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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-04-09 Minutes ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE Minutes of a meeting of the Animal Advisory Committee held on April 9, 2008 at 2:30 P.M. at the Animal Shelter. ROLL CALL Present: John Stoner, Chair Laurie Arnott Sheila Elkington, Sr. Animal Services Officer Councillor Ron Hooper Rhonda Johnson Peter Klose Dr. Helen Koseck Anne Greentree, Deputy Clerk Ellen Atkinson, Clerk II, Secretary 1. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 12, 2007 Moved by Sheila Elkington, seconded by Helen Koseck THAT the minutes of the Animal Advisory Committee for the meeting of September 12, 2007, be approved without comment. CARRIED 2. CHANGES TO FEES Anne Greentree informed the Committee of the changes to the adoption fees as outlined in Report CLD-033-07 which was submitted by the Clerks Department. The report is requesting that Council grant the Municipal Clerk and Deputy Clerk the authority to reduce adoptions fees to assist in promoting the adoption of animal’s that are suitable for adoption. As well, this report allows for flexibility in the adoption rates in the future. The goal is to minimize the length of stay at the shelter. 3. MICROCHIPPING AT THE ANIMAL SHELTER Anne Greentree spoke to the Committee regarding the recommendations contained in Report CLD-008-08 regarding the Microchip Program and the increase of $10.00 in the adoption fees to cover the costs associated with the microchip program. The goal is to reduce the length of time it takes for the Officers to track down the owners and reunite the animal with the owner, thus reducing the length of time the animal is in our shelter. Animal Advisory Committee -2- April 9, 2008 4. CAT ROOM AT THE SHELTER Anne Greentree requested that the Committee provided her with their input with regards to the proposed multi-cat room at the Animal Shelter. The Animal Shelter staff will have to take into consideration the comfort of the cats as well as diseases and virus and ensure that only “healthy and social” cats are housed in this unit. Anne informed the Committee, they are hoping this will create a more comfortable environment for the cats as well as possible new owners. This will allow the customers to socialize with the cats to ensure they are adopting the one which best suits them. Jon Stoner provided research material on the subject in areas where is has been implemented and stated it would require constant monitoring and make sure that “clean” cats are used at the beginning. Staff anticipates this will increase the adoption rates and possible multi- adoptions. The Committee feels this is a great idea in principle and as long as mult-litter boxes and feeding stations are used. Anne informed the Committee this renovation is scheduled for the fall. 5. KENNEL BY-LAW Anne informed the Committee of the current issue before Council in regards to Kennel Licenses. She explained to the Committee the reasons behind Report CLD-014-08 regarding Cat and Dog Licensing – Agricultural Rate Category. When inspections were performed, they were inspecting facilities that were really not kennels by definition as outlined in By-law 2006-228. The new “Agricultural Rate” would apply to those persons who provide proof of applicable zoning. Some Committee members feel this is not the route to take, if a person chooses to have more than one dog, that is their choice and they should have to pay for licenses for all animals whether they are zoned agricultural or not. 6. OTHER BUSINESS Anne provided the Committee with copies of Reports CLD-035-07 and CLD-002-08 for their review. She informed them the reports for this year will be different because of the new software being used. Jon suggested that copies of Reports going to Council be presented to the Committee for comments prior to the Council meetings. 7. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 4:00 P.M.