HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-03-11 Minutes ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Minutes of a meeting of the Animal Advisory Committee held on March 11, 2009
at 2:30 P.M. at the Animal Shelter.
ROLL CALL
Present: Rhonda Johnson, Chaired
Sheila Elkington, Sr. Animal Services Officer
Councillor Ron Hooper (arrived at 3:20 p.m.)
Peter Klose
Anne Greentree, Deputy Clerk
Ellen Atkinson, Clerk II, Secretary
Dr. Helen Koseck
Absent: Jon Stoner
Laurie Arnott
1. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 12, 2008
Moved by Councillor Ron Hooper, seconded by Helen Koseck
THAT the minutes of the Animal Advisory Committee for the meeting of
November 12, 2008, be approved without comment.
CARRIED
2. SHELTER CHANGES
The Committee was advised of the changes scheduled for the Animal
Shelter. The current office space is neither patron nor staff friendly;
therefore, internal structure modifications will be done. This renovation is
scheduled to start mid summer 2009. The inside dog runs will be
converted to accommodate group housing area for cats. Anne informed
the Committee that staff members visited the OSPCA facility located in
Newmarket to observe their group housing areas. Anne stated the
Municipality will proceed cautiously and will monitor the Group Housing
area once it is implemented.
3. QUARTERLY REPORTS
Anne provided the Committee with copies of the Quarterly Report covering
the period of October to December 2008, and commented on the
statistics. She stated that Liz White, Animal Alliance of Canada, contacted
her and complemented on how well the reports are laid out and she would
like to use this layout as a model for other municipalities. The reports are
now generated from the program Shelterbuddy and they provide more
accurate information that is easier to read.
Animal Advisory Committee -2- March 11, 2009
4. LICENSING CAMPAIGN
The Door-to-Door Licensing Campaign has started for 2009 and, in
addition to the urban areas, the Contractor will also be working in the
smaller communities within the Municipality of Clarington. This year, the
Municipality will be piloting hand-held units to issue licenses which will
greatly streamline the administrative activities.
5. SPECIAL EVENTS UPDATE
The Santa Photo Event was successful, although staff received some
comments that photos more “close up” were preferred.
Winter Wonderlearn was well attended and there were plenty of activities
for the children. The message that was being promoted was dealing with
spring wildlife and keeping yards clean.
To promote adoptions, the screen at the front Customer Service Desk,
Municipal Administration Centre and the Clarington website are featuring a
“Pet of The Week”.
One member of the Committee suggested that staff might consider
participating in the Orono Fair.
6. OTHER BUSINESS
Anne was assured by the Region of Durham, Waste Department, that the
waste brochure regarding what is to be done with animal waste has been
updated and now reflects the information that the waste is to placed in the
garbage. Anne will follow-up to ensure this has been done.
The issue of “pooping and scooping” was discussed in detail.
Suggestions for addressing this issue included: officers patrolling the
parks more and issuing fines; installing a “doggie dooley” which is a pet
waste disposal system; and installing a post with bags and a garbage pail.
Moved by Peter Klose, seconded by Helen Koseck
THAT staff be requested in investigate the opportunity for an animal waste
disposal container system to be piloted in a park area which has
traditionally been an area of concern for animal waste.
CARRIED
Animal Advisory Committee -3- March 11, 2009
The Committee would like an update on the off-leash park proposal. Anne
will follow up and report back to the Committee at the next meeting.
Peter provided the Committee with a brief overview of the changes made
to the Ontario SPCA Act, Bill 50. Some changes mentioned were:
establishment of new provincial offences for cruelty towards animals,
stiffer penalties, provision of inspection powers to the Ontario SPCA to
inspect property where animals are kept and abuse is suspected,
expanding the standards to all animals not just dogs and cats, and
imposing new offences. More information on this Bill can be found on the
government website or the Ontario SPCA website.
7. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 4:04 P.M.
8. NEXT MEETING
May 13, 2009 – Animal Shelter