HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-09-15 minutesANIMAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Minutes of a meeting of the Animal Advisory Committee held on September 15,
2010 at 2:30 p.m. at the Animal Shelter.
ROLL CALL
Present: Jon Stoner, Chair
Councillor Ron Hooper (attended at 2:37 p.m.)
Rhonda Johnson
Peter Klose
Dr. Helen Koseck (attended at 2:40 p.m.)
Sheila Elkington, Animal Services Officer
Anne Greentree, Deputy Clerk
June Gallagher, Clerk II, Secretary
Absent: Laurie Arnott
As there was no quorum at the beginning of the meeting, the Committee
members only discussed the minutes and the quarterly reports.
1. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES OF MARCH 10, 2010
There were no questions or comments.
2. QUARTERLY REPORTS
Anne noted some highlights from the quarterly reports for January to
March and April to June, in particular some of the year-over-year items.
With regard to animal control issues, Anne noted that the sales for the
licenses are remaining status quo; adoptions are down. It was noted that
part of the decrease in adoptions is, in part, due to the current policy
restricting advertising. Anne further noted that the increase in routine calls
is due to the fact that all tasks have been input into the Shelter Buddy
application and there has been an increase in the number of patrols.
There was a general discussion about the dog bites and the conclusion
was that there was no trend in types of dogs perpetrating the bites.
3. OTHER BUSINESS
a. Follow up on “Urban Backyard Chickens” – Report CLD-004-10
Anne informed the Committee that the Report CLD-004-10 had been
adopted by Council and that urban backyard chickens are not allowed
in urban areas of the Municipality of Clarington.
Animal Advisory Committee -2- March 10, 2010
There was a general discussion about the application of by-law
enforcement issues within the Municipality of Clarington.
The Committee achieved quorum at 2:37 p.m.
b. Circus elephants and their care
This agenda item was raised by John, which was prompted by a
newspaper article where a community member was concerned about
the safety of residents when elephants are included in community
events (such as Apple Fest). There was a general discussion about
situations when elephants are taken out of their cages and brought into
the community. Peter noted that this is a matter of elephants being
“grandfathered” in their participation, as the organizations that have
these elephants have been in the community for years.
It was noted that CAZA does not necessarily get involved in “policing”
this issue, but rather ensuring the safe keeping of the animals.
The Committee discussed the issue of dogs being brought to
community events. Councillor Hooper noted that the BIA is also
struggling with the issue of dogs.
c. Update and check on the “cattery”, group housing, in the shelter
Sheila reported that we are currently maintaining an average of eight
cats in the “North” (group housing) room. Staff follow an approved
standard protocol for managing the “North” room and to date it has
proven successful.
d. Photos with Santa for 2010 – Status and Suite
Anne noted that, due to the Election, the discussion of “Santa for the
2010 Photos” has been placed on the back burner and nothing has
been firmed up, as of yet.
e. “What role does the Animal Advisory Committee play?”
John raised the issue of “what role does the Animal Advisory
Committee play?”
Anne noted that, at the beginning of the term in 2007 was set out and
that she believes that the Committee has fulfilled the terms. She
noted, however, that she believes that the Committee has outlived the
scope of the Committee. Anne reminded the Committee that one of
the best ways to get direct input is to seek input from the stakeholders
within a certain issue (such as with the Kennel By-law) and suggested
that this is a good way to seek public input. She also provided the
Animal Advisory Committee -3- March 10, 2010
example of the “backyard chicken question”, where, in addition to the
input from the Committee, other agencies and representatives were
contacted for input. Anne suggested that this adhoc (less formal
structure) approach would be the approach that might be the most
effective. She noted that she believes that staff are handling the day to
day, as well as resolving unusual situations. Anne asked for the
Committee’s feedback on this suggestion.
Peter agreed that there were more issues that were at the forefront
which precipitated the inception of the Animal Advisory Committee, but
that there are few issues at this time. He further noted that the staff at
the Shelter are professionals in their field and are very competent in
their duties.
There was a general discussion about whether the Committee should
be disbanded.
Moved by Rhonda Johnson, seconded by Helen Koseck
THAT the Animal Advisory Committee be deemed to have fulfilled its
goals and outlived its need;
THAT the Committee recommend to Council to disband the Clarington
Animal Advisory Committee; and
THAT the Clerk’s Department and Animal Services Division continue to
seek input from members of the public, and industry experts, through a
less formal, adhoc process on an “as needed” basis when major issues
arise which may require public or industry input.
CARRIED
Anne thanked the members, on behalf of the Municipality for their time
and knowledge and for being a part of the Committee.
Dr. Helen Koseck left the meeting at 3:37 p.m.
4. ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Peter Klose, seconded by Rhonda Johnson
THAT the meeting be adjourned at 3:54 p.m.
CARRIED