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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-03-12 Minutes ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE Minutes of a meeting of the Animal Advisory Committee held on Wednesday, March 12, 2003 at 2:15 p.m. at the Animal Shelter ROLL CALL Present: Colleen Cochrane Laurie Davis, Durham Animal Adoption Sheila Elkington, Sr. Animal Services Officer Dr. Julia Holt Peter Klose, Animal Cat World Don MacArthur, Councillor Tara Stocker Donna MacKay, Secretary Absent Were: Marie Knight Stanley, Deputy Clerk Dr. Bill Mingram Nick VanSeggelen Councillor MacArthur chaired the meeting. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 1. Moved by Tara Stocker, seconded by Dr. Julia Holt THAT the minutes of a regular meeting of the Animal Advisory Committee held on January 14, 2003 be approved. “CARRIED” VERBAL REPORT – ANIMAL LICENCING INC. 2. Sheila gave a verbal report advising that Mark Stewart of Animal Licencing Services Inc. and his staff will commence selling dog and cat licences door to door on April 1, 2003 throughout the Municipality. She also noted that lifetime licences are becoming very popular. Animal Advisory Committee - 2 - March 12, 2003 LIZ WHITE, DIRECTOR, ANIMAL ALLIANCE OF CANADA, PRESENTATION 3. TO COUNCIL A handout of the presentation was circulated to the committee wherein Clarington received glowing remarks for their operation. Animal Alliance cites Clarington, as a shining example of what can be accomplished with a willing Council, city staff and shelter workers. She stated that Clarington equals Calgary’s dog program but is unchallenged by any other muniicpality in Canada regarding its cat adoption program. In conclusion, Liz thanked the Members of Council, the Clerk’s Department, staff who enforce the by-laws and manage the licencing program and last and most important, the front line workers who run the shelter, developed and sustained all the important support programs that have made such a remarkable difference for Clarington residents and their animal companions. PUBLIC RELATIONS NOTICE 4. A public notice was prepared for publication and circulated to the committee highlighting important points regarding the Animal Shelter. BIA UPCOMING EVENTS 5. A list of upcoming BIA events was circulated at the meeting to see if the Animal Advisory Committee would be interested in participating in a fundraiser at any of these events. BIA requires notice to attend these events. It was discussed and the weekend of May 3, 2003 which is the Maple Festival event and would also tie in with Pet Prevention Week was agreed upon. Tara volunteered to help. Any other volunteers would be very much appreciated. Sheila also noted the committee was represented at the Courtice Carnival and Family Safety Day last year and was well attended. Colleen suggested taking photos of our adoptable dogs to display at the event. OTHER BUSINESS 6. Sheila updated committee regarding Oshawa Animal Services hoping to implement a new plan wherein every animal adopted out would be spay/neutered and microchipped. The fees would increase dramatically. Their report is forthcoming to Oshawa Council. Colleen is going to call around to the local veterinarians to see what fee would be charged for an early spay for cats. Sheila mentioned that Bowmanville Veterinary performed a free spay on a cat last week as an educational program for students. This gesture was very much appreciated by the Animal Shelter. Animal Advisory Committee - 3 - March 12, 2003 Dr. Holt read an article from Scotsdale, Arizona regarding leash laws. Owners, who allow their dogs to run unleashed are prosecuted under the Criminal Code and fines of up to $500.00 along with doing community service are imposed. Dr. Holt would like to see more restrictive leash laws. Peter, as an incentive to purchase a lifetime cat licence, is donating a couple of tickets to Animal Cat World in Orono. Meetings will now be held every other month on a Tuesday. ADJOURNMENT 7. The meeting adjourned at 3:05 p.m. NEXT MEETING TUESDAY, MAY 13, 2003, 2:15 – ANTE ROOM __________________________ Chair ___________________________ Donna MacKay, Secretary