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HomeMy WebLinkAboutASAB agenda 013118 Animal Services 1601 Eubanks Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27516 919-942-PETS (7387) ANIMAL SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD (ASAB) 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 31, 20181 Animal Services Center Proposed Agenda • Review and adoption of meeting agenda • Review and approval of November 15, 2017 ASAB meeting summary • Review of public participation guidelines—Molly Mullin, ASAB Vice-Chair • General public comments on items not on the agenda (3 minute limit) • Monthly Meeting Attendance Record (confirm completion) • 2017 Pat Sanford Animal Welfare Grant Awards • Independent Animal Rescue • North Carolina Therapeutic Riding Center • Animal Services Advisory Board • Old Business • Managing Free Roaming Cats • Pets of Homeless Task Force Update • Discussion of Abuse/Neglect Charges for Surrendered Animals • New Business • Update on Animal Services Center Property Easements • Animal Services Updates • Information Items • Finalized ASAB Progress Report and Work Plan • Annual Report for Community Spay and Neuter Program 1 This meeting is being held because the regularly scheduled January 17th meeting was cancelled due to hazardous weather. Animal Services Advisory Board January 31, 2018 Page 2 • Monthly Sheltering Statistical Reports, November and December 2017 • Monthly Field Service Statistical Report, November and December 2017 • Informal discussion Accompanying Documents 1. Proposed summary of November 15, 2017 ASAB meeting 2. Representation of Animal Services Center Property Easments for Duke Power and OWASA 3. Guidelines for Abuse/Neglect Charges for Surrendered Animals(forthcoming) 4. Finalized ASAB Annual Report & Work Plan 5. Annual Report for Community Spay Neuter Program 6. November and December Sheltering Statistics (http://www.orangecountync.gov/departments/animalservices/2018_monthly_reports.php#) 7. November and December Field Services Statistics (http://www.orangecountync.gov/departments/animalservices/2018_field_statistics.php#) WORKING DOCUMENT NAME OF BOARD: Animal Services Advisory Board Report Period: 2017-2018 ORANGE COUNTY ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ANNUAL REPORT/WORK PLAN FOR COUNTY COMMISSIONERS The Board of Commissioners welcomes input from various advisory boards and commissions in preparation for its annual planning retreat. Please complete the following information, limited to the front and back of this form. Other background materials may be provided as a supplement to, but not as a substitute for, this form. Board/Commission Name: Animal Services Advisory Board (ASAB) Person to address the BOCC at Work Session—if applicable and contact information: Currently, Maureane Hoffman, ASAB Chair. Primary County Staff Contact: Bob Marotto, Animal Services Director How many times per month does this board/commission meet, including any special meetings and sub-committee meetings? The ASAB has a monthly meeting except for the months of July and December. Monthly meetings ensure that there is sufficient time to listen to stakeholders and address issues and concerns in a deliberate and timely manner. Three (3) ASAB members serve on the Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool. They chair the appeal hearing panels convened under the Unified Animal Ordinance. Each month there have been between two (2) and four (4) appeal hearings (ranging in time from three-quarters of an hour up to two hours). The ASAB has also created task forces to address specific issues in greater depth. One is looking at community resources for pets belonging to the homeless in coordination with Corey Root, Orange County’s Homelessness Coordinator. Another is looking at how Orange County Animal Services might approach the owners of surrendered animals that are suffering as a result of some kind of neglect. Finally, three members of the ASAB serve on the review committee for the Pat Sanford Animal Welfare Award. The committee is charged with reviewing applications and making a selection based upon award criteria. Brief Statement of Board/Commission’s Assigned Charge and Responsibilities. The ASAB serves as a sounding board for animal-related policy issues raised by residents or identified by the BOCC. Residents are referred to the ASAB as a critical step in any consideration of stakeholder concerns, before bringing an item to the Board of County Commissioners. Integral to this general responsibility is a concern with ensuring that the practices and outcomes of Orange County Animal Services meet or exceed prevailing professional standards. A good illustration is the ASAB’s support for the county’s Community Spay and Neuter Program, which subsidizes cat and dog sterilization for people on public assistance or whose household income is less than 200 percent of the federal poverty level. The board has also supported Animal Services in exploring other ways to serve underserved parts of our county. Also integral to this responsibility is receiving and reviewing continuous feedback from the three board members who serve on the Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool. The ASAB is working with staff to maintain a list of challenges and problems that may be addressed through the amendment of the Unified Animal Ordinance based upon the experiences of the hearing panel pool. Finally, the ASAB is concerned with the human aspects of animal issues as well as animal welfare. Fundamental to this concern is the relation of animals to public health and safety. Indeed, one board member is the veterinarian for Orange County Health Board. Notable here are the changes that Animal Services made in coordination with the Health Director for the post-exposure management of rabies. These were made on the basis of the new recommendations made in the most recent edition of the Compendium of Rabies and they were at the forefront of progressive changes in the state of North Carolina and beyond. What are your Board/Commission’s most important accomplishments? The ASAB continued to work with staff and stakeholders managing pet overpopulation in Orange County. Free-roaming cats have been of great significance to recent efforts in this area, and among other things, the ASAB and staff together have sought to establish strong working relations with potential community partners. These have included efforts to craft a “working barn cat” program with the Agriculture Preservation Board. The ASAB worked with the Arts Commission to commission “Calypso Cat,” a figure feline sculpture by Mark Elliot now standing outside the adotion entrance of the Animal Services Center. Funding for the piece was shared by Animal Services and the Arts Commission and the piece is intended to reflect the central place of cats in our community and the mission of Animal Services. The ASAB joined the Arts Commission in sponsoring a reception for friends of the animals, the arts community and other stakeholders. In close coordination with staff, the board revised the policies and procedures for the ASAB. The revised policy was necessitated by the new appeal process required by the Unified Animal Ordinance (UAO). The BOCC adopted the policy recommended by the ASAB earlier in the year. Also, the board proposed a change from “vicious” to “dangerous” in the UAO and the BOCC adopted an amendment making the change. This is a good illustration of the interdependence of the ASAB and the Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool. In this case, members of the Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool became concerned that the “vicious” language was alarming to the owners of animals so deemed and the three members of the pool from the ASAB brought this concern before the board for consideration. Finally, the ASAB continued to assist the BOCC in ensuring that board vacancies are filled in a timely and effective manner. It routinely makes recommendations to the BOCC based upon interviews with candidates for vacant positions. It also provides each new member with an orientation, which includes an introduction to the board, a review of county policies for boards and commissions, and an overview of Animal Services operations. List of Specific Tasks, Events, or Functions Performed or Sponsored Annually. In addition to activities mentioned above, the board sometimes hosts partner organizations, supports the annual Open House, and provides its own appreciation for all Animal Services staff. As indicated earlier, members of the board are available to serve on task forces charged with the in depth review of a specific issue of concern from the standpoint of operations, programs or policies. Describe this board/commission’s activities/accomplishments in carrying out BOCC goal(s)/priorities, if applicable. Work done by the ASAB in coordination with Animal Services staff touches several principles and priorities. Three principles and priorities seem noteworthy with respect to the ASAB in calendar year 2017. These are: Sustainable Services • Supported strategic plan for managing pet overpopulation to control medium and long-term animal service costs as well as to reduce the use of euthanasia a means of population control. • Supported efforts to advance the plan for managing free roaming cats in Orange County as a critical component of the overall strategic plan (including partnering with the Arts Commission to commission “Calypso Cat.”) • Supported efforts to meet or exceed professional standards within the field of animal welfare and animal services, including initiatives to provide service to underserved areas by developing new and different community relations. Making County Government Accessible, Understandable and Transparent • Served as a sounding board for stakeholder concerns about animal issues and animal related policies. • Coordinated openly and effectively with the County Manager and BOCC (including vetting and recommending candidates for ASAB vacancies). • Made recommendations regarding various animal issues and put forward an amendment to the UAO. Advisory Board Roles and Responsibilities • Provided a setting for stakeholder communication about various animal-related matters • Revised the ASAB Policies and Procedures. • Sustained ASAB by vetting candidates for board vacancies, making recommendations to the BOCC, and conducting orientations for new members If your board/commission played the role of an Element Lead Advisory Board involved in the 2030 Comprehensive Plan preparation process, please indicate your board’s activities/accomplishments as they may relate to the Comprehensive Plan’s goals or objectives. (The Element Lead Advisory Boards include: Planning Board, EDC, OUTBoard, Commission for the Environment, Historic Preservation Commission, Agriculture Preservation Board, Affordable Housing Board, Recreation and Parks Advisory Council) Not applicable. Identify any activities this board/commission expects to carry out in 2016 as they relate to established BOCC goals and priorities. If applicable, is there a fiscal impact (i.e., funding, staff time, other resources) associated with these proposed activities (please list). The ASAB expects to be especially concerned with several areas in the coming year. These are: Sustainable Services • Support strategic plan for managing pet overpopulation to control medium and long-term animal service costs as well as to reduce the use of euthanasia a means of population control. • Support efforts to advance the plan for managing free roaming cats in Orange County as a critical component of the overall strategic plan. • Support efforts to meet or exceed professional standards within the field of animal welfare and animal services, including initiatives to provide service to underserved areas by developing new and different community relations Making County Government Accessible, Understandable and Transparent • Serve as a sounding board for various issues and policy concerns. • Coordinate with staff to inform the County Manager and the BOCC of strategic initiatives and significant policy considerations • Conduct research and make policy and/or program recommendations to the BOCC as needed • Identify needed amendments to the UAO for based upon the experience of the Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool. Advisory Board Roles and Responsibilities • Provide a setting for stakeholder communication about animal- related matters • Providing leadership to the appeal hearing panels by having three (3) board members be part of the Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool and chair the hearing panels • Recommend ASAB applicants to the BOCC and orient new members to the role and responsibility of the advisory board. • Supporting the Pat Sanford Animal Welfare Grant with board members serving along with staff on the annual grant application review panel. What are the concerns or emerging issues your board has identified for the upcoming year that it plans to address, or wishes to bring to the Commissioners’ attention? Unified Animal Ordinance: Several items of concern have arisen in the hearing process experience over the last year. Some of these are more technical issues but there is a general policy issue as well, namely, whether there should be more gradations in the manner in which a dog is declared a danger to the public. As one panel member recently noted after a challenging hearing, the ordinance does not have a lot of flexibility in this area and everyone would feel better about their service if more tools were available to use in administering this part of the ordinance. Thus, the ASAB will be considering whether there are reasonable options that may be put into the language of an amendment for consideration by the BOCC. Managing Pet Overpopulation: The board will continue to work with staff to implement a plan for managing free roaming cats. In particular, the board will coordinate with staff to coordinate with the Agricultural Preservation Board and other entities to advance the “working farm cat” program. The board will also continue to work with staff to develop community partnerships and resources for addressing the challenges presented by free roaming cats in Orange County. More generally, the board will work with staff to ensure that organizational forms and practices responsible for the county’s success in managing over population are recognized, supported and extended into the future. This is a critical commitment to ensure that pet overpopulation is managed in the long run in Orange County in a humane as well as cost effective manner. Community Services and Community Centers: The board will continue to work with staff to consider how to best implement community-oriented developments in the fields of animal welfare and animal services in Orange County. Exemplary of these developments is Pets for Life, a new initiative oriented toward supporting pet ownership in underserved parts of the county and related efforts seeking to enhance pet retention. It is expected that Animal Services will partner with established community centers in Orange County to build stronger community relations through which various services and resources can become better known. Specifically, plans are being developed to offer two community wellness clinics and also to participate in several of the summer programs hosted by the community centers. Pets of the Homeless: Working with the county’s Homelessness Coordinator to identify community resources that can be tapped to help care for pets belonging to the homeless as they undergo different transitions. Among the expected deliverables for this collaborative effort are an infographic and an inventory of assorted services and resources that may be useful to people with pets who are homeless or who are trying to make a transition to some kind of housing. This has been a perplexing problem for Animal Services to deal with on its own and there is a strong sense that a broad based approach is the most successful way to find solutions to what are very stressful situations. Suffering Animal Surrenders: A task force of board members and staff has been created to develop a satisfactory approach to animals suffering from neglect that are surrendered to Animal Services. The task force is expected to consider the pros and cons of sanctions up to and including criminal prosecution. The task force is also expected to consider how to address the potential adoption of animals by people who have surrendered a neglected animal and the resources that may be available to support the care and retention of animal companions. ASAB Vacancies: The board will continue to assist the BOCC in ensuring that board vacancies are filled in a timely and effective manner. It will make recommendations for vacancies to the BOCC based upon interactive candidate interviews. The board will also provide each new member with an orientation, which includes an introduction to the board, a review of county policies for boards and commissions, and an overview of Animal Services operations. Revised December 6, 2017 (BM) 1 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, November 15, 2017 Meeting Summary MEMBERS PRESENT: Maureane Hoffman (Chair), Molly Mullin (Vice-Chair), Beth Grooms, Judy Miller, Warren Porter, Edmund Tiryakian, Diane Obeid, Michelle Walker, Susan Elmore, Heather Payne, and Victoria Hudson MEMBERS ABSENT: STAFF PRESENT: Bob Marotto (Animal Services Director) GUESTS PRESENT: None _____________________________________________________________________________________ Call to order: 6:33pm Review and adoption of the Agenda: Molly Mullin made a motion to approve the agenda with addition of staff appreciation and 2018 meeting calendar during ASAB business; seconded by Susan Elmore. The motion carried without dissent. Summary of October 18, 2017 meeting: Judy Miller 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. Animal Services Advisory Board: (A) Presentation of the 2018 ASAB meeting calendar: Michelle Walker made a motion to accept the calendar with corrections/ adjustments; seconded by Heather Payne. The motion carried without dissent. (B) Report of the Nomination Committee: Bob Marotto reviewed the 2 yr terms of the By-Laws. The slate of officers includes Maureane Hoffman (Chair), Molly Mullin (Vice-Chair), and Victoria Hudson (Sec). Judy Miller made motion to accept the nominations for the 2 yr terms; seconded by Diane Obeid. The motion carried without dissent. (C) Progress Report and Work Plan: The 2018 Work Plan was presented. A few suggestions were made to change wording and to add recruitment for additional ASAB members as an action item to the work plan. Minor revisions may be sent to Bob Marotto within the next week. The final work plan will be reviewed by the Chair and the Vice Chair before its due date. Michelle Walker made a motion to approve the Work Plan with minor changes; seconded by Diane Obeid. The motion carried without dissent. (D) Staff Appreciation: An email will be sent out for suggestions for this year’s OCAS staff appreciation. Old Business: (A) Free Roaming Cat Spay & Neuter Initiative: Bob Marotto and Maureane Hoffman are planning another visit with the Agricultural Preservation Board. Because the terms of the grant will expire soon, an extension may be requested. The best delivery has been to provide vouchers for the barn cat project. So far three farms have been identified for the project (a farm, a stable, and a large rural setting). Thirteen cats have been captured and treated where the goal is ~40. The message about broader eligibility for spaying and neutering 2 has been well received. Residents should call for eligibility. People who are not wholly eligible are being given information for other options. (B) Pets of the Homeless Task Force: No updates other than the plan to revisit work groups. (C) Surrendered Suffering Animals: No updates other than the plan to revisit work groups. (D) Pat Sanford Grant: The first grant application was submitted. A final grant decision will be made in early December. New Business: (A) Animal Services Updates: Bob Marotto reviewed facility and equipment updates, including the installation of the generator currently. An easement is being constructed on the property west of the OCAS building. Since the easement is inevitable, including tree removal and land disturbance, there is the potential to extend the dog walking trail. A new phone system was installed. Susan Elmore reported on the new Health Director, who starts on December 18th. Adjusted live release rate was 91% (83% unadjusted). Intake down 20% from this time last year. Positions for Customer Service Supervisor and one ACO are vacant. Home for the Holidays campaign has begun: (1) discount adoptions; (2) OCIM and Meals on Wheels canned food drive; (3) portraits with Santa; and (4) holiday parades. Schedules are being developed for the lost cost rabies clinics in 2018. At least two clinics will be held to outreach underserved areas at community centers (Efland-Cheeks and Rogers Road) to provide vaccinations, microchips, maybe other vaccinations, and flea/tick treatments. Information Items (made available): (A) Monthly Sheltering Statistical Reports, Oct 2017 (B) Monthly Field Service Statistical Report, Oct 2017 Adjournment and next meeting: Judy Miller made a motion to adjourn at 7:42pm; Michelle Walker seconded. Motion carried without dissent. The next meeting is January 17, 2018 at 6:30 pm, Orange County Animal Services Center. Minutes taken: Victoria Hudson 1601 Eubanks Road - Easements Parcels Easements Road Easement Utility Ea sement Temporary Sewer Easements Duke Energy Utility Easement (Estimated) Permanent Sewer Easements ¯Orange County Planning and InspectionsBrian Carson (12/18/2017) 0 50Feet 1 in = 100 feet Abuse/Neglect Charges for Surrendered Animals: A. Intentional Harm or Gross Negligence amounting to intent a. Neglect identified by one or more of the following: i. Obviously emaciated (based upon a score on an accepted measure of body condition) ii. Clear neglect of obvious illness, infection, disease or injury including severe parasitism and failing teeth iii. Inadequate care for mothers with puppies or being bred iv. Fur matting to the skin or embedded collar b. Intentional harm identified by one or more of the following i. Visible signs of physical abuse, broken bones, or other inhumane acts (e,g. cigarette burns), ii. Suspected use in animal fighting or as a bait dog for training for fighting iii. Traumatic injuries including sexual abuse as well as the above These incidents should lead to a finding by Animal Services of Intentional Harm or Gross Negligence and may well result in legal action, including referral to the District Attorney DA for prosecution, the person being put on a permanent ‘do not adopt’’ list, and his/her information shared with other shelters in the area, and on a FYI basis with surrounding counties’ Animal Services. Individuals falling in this category will be notified of the finding, and will be given an opportunity to appeal the finding of Intentional] Harm or Gross Negligence to the Hearing Panel. B. Unintentional harm or common negligence 1. A significant lapse of vaccinations (i.e., greater than 6 months) or absence of vaccinations. 2. Overgrown toenails, mild signs of fur matting, minimally underweight; etc 3. Repeated animal surrenders within a period of several years.. These individuals should not face legal action but may be placed on a temporary 12 month ‘do not adopt’ list, if warranted in the judgment of Animal Services. Animal Services may notify surrounding counties’ Animal Services departments if warranted. Such individuals may appeal to the Hearing Panel the imposition of a temporary ban on further adoptions. C. Neglect due to financial hardship. This group would be identified on a case by case basis by Animal Services at the time of animal surrender. Financial hardship shall not excuse intentional harm or gross negligence. These individuals should not face legal action, except in cases of intentional harm or gross negligence, should be given the option to keep their pet, offered information about low cost/no cost medical care, and followed up with at regular intervals for the next 6-12 months. Parity of Field and Shelter Services An individual voluntarily surrendering a pet to Animal Services shall face no greater penalties nor suffer greater adverse consequences than if the pet of that individual had been seized in the field by Animal Services upon report or suspicion of mistreatment. Conversely, efforts to work with and support pet owners shall be no different for people who surrender a pet to Animal Services than they are with residents encountered in the course of providing field services. Animal Services staff shall make every effort to ensure that penalties and sanctions meted out to individuals for observable mistreatment of their pets shall not be more or less severe if the animal is voluntarily surrendered to Animal Services or if the animal is seized in the fieldby Animal Services. Do Not Adopt list: Individuals who are temporarily prohibited from adopting should be required to provide additional information before being allowed to adopt again. Minimally, this should include Veterinarian information and a few references in regard to their pet ownership. If and when a course becomes available, they should also be required to attends under the auspices of Animal Services on proper treatment and handling of pets. Upon adoption they should be provided educational information about pet care, medical care for pets, and the responsibilities of pet ownership, with the possibility of periodic visits by Animal Services to verify the condition of the newly adopted pet during a probation period of one year Those who become ‘repeat offenders’ (surrendering regularly) should be placed on a permanent do not adopt list and the information shared with other shelters in the area, and with surrounding Animal Services departments in other counties. Pet Retention Resources Animal Services and the Animal Services Advisory Board fully understand that pet care and pet retention depends upon economic and other resources that are not available to all residents of Orange County. As part of the developing effort in the fields of animal services and animal welfare, Animal Services is committed to assisting economically challenged pet owners and to making this commitment a fundamental part of its strategic planning for the future. This commitment includes availability to needed veterinary care for ill, injured and infirm animals and food, shelter and other resources as well. This commitment both expresses and supports the Board of County Commissioner’s commitment to social justice. Revised as of January 18, 2018—BM, DO, ET Animal Services Spay Neuter Program Making sense & saving cents in Orange County! Animal Services February 2018 Targeted Spay & Neuter: The Theory Targeted Spay / Neuter: [Spay/Neuter that may not otherwise not be done] Lowered animal admissions Fewer litters; fewer “surplus pets” Controlling costs of animal services Less euthanasia What It Is & How It Works Animal Services DSS and other community partners Spay/Neuter Program [currently utilizing SNAP- NC and Animal Kind] Animal Licensing Differential Sterilized Pets - $10 Unsterilized Pets - $30 Difference = $20 Community Spay/Neuter Fund Targeted Spay/Neuter: Identifying a segment of the community with a critical need for spay/neuter services Offering low-cost services to residents that may not otherwise be able to spay and neuter their pets Animal Services Spay Neuter Funding provided by pet licensing differential, state reimbursements, donations and grants. New Developments •Growing spay and neuter in the County: Thanks to a grant of $16,500 from the Margo T. Petrie Foundation, we have been able to make free spay and neuter services available to more county residents than ever before. They are now available to residents with a household income of up to 400 percent of the Federal Poverty level rather than only 200 percent as well as residents who receive public assistance. •Working (Barn) Cat Program: With a $5,000 grant from the Triad Foundation made via Friends of Orange County Animal Services, we launched the Working (Barn) Cat program as part of a broader effort to more humanely manage free-roaming cats. This program helps county residents have working cats spayed or neutered, vaccinated, licensed and microchippped at no charge. According to US Census data, there are 51,880 households in Orange County We found that approximately 22,599 of those households had incomes at or below 200% of the poverty guideline. These are covered by our regular S/N program. An additional 12,937 households have incomes between 200% and 400% of the poverty guideline. These households are the target for the new grant-funded program. Using figures from the American Veterinary Medical Association and this census data, we estimate there to be 32,023 cats and dogs living in Orange County in our target demographic of 200-400%. * litter average for 2007-2009 Animals Admitted 2005- 2017 0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 Total Intakes Total Animals In Litters 4315 1428 3323 900 2967 672 2005-2009 Average 2010-2014 Average 2015-2017 Average Animal Outcomes 2005-2017 400 900 1400 1900 2400 Live Release Euthanized 2340 1886 2162 1110 2243 552 2005-2009 Average 2010- 2014 Average 2015-2017 Average "Live Release" animals include animals that were recovered by their owner, adopted, or transferred to a placement partner organization (rescue group) 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 Total Spays & Neuters DSS Spays & Neuters 198 102 471 350 348 330 Targeted Spays and Neuters 2008-2016 2008-2009 Average 2010-2014 Average 2015-2017 Average 2017 418 303 154 150 221 0 50 100 150 200 250 2015 2016 2017 Total Cats Sterilized 2015 – 2017 In OCAS Spay/Neuter Program Opportunities & Challenges •Increasing the number of sterilized dogs and cats to 500+ via enhanced communication and new initiatives. •Outreach to virtually all sectors of the community about the availability of free spay and neuter services. •Growing the Working (Barn) Cat Program and expanding the program to include other cats that are loosely affiliated with residents. •Encouraging community involvement and support in managing free roaming cats in new ways using spay and neuter services. •Sustaining financial support from multiple sources to ensure that Community Spay and Neuter is an ongoing and growing part of Animal Services