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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-09-08 Minutes ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE (unofficial until adopted) Minutes of a meeting of the Animal Advisory Committee held on September 8, 2004 at 2:30 P.M. at the Clarington Animal Shelter ROLL CALL Present: John Stoner, Vice Chair Laurie Davis, Durham Animal Adoption Sheila Elkington, Sr. Animal Services Officer Councillor Adrian Foster Marie Knight Stanley, Deputy Clerk Charmaine Dunn Helen Koseck, Bowmanville Veterinary Clinic Wendy Chandler, Secretary Absent: Kathleen Blundell, Chair Byron Rehder Julie Price John Stoner chaired the meeting 1. ADOPTION OF MINUTES Moved by Councillor Foster, seconded by Laurie Davis. THAT the Minutes of the Animal Advisory Committee for the meeting of June 9, 2004, be approved. “CARRIED” 2. PETSMART GRANT ? Animal Services applied for this grant in March 2003. The original proposal was for a neutering program only, until Petsmart asked Animal Services to re-write the original proposal to include all cats. ? In August 2004, Animal Services received approval and was issued Petsmart’s maximum grant in the amount of $10,000. ? Cat adoption fees set at $120 per cat with $75 from each adoption being set aside in the spay/neuter account. ? Councillor Foster will acknowledge this grant to Municipal Council. Animal Advisory Committee -2- September 8, 2004 3. PET LYNX ? If all animal care facilities would use Pet Lynx, it would be a tremendous asset ? Possible start date of January, 2005 ? Toronto is using Cammillon software, but many municipalities are moving to Pet Lynx software ? Committee members to avail themselves to Pet Lynx material hand-out provided at the September 8, 2004 meeting and be prepared to discuss it at the November 10, 2004 meeting ? Among the many benefits of this software, owners dramatically improve their chances of recovering their lost pets themselves, since this is an on-line service, www.petlynx.net ? Cost to individual owners is $29.95 per animal with ½ going back to the shelter. 4. LEASH FREE DOG PARK Lions Club indicated in a media release that leash free is merely in the feasibility stage. ? Concerns raised by committee : Liability o Fencing o Controlling park o Contamination o Waste bag availability o Availability of potable water o Concept needs more study o ? Advantages to leash free : From tourism perspective, Tourist Information Centre a o great location, with addition of “animal friendly” signage. Oshawa and Toronto already have leash free parks o Pet owners would have confidence knowing where their o pet would be allowed to go. 5. FAMILY FUN DAY AND PETVALU BBQ ? McCall Butt thanked Animal Services for their participation and indicated everyone seemed to enjoy the day’s activities. ? Animal staff flipped the burgers for this event and raised $560. Animal Advisory Committee -3- September 8, 2004 6. NEW BUSINESS Laurie indicated that during the recent hurricane in Florida, residents were not allowed to take their pets with them to the various governmental and emergency shelters and asked if something similar would happen here in Clarington. Marie attended Region of Durham emergency plan meetings with Oshawa, Scugog and Whitby. In the event an emergency arises, personnel and material resources will be retained to assist with animal care and an “Animal Emergency Plan” is in place. Marie will send a letter of thanks to the horticultural society for their dedicated effort in planting gardens and adding an engraved plaque at the Animal Shelter. In addition, the driveway will be paved this fall. Marie informed the committee that Beth, the Brittany Spaniel rescued from horrific abuse by the Animal Shelter Staff and turned over to the Humane Society, is adjusting well. She has lots of spirit; she is playing, wagging her tail and gaining weight. Two Courtice area men, who are registered breeders of Brittany Spaniels, have now been charged. Cost to date for her care has been around $3,000. The response from the public about Beth’s plight has been overwhelming; people were very upset and many offers for her adoption were received by the Humane Society. On September 9, 2004, after numerous interviews, officials at the Humane Society united Beth with her new owners Cindy and Mike. On September 15, 2004, a Community Forum will be hosted by the Municipality of Clarington at the Courtice Community Complex. Animal Services will provide pamphlets and various materials to hand out to members of the public. The aim of this material is to help teach people how dogs act and therefore prevent dog bites. A motion regarding a ban on Pit Bulls from the September 7, 2004, General Purpose and Administrative Committee was provided to committee members for discussion. Consensus of the majority indicated there should not be a total ban. Members suggested a mandatory spay/neuter program, special insurance policies, breeders taking more responsibility, and a lot more education to the public and would-be owners. The Attorney General’s office will be taking the lead role on this issue and will bring forward new legislation. Marie will be in contact with this office as further information becomes available, as well, she will be in contact with other municipalities to see where bans have been put in force. If a report does go to Municipal Council, it will be based on the pros and cons of such a ban. Marie will also get percentages of dog bites from unaltered dogs. Animal Advisory Committee -4- September 8, 2004 Marie suggested the possibility of starting a fall school program for responsible pet ownership; it is also hoped that a 10-year forecast will allow for the Animal Shelter to employ and Education Officer. 6. ADJOURNMENT Moved by John Stoner, seconded by Marie Knight Stanley. THAT the meeting adjourn at 4:45 pm. “CARRIED” Chair Secretary