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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-11-17 Minutes ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE Minutes of a meeting of the Animal Advisory Committee held on November 17, 2005 at 2:30 P.M. at Animal Services. ROLL CALL Present: John Stoner, Chair Laurie Davis Charmaine Dunn Rhonda Hooper Councillor Adrian Foster Anne Greentree, Deputy Clerk Sheila Elkington, Sr. Animal Services Officer Cheryl Tennisco, Clerk II, Secretary Absent: Julie Price John Sturdy 1. ADOPTION OF MINUTES Moved by Laurie Davis and Seconded by Sheila Elkington THAT the minutes of the Animal Advisory Committee for the meeting of September 14, 2005, be approved without comment. CARRIED 2. APPOINTMENT OF VICE CHAIR Moved by Laurie Davis and Seconded by John Stoner THAT Rhonda Hooper be appointed Vice Chair of the Animal Advisory Committee. CARRIED 3. QUARTERLY REPORT FOR JULY TO SEPTEMBER 2005 Sheila presented the Quarterly Report for the period of July to September, 2005. She further reported that there are approximately 51 cats available for adoption at this time. Charmaine Dunn offered to assist with attending the local schools to speak with the students regarding pets and responsibilities of pet owners. Animal Advisory Committee -2- November 17, 2005 4. DOG OWNER’S LIABILITY ACT – AMENDMENTS – UPDATES Sheila Elkington and Anne Greentree attended a seminar held in Peterborough on Wednesday, November 9, 2005. The following information was discussed: i) A pit bull, not spayed/neutered prior to redemption period, can not be brought into compliance; and ii) Reviewed the Dog Owners Liability Act; Members discussed advertising options regarding Pit Bull Legislation. Discussion took place on a current complaint the Animal Shelter received regarding a loose pit bull in Newcastle. Councillor Foster requested a copy of the Act for the Committee to review. Anne will do a verbal review on the new legislation for pit bulls and details on the public sector having the right to lay charges themselves. Laurie Davis stated show dogs are exempt from being muzzled at the site of the show, but must be muzzled to and from the event. Anne Greentree will supply information regarding the restrictions at dog shows. 5. COMMUNITY EVENTS - UPDATE Emergency and Fire Services Family Safety Day was held on September 24, 2005. Denise LeBreton staffed the display with pictures of animals available for adoption and encouraged the public to visit the Shelter. Pet’s Pictures with Santa will take place on Saturday, December 17, 2005 at the Animal Shelter. The session will commence at 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. The cost per photo will be $8.50. John Stoner volunteered to be Santa and Rhonda Hooper offered her services to help with the photo session. Cheryl Tennisco will look into rental of a Santa Suit and a Polaroid camera for the photos. 6. ORDER TO RESTRAIN APPEALS - UPDATE A Report recommending a change in the process for Order to Restrain Appeal Hearings to determine whether or not to exempt the owner of a dog in whole or in part from the Order is to go before Council shortly. Currently the Appeals are heard by Council and staff are recommending that the Manager of Municipal Law Enforcement be appointed as an Animal Control Officer for the purpose of hearing the Appeals (Report CLD-043-05). The Appeals must be heard within 10 business days in a open meeting. Charmaine Dunn voiced a concern with the decision being Animal Advisory Committee -3- November 17, 2005 decided by one person. Anne confirmed the Manager’s expertise in conducting hearings, and assured the Committee that Management will ensure any future incumbents would have the appropriate qualification for this duty. 7. OTHER BUSINESS Charmaine Dunn requested the Committee’s assistance in translating our current by-law to aid the Greek in their legislation (Hellenic Society). Charmaine will bring a copy of their legislation to the next meeting. John Stoner advised members of the proposed development application for the lands adjacent to the Bowmanville Zoo. 12. NEXT MEETING Next meeting will be on Wednesday, January 11, 2006 at 2:30 pm at the Municipal Administrative Building. 13. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 4:15 pm.