HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/08/2012 ACAB
Animal Control
Advisory Board Meeting
May 8, 2012
Called to order: 6:01 p.m.
Members in attendance: Wendy Gunderson, Patricia Barrington, David Terre, Greg Darbro
Members absent: Chris Plemons
Citizen input
None.
Discuss dangerous doe/aggressive animal procedures/statutes
Barrington provided hard copies of both state and local regulations related to dangerous and aggressive animals. She
further stated that the department had received some feedback from residents hoping for more strict regulation of
potentially aggressive animals. Gunderson stated she was unsure how that could be accomplished as breed specific
legislation is not an option in the state and identifying characteristics of aggressive dogs isn't a science and behaviors can
vary in different circumstances. Darbro agreed and suggested the department cite an annual AKC statistical report
identifying dog breeds involved in the highest number of bites in the United States each year to counter the public's fear
of particular breeds. Terre advised he felt current procedures were sufficient after Barrington explained the routine
process. Barrington cited a possible discrepancy with state and local regulations related to the number of days a pet
owner has to request a hearing related to the disposition of an animal that has been seized and declared dangerous.
She stated she would forward this information to the city's attorney for review.
Review first quarter activity reports
The board was presented with activity reports for January, February and March 2012. Barrington pointed out first
quarter activity reflects a high rate of pets being reclaimed by owners. Terre commented that the number of complaints
handled by the division seems to indicate an ever increasing work load. Barrington said she felt this was a result of the
public's level of service expectations increasing due to the level of service the division provides. Terre suggested adjusts
in the formatting of the monthly reports, in an effort to make them more reader friendly. Barrington advised she would
work on the format as she felt it could be simplified as well.
Discuss upcoming events
Barrington said the only upcoming event is a low cost spay and neuter clinic in conjunction with TCAP, scheduled for
May 22, 2012. Gunderson asked for details. Barrington stated that TCAP drives a transport vehicle to The Colony
Animal Services and picks up pets that have appointments for sterilization services, transports them to the clinic in
Denton and returns them to The Colony Animal Services for pick up, post surgery. Gunderson asked if the shelter and
TCAP might do this on a more frequent basis. Barrington advised that the current rotation is twice per year and unless
those clinics are booked fully, she doesn't recommend adding additional clinics to the calendar.
Discuss spay/neuter and vaccination services for shelter pets tagged for special events
Barrington reported the Animal Wellness Center had changed ownership and the current owner hasn't offered to
sterilize and vaccinate pets for adoption events. She suggested highly adoptable pets in need of these services to be
r
candidates for adoption programs be spayed / neutered and vaccinated using donation funds with board approval. All
members agreed this to be appropriate usage of donated funds.
Discuss shelter goals and future agenda items
Barrington stated that the shelter is still working toward a rescue day each week at the shelter. However, due to staffing
issues this hasn't been implemented at this time. She asked if there were items the board would like to see on the
agenda at the next meeting. Darbro indicated he would like to see a solid plan for shelter expansion. He suggested
plans include a separate building for housing pets with an adjoining breezeway. Terre agreed and asked that costs be
included in plans presented. Both Terre and Darbro suggested metal buildings with concrete foundations and drain and
airflow systems. Gunderson added any housing structure would have to be climate controlled. Barrington advised there
are state regulations in place that stipulate air flow exchange, temperature ranges, etc. Barrington alerted the board to
an immediate need for new or repaired outdoor dog runs. All members present agreed this would be an appropriate
expenditure from the donation fund. Gunderson, Darbro and Terre agreed the board should meet again in August.
Adjourned: 7:04 p.m.
Prepared by: Patricia Barrington; Animal Services Division Manager
All members in attendance have reviewed the May 8, 2012 minutes and approve the content. Electronic mail approval
acknowledgement from each member attached.
Patricia Borrmgto
The Colony Police Department
Animal Control Division Manager