Agenda - 05-20-2008-5b - Laserfiche WebLink

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~9 "Draft" Page 2 Animal Services Advisory Board Meeting Minutes April 16`x', 2008 UNC remediation effort around the current shelter location may be affecting adoptions. One specific suggestion was that there be more media coverage to inform the community that the shelter is still open to and serving the public.. Adoption of Pit bulls from Orange County's Animal Shelter-A member of the public, Mr. Elliott Cramer gave an overview of the information he previously provided and requested that the ASAB limit the numbers of pit bulls on display to the public and feels that they are being adopted out to people who are not appropriate adopters. In addition, Mr. Cramer suggested that this breed of dog should only be adopted out to people that have experience handling pit bulls and are aware of their behavioral traits and tendencies as he believes there is evidence showing that these dogs are inherently more dangerous than other breeds. He also emphasized that he was struck by the number of pit bulls and pit bull mixes at the shelter and on the shelter's website Another member of the public, Mr. Michael Soluski, conveyed that he owns a pit bull and a boxer and that he believes that his own and other dogs behave as allowed by owners, who are responsible for ensuring acceptable behavior. He indicated that he was against any breed specific changes in adoption practices, and asked where such changed would end if they were initiated. . Ms. Jess Allison reported that the shelter is very careful about the evaluations and adoptions of this particular breed of dogs. She indicated that the Animal Shelter staff generally holds this particular breed of dog to a higher standard. If there are any signs of aggressive behavior, they are usually not put up for adoption. Mr. Marotto suggested that we think about whether or not we are at or beyond the best practices in the industry for our evaluation and placement of these dogs and other dogs. The best practices of the industry should be our guide, not being discriminatory but recognizing that there are some special considerations that should be to factor in. ASAB members discussed various issues throughout and on the basis of statements made by staff and members of the public. These issues included the quality and accuracy of available statistics on dog bites by breed; the challenges or d~culties of breed (and mixed breed) identification; the extent to which aggression has genetic rather than environmental roots; and the extent to which animal owners are responsible for the behavior of their animal and how they affect others in human communities. Motion was made by Jean Austin and seconded by Bonnie Norwood to individually gather more information on this topic and to table this request for now. VOTE: 6 in favor 2opposed---Motion Carries. New Business Bob Marotto reviewed the Project and Activity Schedule handout and reported that this is a way to plan and organize our work and commitments. It ensures that we are not doing too much, and risking doing anything less than very well, and that it helps ensure that our work load is commensurate with available resources. Select Updates Irene Phipps reported,that two rabies clinics were held today, one earlier today at the Animal Control Off ce in Hillsborough with 27 vaccines administered and 14 licensed. The second clinic is being held in the Annex Parking lot next door this evening. The next two rabies clinics will be held at the Animal Shelter on Saturday, April 19, 2008 and Wednesday April 23, 2008.