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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAnimal Services Advisory Board Meeting Minutes June 13, 2012 Animal Services Advisory Board Meeting Minutes, 6-13-12 Attendees (members): Lorna Barrett, Debbie Prince AAS Staff: Sharon Broady, Priscilla Crisler, Edward Jefferson, Diane Downs Guests: Beverly Hixon, Laurie Saner, Amy Murphy, Wayne Stearley, Commissioner Wayne Guilfoyle Absent: B. B. Langham, Jerry Macarrio, Linda Finnegan, Julie Tillery The Advisory Board meeting began at 5:30 pm. The minutes from the last meeting were read and approved as written. Prior to the meeting, on May 14, 2012, Ms. Barrett sent an email to the shelter entitled “Just One Day”. The memo asked that all animal shelters not euthanize any animals for one day. Augusta Animal Services participated in this exercise, with June 11, 2012 as the chosen day. Ms. Crisler posted this information on both the AAS website and the national Animal Control website. Ms. Broady received permission from the city administrator to reduce the shelter fees to $50.00 for the day and 8 animals were adopted; 5 dogs and 3 cats. However 1 dog was euthanized for humane reasons (the animal was hit by a car and sustained serious injuries). The program was successful. Ms. Broady stated that Ms. Murphy sent some advertising email for the shelter. She also stated that she was re- investigating the water bill inserts (they are expensive); also discussed was placement of pictures in the bills as well (black/white versus color). Commissioner Guilfoyle suggested that the inserts be done on a quarterly basis. He also suggested posting pictures. Ms. Crisler stated that AAS posted pictures on both our website as well as on Pet Harbor and that we are working with IT (Information Technology) to make changes. Other media advertising suggestions were radio advertising in conjunction with newspapers. Officer Jefferson stated the need for the newspapers to go back to printing the court sentences in the paper, to include our animal control cases. Further suggestions included billboard advertising and posting bulletins at the local colleges. Ms. Broady stated that she had contacted Augusta Technical School but got no response. She further stated that she would get a price on ads and would email them to the board members. Animal microchip registration and administration of (who was authorized to give them) was discussed. Ms. Crisler stated that our (AAS) microchips have a lifetime registration. She also stated that veterinarians, Heartsong Spay/Neuter clinic, and Dogwood Spay/Neuter Clinic on Columbia Road administer microchips. Several members asked if the shelter can microchip animals owned the public. Both Ms. Broady and Ms. Crisler stated that this would be too expensive. Ms. Crisler stated that this procedure should only be done by a veterinarian because animals can be harmed by an inexperienced person performing the procedure and it can also be illegal. Ms. Prince then suggested than a veterinarian could be hired to do a clinic; Ms. Murphy then suggested the possibility of a veterinarian volunteering their time to the shelter to perform this procedure. Ms. Barrett stated that the Advisory Board did not have a purpose. Ms. Crisler stated that the advisory board was originally set up to govern dangerous animals/deem animals dangerous. Although the committee did perform this function last year on one dog, this function is now performed by the judges reviewing our court cases. Ms. Barrett then suggested that Advisory Board purpose be an agenda item for an upcoming meeting. Ms. Crisler stated that public education is the number 1 priority. Several animal control staff members have done presentations to local schools such subjects as bite prevention and responsible dog/pet ownership. More Animal Control presentations will be forthcoming. Ms. Hixon also suggested setting periodic goals for the board to achieve. The members discussed cat roaming and the inability to keep cats confined. Trap and release of cats was again discussed. Ms. Hixon stated that some counties/other places have feeding stations and houses for cats. Ms. Hixon further stated that Dekalb County is working with a private rescue group (Lifeline) on trapping and releasing cats. She also discussed Best Friends Rescue in Utah. Ms. Broady reiterated that this was a conflict of interest for animal services as we have to respond to citizen complaint calls concerning roaming cats. Ms. Crisler and Officer Jefferson also reiterated that this practice is also illegal in accordance with the Richmond County Title 4 Ordinances. A proposal regarding this practice was given to Ms. Broady for her to review. Mandatory spay and neutering of pets was also discussed. Ms. Crisler stated that in years past advisory board members had visited local organizations to discuss this topic. She also stated that after the meetings the board members had to be escorted to their cars by police officers; because of the hostility of the meeting attendees toward this topic. Rescue Groups and spay neuter clinics have helped in this regard. This topic will be discussed more in a forth coming meeting. Ms. Hixon then asked for figures to transport animals to the shelter, as well as to house, feed, spay or neuter and adopt out the animal. Tethering of animals and animals riding in open vehicles were discussed. Ms. Hixon suggested that a crate be used for transporting dogs in trucks rather than the dogs being tied in truck backs. She then asked if the ordinances could be changed to include this as well as trapping and releasing of cats. Ms. Broady, Ms. Crisler, and Officer Jefferson all stated that these infractions were in the new proposed ordinances and that the law department was currently reviewing the document, afterwards the document would be reviewed by the city administrator prior to presenting the document to the commission. Several attendees asked if the meeting day of Wednesday could be changed due to conflicts in their schedules. Two suggested days were Monday or Thursday. A poll will be taken as to the better day for each member, with further meeting planned for that day. Also a memo will be sent to the members when a decision is made for the next meeting date. The meeting adjourned at 7:15pm.