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<br />^ Neither the County or the Shelter should be blamed for euthanasia numbers when they are <br />reacting to animals that the community is generating. <br />^ This is a community problem and needs a community solution <br />Commissioner Carey said that this is an opportunity to educate the public. He asked <br />Kate Pullen about the Asilomar Accords and how this is being used and the impact on animal <br />welfare. Kate Pullen said the Asilomar Accords is a group of animal welfare leaders who met at <br />Asilomar in Pacific California in 2004 to develop relationships and create goals on reducing <br />euthanasia. And they have all been struggling with haw to define an adoptable animal. The <br />reality is that every community and facility should define what is adoptable to them and for their <br />resources. She said that it is an excellent tool that is helping communities define their own <br />program. <br />Commissioner Carey said that this means defining goals and adopting performance <br />standards to work toward over time. <br />Commissioner Halkiotis thanked Kate Pullen for coming this evening and he asked if <br />there are people who think a no kill shelter is possible. Kate Pullen said that she has directed <br />shelters and many people have asked that of her, and if she took 15 minutes and explained <br />what they actually did then the other person would understand and would bring their animal to <br />her because they trusted her to do the right thing. She said that it is best to take the extra time <br />to explain to the public what you are doing. <br />Commissioner Halkiotis suggested going to look at the Asheville program. He also <br />mentioned Guilford County and the wonderful website that it has. He said that using technology <br />could be a powerful tool in educating the public. <br />Commissioner Foushee asked Kate Pullen to expand on the proactive legislative <br />examples to reduce euthanasia. Kate Pullen said that local legislation is the best. Dog <br />legislation has been around a long time, but cat legislation is fairly new. She thinks that it is <br />irresponsible for people to think that their cat can wander the neighborhood and be intact. She <br />said that the legislation in Nashville is excellent. She suggested stiffer fines for repeat <br />offenders. It will not necessarily reduce euthanasia, but will do a better job of controlling the <br />animals. <br />Chair Jacobs asked about a database on legislation, etc. from ASPCA that could be <br />accessed and Kate Pullen said yes and she will send it to Bob Marotta. <br />Commissioner Carey asked when the Board was scheduled to adapt the charge far the <br />committee and Chair Jacobs said October 3`d <br />c. Emergency Management Planning Update <br />The Board received a presentation from staff regarding efforts made this year to <br />enhance planning for the County's emergency preparedness and provided feedback and <br />direction to the Manager and staff. <br />Rod Visser said that in November 2005 the County Commissioners discussed <br />Emergency Management planning and asked the staff for an update on this issue and EMS <br />Director Jack Ball and staff put together the attached report. <br />Jack Ball said that they have highlighted 24 different items that they have worked with <br />and that are in progress. Several of the items are innovative programs that have been instituted <br />to help bring the partners of municipal governments and volunteer organizations together so <br />that they can effectively respond to disasters and emergencies. The three major areas are: <br />Planning, Communications, and Training. Regarding planning, the staff is working with Social <br />Services, transit agencies, Department on Aging, Animal Services, and Information Technology <br />