HomeMy WebLinkAboutASAB minutes 0118171
Orange County Animal Services
1601 Eubanks Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
919-942-PETS (7387)
ANIMAL SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD (ASAB)
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday, January 18, 2017
Meeting Summary
MEMBERS PRESENT: Maureane Hoffman (Chair), Molly Mullin (Vice-Chair), Edmund Tiryakian, Judy Miller, Beth
Grooms, Susan Elmore, DeWana Anderson, Michael Stewart, Warren Potter, Victoria Hudson
MEMBERS ABSENT: Aviva Scully, Michelle Walker
STAFF PRESENT: Bob Marotto (Animal Services Director), Andi Morgan (Asst Animal Services Director), Jasmine
Johnson (Veterinary Health Care Manager)
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Call to order: 6:30pm
Review and adoption of the Agenda: Agenda item for discussion with County Manager and agenda item was
added. Judy Miller made a motion to approve the agenda; seconded by Beth Grooms. The motion carried without
dissent.
Summary of November 16, 2016 meeting: Warren Potter made a motion to approve the Summary; seconded by
Beth Grooms. The motion carried without dissent.
General Public Comments on items not on the agenda: None.
Introduction of Andi Morgan as the Assistant Animal Services Director: A new organization chart was shared that
describes her new span of control and areas of responsibility. The organization re-classified at least five jobs,
revised position descriptions and compensation, and changed recruitment methods under the advisement of OC
Human Resources.
Animal Services Advisory Board:
(A) Policies and Procedures: Edmund Tiryakian presented a summary of changes to the existing manual of
procedures for the ASAB (attached). These proposed edits include editing obsolete language, adding
definitions, and removing redundancy. Michael Stewart made a motion to accept the revisions; make
additional revisions and return to the ASAB; and forward the changes to the County Attorney;
seconded by Judy Miller. Motion carried without dissent.
Old Business:
(A) Public Art Participation: Bob Marotto reported that selection of the artist is pending the end of the
application period by January 31st with the proposed installation by the end of June. The Orange County Arts
Commission suggested the ASAB and OCAS staff host a reception when the art is complete. No dates or
party concept were decided. Susan Elmore made a motion to support the efforts for a reception; Michael
Stewart seconded. Motion carried without dissent.
(B) Update of the Pets of the Homeless Task Force: Judy Miller reported the first information meeting will be
held January 27th with over twenty agencies representing local animal services stakeholders expected.
New Business:
2
(A) Animal Services Updates: Bob Marotto reported the OC Health Director’s resignation and interim health
director appointment. He explained the historic partnership and the importance of the working relationship
between the ASAB, OCAS, and the Board of Health, particularly regarding rabies law in NC. He also
explained this year’s budget process. There may be recommendations for fee changes and fee exemptions.
Michael Stewart made a motion to support the position that all adoptable animals be microchipped and
subsequent increases in fees will be based upon staff budget analysis and proposed; Susan Elmore
seconded. Motion carried without dissent.
(B) Miscellaneous: Andi Morgan expressed thanks from OCAS for the staff holiday celebration. Other holiday
news includes a musician played for the luncheon and, later, the animals. Staff reported excellent
cooperation during the inclement weather event earlier this month. Officer Schwartz was recognized for his
heroic actions of an animal rescue during the snow. There is a Valentine’s pet special planned, a rabies
clinic/ fundraiser sponsored at Phydeaux on January 28th by Meadowmont Animal Hospital and Phydeaux.
There will also be a low-cost rabies vaccination event in mid-February.
(C) Ring-worm Protocol: Jasmine Johnson apprenticed recently with the San Francisco SPCA on feline ringworm
protocols. Protocols will be implemented at OCAS: methods for feline ringworm diagnosis (3 types);
isolation for affected cats; treatments for cats and kittens (antifungals for 21 days); deep cleaning of cat
rooms; and required clearance of two negative cultures before adoption for cats receiving treatment.
(D) Resolution of complaint regarding health care practices received by Animal Welfare Section of NC
Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services: A resident filed a complaint with the Animal Welfare
Section regarding the policy that a heartworm positive dog can be adopted with the condition that the dog
complete a prescribed course of treatment administered and paid for by OCAS. Under this policy, finalization
of the adoption is withheld until completion of the treatment, and requires follow-through by the adopter
without full conveyance of ownership until the end of treatment. This is a perceived violation of the North
Carolina Veterinary Practice Act, in that OCAS is treating an animal not owned by OCAS and is, therefore,
competing with veterinarians in private practice. The OC County Manager’s office and officials from the
Animal Welfare Section and the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Board agreed with a proposal that an
intermediate fostering agreement be entered for the adoptable, heartworm positive dog until treatment is
complete; and then the fosterer will have the first choice to adopt.
The current protocol for treatment of heartworm positive dogs was developed based on a considerations
felt to maximize safety/efficacy, while limiting the cost and length of treatment. DeWana Anderson
suggested that the veterinary staff consult the American Heartworm Society guidelines for most current
treatment recommendations. This is also an excellent opportunity to educate potential adoption owners
about the status of the heartworm treatment and those responsibilities.
(E) Free-roaming cats update: Tabled until February 15, 2017 meeting.
(F) Dangerous dog appeal: Edmund Tiryakian requested that the OCAS website provides a “How-to” for
appeals.
Information Items:
(A) Monthly Sheltering Statistical Reports, 2016: Bob Marotto reported a summary of statistics from the
previous calendar year, including a 48% decrease in euthanasia and a 246% increase in transfers.
(B) Monthly Field Service Statistical Report, 2016
Adjournment and next meeting:
Warren Porter made a motion to adjourn at 8:32; Judy Miller seconded. Motion carried without dissent. The
next meeting is February 15, 2017 at 6:30 pm, Orange County Animal Services Center.
Minutes taken:
Victoria Hudson