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Animal Services Advisory Board (ASAB) Approved Minutes for October 21, 2009 Meeting Present ASAB Members: Daniel Textoris, Jean Austin, Suzanne Roy, Tracy Carroll, Susan Elmore and Dewana Anderson. Absent ASAB Members: Rob Gray, Kris Bergstrand, Bonnie Norwood and Mike Nelson Others in Attendance: Animal Services Director Bob Marotto, Shelter Manager Jess Allison, Office Supervisor Paula Ragan and Animal Control Manager Irene Phipps. Public Members Present: Kathy Clifton Welcome and Opening Comments—ASAB Chair, Susan Elmore, called the meeting to order. Public Comment—Orange County resident Katheryn Clifton spoke with board members regarding her concerns about “dogs at large” in Orange County. Ms. Clifton has recently experienced seven near incidents and two injury-inflicting attacks by unrestrained dogs while biking in and around her neighborhood. According to Ms. Clifton, these attacks have caused her pain and suffering, required medical attention, incurred monetary expenses and have caused her to be fearful of dogs and to give up her freedom of enjoying bike riding. Ms. Clifton has written letters that have been published in the News of Orange and Chapel Hill News; she is trying to raise people’s awareness about what she feels is a growing problem in the county. She believes that it is critical for citizens of Orange County to report to the animal control office any encounters that may occur, not only those that involve injury but those that don’t. Ms. Clifton feels this can be used as a tool for preventing further attacks/encounters with dogs at large. She is proposing stiffer fines to pet owners and to hold them fully responsible for their animals. She promotes more outreach and education on how bikers/citizens that may be outdoors should react if approached by dogs at large. Ms. Clifton believes that all of these things will help to prevent attacks by dogs at large and to hopefully decrease the chances of bodily injury and to allow people to enjoy outdoor biking without being in fear. Another concern that she has is how the new tethering law is going to affect those animals that are not being contained properly. The board and Animal Services will look at ways to do more education and outreach in the community. Motion was made by Jean Austin and seconded by Daniel Textoris to approve the minutes dated October 21, 2009. VOTE: Unanimous. Motion was made by Daniel Textoris and seconded by Jean Austin to approve the agenda dated September 16, 2009 with two small edits. VOTE: Unanimous