
Aa1. The reason expressed for the downgrade was due to the decline in fund
balance over the years and the potential reduction in troops at Fort Benning.
Mr. Rogers addressed the Mayor and Council to go through the specifics of
the audit that were provided in the detailed report provided. The information
that was provided compared where the City of Columbus stands in comparison to
other municipalities in the State of Georgia.
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With there being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor
Tomlinson then entertained a motion for adjournment. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh
so moved. Seconded by Councilor Henderson, a vote was not taken since there
was no quorum present at the conclusion of the meeting, with the time of
adjournment being 12:57 p.m.
Lindsey A. Glisson
Deputy Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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