HomeMy WebLinkAboutASAB minutes 0819151
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, August 19, 2015
Meeting Summary
MEMBERS PRESENT: Judy Miller, Beth Grooms, Michelle Walker (Chair), Warren Porter (Vice-Chair),
Susan Elmore, Michael Stewart, Arthur Sprinczeles, Aviva Scully
MEMBERS ABSENT: Caroline Green, Molly Mullins, DeWana Anderson, Maureane Hoffman
STAFF PRESENT: Bob Marotto (Animal Services Director), Sarah Fallin (Program Coordinator), Jasmine
Johnson (Veterinary Health Care Manager)
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Agenda: Motion to approve agenda with addition of one housekeeping item passed and agenda
unanimously approved
Summary of June 17, 2015 meeting: Reviewed and unanimously approved
General Public Comments on items not on the agenda: None
Introduction of Jasmine Johnson, Veterinary Health Care Manager
ASAB Affairs
(A) ASAB unanimously recommends reappointment of current members Aviva Scully, Arthur
Sprinczeles, Warren Porter, and Michelle Walker for reappointment to 3-year terms
(B) Susan Elmore gave a summary of Potentially Dangerous Dog Hearings for 5 dogs; 2 designations
were upheld and 3 designations were overturned.
Old Business
(A) Report from Animal Research Subcommittee
• DeAnna Rowan gave public comment and asked questions regarding the scope and
details of any potential protocol for participation in research studies, including: (1) who
would conduct the procedures and where; (2) who would be responsible for oversight of
collection and compliance with protocol; (3) what standard would be followed to
determine whether a procedure is non-invasive and avoids pain/suffering.
• The ASAB raised additional questions for careful review by the Animal Research
Subcommittee:
i. Make clear that no live animals would leave the shelter for research purposes
ii. How to address effect that protocol may have on operational
procedures/decision making regarding humane euthanasia (i.e., whether an
animal euthanized for purely humane reasons would be eligible for donation; if
not, would the protocol have potential to discourage humane euthanasia?)
2
1. One suggestion was having identified criteria for humane euthanasia of
potentially eligible animals specific to each research study
iii. Development of standards for determining whether the research is not-for-
profit (e.g., consideration of funding source for research even if conducted by an
academic institution)
iv. Development of standards for determining what procedures are acceptable as
non-invasive and avoiding pain/suffering
1. One suggestion was to specifically identify acceptable procedures
v. Potential review of protocols of other model shelters nationally
vi. In light of these questions/concerns, critical evaluation of cost/benefit of
potential for participation in research
New Business
(A) Eligibility criteria for Community Spay & Neuter Program
• ASAB unanimously approved staff proposal to increase eligibility for Community Spay &
Neuter Program from 150% of poverty level to 200% of poverty level
(B) Animal Services Updates
• Mr. Marotto and Jasmine Johnson provided updates regarding shelter statistics, positive
impact of adoption specials, canine influenza, the newly opened dog play area, and
AnimalKind Cares program in Orange County
Ongoing and Upcoming Events
(A) Back to School Adoption Special during the month of August
(B) Annual Dog Swim Sunday September 13 from 1-4 PM
(C) Spay Neuter Day – Thursday, August 20
Meeting adjourned at: 8:15 PM
Name of Minute Taker: Michelle Walker