HomeMy WebLinkAboutASAB minutes 0916151
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, September 16, 2015
Meeting Summary
MEMBERS PRESENT: Caroline Green, Aviva Scully, Beth Grooms, Warren Porter (Vice-Chair), Susan
Elmore, Michael Stewart, Dewana Anderson, Arthur Sprinczeles, Molly Mullins
MEMBERS ABSENT: Michelle Walker (Chair), Judy Miller, Maureane Hoffman
STAFF PRESENT: Bob Marotto (Animal Services Director)
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Agenda: One addition added, to discuss ASAB reappointments; with this addition, motion to approve
agenda passed and agenda unanimously approved
Summary of August 19, 2015 meeting: Reviewed and unanimously approved
General Public Comments on items not on the agenda: None
ASAB Affairs
(A) Potentially Dangerous Dog Appeal hearings from the past month:
• Tony: declaration overturned
• Spike: declaration upheld
• Princess: declaration upheld
• Mia: declaration upheld
• Kellee: declaration upheld
(B) Potentially Dangerous Dog Appeal committee: several changes were discussed, including legal
matters that need to be discussed with Annette Moore, the County attorney. The committee will
meet with Annette to discuss legal matters and report back to the Board. The topic of extra
alternates was raised, because of the high volume of recent hearings. Bob says to be careful to get
appropriate representation in each hearing.
(C) 2015 Progress Report and 2016 Work Plan: Several topics for inclusion in the 2016 Work Plan are
discussed, and Bob will draft both a Progress Report and Work Plan for submission to the Board.
Topics include low-cost spay/neuter efforts including Pets For Life, free-roaming cats, and changes
to the Potentially Dangerous Dog Appeal hearings.
(D) 2016 Officer Elections: Michelle and Dewana will comprise the committee that will populate the
slate of officer candidates for 2016.
Old/New Business
(A) Animal Research Subcommittee
• The committee hasn’t yet held another meeting. It is tentatively scheduled for Oct 7. A
community member expresses her concerns about conducting non-invasive research on
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shelter animals that will benefit them, including possible conflicts of interest for Board
members that work for places where animal research is conducted. Bob clarifies that
currently no research is conducted on any animal at OCAS, whether living or dead.
Susan clarifies that even Board members who work at places where animal research is
done are working from the inside towards reducing and eliminating the number of
animals used in research.
(B) Animal Services Update
• There have been 7 confirmed rabies cases to date.
• Family Success Alliance is working to serve the most under-served areas of Orange
County, and there’s discussion of a subsidized spay/neuter program.
• There are regressive changes proposed to the NC Spay and Neuter Reimbursement
Program in the current draft of the state budget.
• A small number of cats have developed abscesses while at OCAS.
• The 11th Annual Dog Swim was a success, attended by 200 people and 100 dogs.
• The license fee exemptions for sterilized animals belonging to people on public
assistance is in effect.
Ongoing and Upcoming Events
(A) Low-cost rabies clinics
(B) October is Dog Adoption Month and there are cat adoption specials
Meeting adjourned at: 8:18 PM
Name of Minute Taker: Caroline Green