ASAB minutes 011817 - Laserfiche WebLink

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2 (A) Animal Services Updates: Bob Marotto reported the OC Health Director’s resignation and interim health director appointment. He explained the historic partnership and the importance of the working relationship between the ASAB, OCAS, and the Board of Health, particularly regarding rabies law in NC. He also explained this year’s budget process. There may be recommendations for fee changes and fee exemptions. Michael Stewart made a motion to support the position that all adoptable animals be microchipped and subsequent increases in fees will be based upon staff budget analysis and proposed; Susan Elmore seconded. Motion carried without dissent. (B) Miscellaneous: Andi Morgan expressed thanks from OCAS for the staff holiday celebration. Other holiday news includes a musician played for the luncheon and, later, the animals. Staff reported excellent cooperation during the inclement weather event earlier this month. Officer Schwartz was recognized for his heroic actions of an animal rescue during the snow. There is a Valentine’s pet special planned, a rabies clinic/ fundraiser sponsored at Phydeaux on January 28th by Meadowmont Animal Hospital and Phydeaux. There will also be a low-cost rabies vaccination event in mid-February. (C) Ring-worm Protocol: Jasmine Johnson apprenticed recently with the San Francisco SPCA on feline ringworm protocols. Protocols will be implemented at OCAS: methods for feline ringworm diagnosis (3 types); isolation for affected cats; treatments for cats and kittens (antifungals for 21 days); deep cleaning of cat rooms; and required clearance of two negative cultures before adoption for cats receiving treatment. (D) Resolution of complaint regarding health care practices received by Animal Welfare Section of NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services: A resident filed a complaint with the Animal Welfare Section regarding the policy that a heartworm positive dog can be adopted with the condition that the dog complete a prescribed course of treatment administered and paid for by OCAS. Under this policy, finalization of the adoption is withheld until completion of the treatment, and requires follow-through by the adopter without full conveyance of ownership until the end of treatment. This is a perceived violation of the North Carolina Veterinary Practice Act, in that OCAS is treating an animal not owned by OCAS and is, therefore, competing with veterinarians in private practice. The OC County Manager’s office and officials from the Animal Welfare Section and the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Board agreed with a proposal that an intermediate fostering agreement be entered for the adoptable, heartworm positive dog until treatment is complete; and then the fosterer will have the first choice to adopt. The current protocol for treatment of heartworm positive dogs was developed based on a considerations felt to maximize safety/efficacy, while limiting the cost and length of treatment. DeWana Anderson suggested that the veterinary staff consult the American Heartworm Society guidelines for most current treatment recommendations. This is also an excellent opportunity to educate potential adoption owners about the status of the heartworm treatment and those responsibilities. (E) Free-roaming cats update: Tabled until February 15, 2017 meeting. (F) Dangerous dog appeal: Edmund Tiryakian requested that the OCAS website provides a “How-to” for appeals. Information Items: (A) Monthly Sheltering Statistical Reports, 2016: Bob Marotto reported a summary of statistics from the previous calendar year, including a 48% decrease in euthanasia and a 246% increase in transfers. (B) Monthly Field Service Statistical Report, 2016 Adjournment and next meeting: Warren Porter made a motion to adjourn at 8:32; Judy Miller seconded. Motion carried without dissent. The next meeting is February 15, 2017 at 6:30 pm, Orange County Animal Services Center. Minutes taken: Victoria Hudson