Local Issues Presented at December 15 Animal Issues Forum
Notes by Adette Quintana
First Speaker - Patricia Fraga City of Austin:
Spay street Program has been expanded. Now covers 10 zip codes. Spay Street partners with Emancipet.
Door hangers and handouts are passed out within these communities. These give citizens information about free services available to their pets (rabies vaccination, microchip, spay/neuter, new collar) as well as instructions on how to get these services. They also explain how spay/neuter benefits pets.
This outreach is done by city staff and Emancipet.
*Volunteers needed to hand out flyers and hang door hangers in these communities
Asha Thune (Emancipet) explained that Emancipet has $30K. This fund covers citizens who's pets are picked up and brought in via door to door visits. These are people who otherwise would NOT reach out and have their pet spayed/neutered, etc
The City fund is $25K. The fund covers citizens who DO reach out via information they have received from flyers, word of mouth,door hangers, etc.
Both the City and Emancipet are under the Spay Street Program and all surgeries are done at Emancipet.
Second Speaker: Kathleen Hamilton- Public Awareness Committee
Gave us an update on the Public Awareness Committee progress
*The first project was to reach 'low hanging fruit'. The committee now has a logo and education materials to hand out. They have been participating in local pet events (we are currently at the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar) handing these out and spreading the word about the help we need from Austin's citizens in order to become a No Kill city.
*A generalized marketing plan has been developed. This will include broader education materials, more events, more Spanish materials, improving the TLAC website (links, Spanish, clearer language, and making the site easier to navigate). This plan will be developed via working with the City.
*The committee is also working on a 24month Pet Event Calendar
*A month of celebration is being planned to celebrate the March 11th anniversary leading up to March 11th, 2011.
Third Speaker - Tara Stermer www.TrainingbyTara.com
Tara has started a mobile community outreach program. This involves going into low income communities and offering free clinics training programs. The purpose of the mobile outreach is to educate and train. Informative and helpful pet information will be handed out at these clinics. Information on proper confinement, spay/neuter, basic agility are all part of this wonderful program. Collars and leashes are also handed out.
Luis Herrera helped out with translating.
The first outreach was a great success. One person was out with their dog when Tara and her crew arrived. Right away kiddos ran into their homes and brought out their dogs.
*Volunteers are needed to help out with this program.
The next mobile outreach is scheduled for January 9th. The location will be announced. Visit www.TrainingByTara.com for more info.
Monday, December 20, 2010
State Issues Presented at December 15 Animal Issues Forum
Austin Animal Issues Forum
Dec. 15, 2010 Meeting
State News Summary
Monica Hardy, Executive Director, Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN),
ed@thln.org:
The Large-Scale Commercial Breeder Bill has been submitted to Legislative Council in
preparation for officially filing it for the 2011 session which begins January 11.
THLN has been working closely with the Texas Veterinary Medical Association
(TVMA) and the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) in advance of
the session, to come up with a bill that can hopefully pass this time. The TVMA killed a similar bill (HB 3180) in the 2009 session, and the TDLR will be the state agency through which the licensing program will be administered.
The 2011 bill will require any dog or cat breeding facility with 11 or more intact
females, where the intent is to sell the puppies/kittens, to undergo an initial inspection to become licensed, and then an annual inspection after that. Minimum standards of care will have to be demonstrated for licensing, such as adequate water, exercise, nutritious food, and veterinary care.
Facility inspection will be by the TDLR or by third party inspectors contracted through the TDLR. "Third party inspector” means any of the following with whom the
department has contracted to enforce or assist with the enforcement of this chapter and the rules adopted under this chapter, including inspections and investigations: (A)another state agency; (B) a local law enforcement agency or fire department; (C) a local animal control agency; or (D) an employee of any of the above-named agencies. All the details on exactly how the program will operate will be hammered out in the rulemaking process which will occur after the bill passes.
Another aspect of the bill is that it will require facilities with more than 50 intact females
to obtain a special approval waiver and demonstrate that they have sufficient staff to
adequately take care of the numbers of animals present.
The 2009 version of the bill included a lemon law provision, which would have provided
a way for consumers to recoup medical expenses in the case of a sick animal. The 2011
bill has dropped that provision.
THLN has worked hard to get bipartisan support for the bill. Both the Republican and
Democratic Party Platforms now have language specifically in support of animal welfare
and the prevention of animal cruelty. The House sponsor for the bill is Rep. Senfronia
Thompson, same as 2009. We are still working on a Senate sponsor.
Page 2 of 3
Two important things that everyone can do to support pro-animal protection bills: Attend
committee hearings on the bills when they occur during the session. THLN will send out
action alert emails letting everyone know when and where the hearings will be. The most
important thing when attending a hearing is to sign the card that you are in favor of the
pro-animal protection bill or you are against a bill that would weaken animal protection.
You do not need to stay for the entire hearing. Secondly, something everyone can do
RIGHT NOW is to meet with your state senator and state representative before the
session begins. They’ll have more time to listen to you and will be more likely to
remember you when animal welfare bills start coming up for a vote. If you can’t meet
with them, please at least start emailing or calling.
THLN is in the process of organizing a Lobby Day to be held in mid or late February.
Patt Nordyke, Executive Director, Texas Federation of Animal Care Societies (TFACS),
pnordyke@austin.rr.com:
TFACS is working on two bills: Pets in Protective Orders, and Spay/Neuter (S/N). This
will be the third attempt for the Pets in Protective Orders bill. In the last (2009) session,
there were 131 House votes and 27 Senate votes in favor of it so clearly it should have
passed, but unfortunately it fell victim to some last-minute session shenanigans and
didn’t quite make it.
The Pets in Protective Orders bill seeks to have pets included in domestic violence
protective orders. Sometimes the abused person in a household will not leave for fear
that the companion animal(s) left behind will then be abused. This bill seeks to remedy
this situation.
The S/N bill is not a “mandatory” s/n bill because anyone can keep their animals intact by
paying a $50/yr annual licensing fee per intact animal.
Exemptions to the proposed bill include service animals; animals younger than six
months; purebred animals displayed at competitive exhibitions to determine physical
conformation to established breed standards; animals used for lawful hunting by owners
holding valid Texas hunting licenses; and animals certified by veterinarians for health
reasons.
Texas is the only state to include non-surgical sterilization in state law. This is probably
where we will be headed eventually.
Senator Seliger was the sponsor of the anti-tethering bill that TFACS tried to get passed
in 2009 (the bill didn’t make it). Unfortunately, Seliger is now the chairman of the
Redistricting Committee and will have no time to sponsor the bill again. Redistricting
and the state budget will both be hugely important in the 2011 session and will just
overwhelm a lot of things.
Page 3 of 3
Tara Stermer, Canine Aggression & Behavior Specialist, Training by Tara,
thepacktrack@gmail.com:
There is breed ban legislation in the works. Breed bans absolutely do not work.
Education is the key. People mistakenly think breed bans are needed because of isolated
cases they hear about that involve chained, unsocialized dogs. There was a recent
incident in Tyler, Tx where a 2 year old child was killed when he wandered too near a
chained dog in his grandfather’s yard. There were 29 other chained dogs on the property.
Cynthia Kent, a former Smith County judge, is proposing the legislation. The Tyler
newspaper seems to be driving the whole thing.
Hopefully the fiscal note that would have to accompany any breed ban bill (fiscal notes
are required for all bills) will reflect that it will be prohibitively expensive to carry out. A
Best Friends enforcement estimate for such a bill is $31M for the entire state or $1M for
Travis County alone.
Denver is the only place where there is a widespread breed ban. Any dog whose
appearance remotely reminds an officer of the pit bull breed or a mix of that breed (either
correctly or incorrectly) can automatically be deemed a pit bull by the police and seized
and euthanized. Bully breed ID is visual only and is virtually impossible to do correctly.
“Pit bull” is actually a group of dogs. AKC recognizes American Staffordshire Terriers
and Bull Staffordshire Terriers, but does not recognize Pit Bull Terriers as a breed.
One version of the bill involves a 3rd degree felony for owning a “pit bull”. Another
version says that a pit bull owner would have to erect an 8 foot fence, with 2 feet buried
underground.
There is a petition against breed-specific/breed-discriminatory legislation at the bottom of
the Love-A-Bull home web page at http://love-a-bull.org/. The website also lists other
actions that people can take to fight BSL.
Employees at Dell Children’s Hospital say that the most common dog breed they see that
has bitten a child is a lab mix. Community programs are the answer, not breed bans.
Dec. 15, 2010 Meeting
State News Summary
Monica Hardy, Executive Director, Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN),
ed@thln.org:
The Large-Scale Commercial Breeder Bill has been submitted to Legislative Council in
preparation for officially filing it for the 2011 session which begins January 11.
THLN has been working closely with the Texas Veterinary Medical Association
(TVMA) and the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) in advance of
the session, to come up with a bill that can hopefully pass this time. The TVMA killed a similar bill (HB 3180) in the 2009 session, and the TDLR will be the state agency through which the licensing program will be administered.
The 2011 bill will require any dog or cat breeding facility with 11 or more intact
females, where the intent is to sell the puppies/kittens, to undergo an initial inspection to become licensed, and then an annual inspection after that. Minimum standards of care will have to be demonstrated for licensing, such as adequate water, exercise, nutritious food, and veterinary care.
Facility inspection will be by the TDLR or by third party inspectors contracted through the TDLR. "Third party inspector” means any of the following with whom the
department has contracted to enforce or assist with the enforcement of this chapter and the rules adopted under this chapter, including inspections and investigations: (A)another state agency; (B) a local law enforcement agency or fire department; (C) a local animal control agency; or (D) an employee of any of the above-named agencies. All the details on exactly how the program will operate will be hammered out in the rulemaking process which will occur after the bill passes.
Another aspect of the bill is that it will require facilities with more than 50 intact females
to obtain a special approval waiver and demonstrate that they have sufficient staff to
adequately take care of the numbers of animals present.
The 2009 version of the bill included a lemon law provision, which would have provided
a way for consumers to recoup medical expenses in the case of a sick animal. The 2011
bill has dropped that provision.
THLN has worked hard to get bipartisan support for the bill. Both the Republican and
Democratic Party Platforms now have language specifically in support of animal welfare
and the prevention of animal cruelty. The House sponsor for the bill is Rep. Senfronia
Thompson, same as 2009. We are still working on a Senate sponsor.
Page 2 of 3
Two important things that everyone can do to support pro-animal protection bills: Attend
committee hearings on the bills when they occur during the session. THLN will send out
action alert emails letting everyone know when and where the hearings will be. The most
important thing when attending a hearing is to sign the card that you are in favor of the
pro-animal protection bill or you are against a bill that would weaken animal protection.
You do not need to stay for the entire hearing. Secondly, something everyone can do
RIGHT NOW is to meet with your state senator and state representative before the
session begins. They’ll have more time to listen to you and will be more likely to
remember you when animal welfare bills start coming up for a vote. If you can’t meet
with them, please at least start emailing or calling.
THLN is in the process of organizing a Lobby Day to be held in mid or late February.
Patt Nordyke, Executive Director, Texas Federation of Animal Care Societies (TFACS),
pnordyke@austin.rr.com:
TFACS is working on two bills: Pets in Protective Orders, and Spay/Neuter (S/N). This
will be the third attempt for the Pets in Protective Orders bill. In the last (2009) session,
there were 131 House votes and 27 Senate votes in favor of it so clearly it should have
passed, but unfortunately it fell victim to some last-minute session shenanigans and
didn’t quite make it.
The Pets in Protective Orders bill seeks to have pets included in domestic violence
protective orders. Sometimes the abused person in a household will not leave for fear
that the companion animal(s) left behind will then be abused. This bill seeks to remedy
this situation.
The S/N bill is not a “mandatory” s/n bill because anyone can keep their animals intact by
paying a $50/yr annual licensing fee per intact animal.
Exemptions to the proposed bill include service animals; animals younger than six
months; purebred animals displayed at competitive exhibitions to determine physical
conformation to established breed standards; animals used for lawful hunting by owners
holding valid Texas hunting licenses; and animals certified by veterinarians for health
reasons.
Texas is the only state to include non-surgical sterilization in state law. This is probably
where we will be headed eventually.
Senator Seliger was the sponsor of the anti-tethering bill that TFACS tried to get passed
in 2009 (the bill didn’t make it). Unfortunately, Seliger is now the chairman of the
Redistricting Committee and will have no time to sponsor the bill again. Redistricting
and the state budget will both be hugely important in the 2011 session and will just
overwhelm a lot of things.
Page 3 of 3
Tara Stermer, Canine Aggression & Behavior Specialist, Training by Tara,
thepacktrack@gmail.com:
There is breed ban legislation in the works. Breed bans absolutely do not work.
Education is the key. People mistakenly think breed bans are needed because of isolated
cases they hear about that involve chained, unsocialized dogs. There was a recent
incident in Tyler, Tx where a 2 year old child was killed when he wandered too near a
chained dog in his grandfather’s yard. There were 29 other chained dogs on the property.
Cynthia Kent, a former Smith County judge, is proposing the legislation. The Tyler
newspaper seems to be driving the whole thing.
Hopefully the fiscal note that would have to accompany any breed ban bill (fiscal notes
are required for all bills) will reflect that it will be prohibitively expensive to carry out. A
Best Friends enforcement estimate for such a bill is $31M for the entire state or $1M for
Travis County alone.
Denver is the only place where there is a widespread breed ban. Any dog whose
appearance remotely reminds an officer of the pit bull breed or a mix of that breed (either
correctly or incorrectly) can automatically be deemed a pit bull by the police and seized
and euthanized. Bully breed ID is visual only and is virtually impossible to do correctly.
“Pit bull” is actually a group of dogs. AKC recognizes American Staffordshire Terriers
and Bull Staffordshire Terriers, but does not recognize Pit Bull Terriers as a breed.
One version of the bill involves a 3rd degree felony for owning a “pit bull”. Another
version says that a pit bull owner would have to erect an 8 foot fence, with 2 feet buried
underground.
There is a petition against breed-specific/breed-discriminatory legislation at the bottom of
the Love-A-Bull home web page at http://love-a-bull.org/. The website also lists other
actions that people can take to fight BSL.
Employees at Dell Children’s Hospital say that the most common dog breed they see that
has bitten a child is a lab mix. Community programs are the answer, not breed bans.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Austin Chronicle coverage of Abigail Smith "Meet and Greet"
Fit To No-Kill?
BY JOSH ROSENBLATT
Austin Chronicle
On Tuesday, the fifth and final candidate for the city's chief animal services officer position, Abigail Smith, faced the firing squad that is the Austin animal-rights community and lived to tell the tale. It probably helped that Smith has nearly four years' experience running a "no-kill" animal shelter. Remember, in March, animal rights activists convinced City Council to approve an ordinance making Austin a no-kill city and directing staff to figure out how to make that happen by September 2011. Asked on Tuesday how she would manage the task if she were shelter director, Smith said she'd do exactly what she's done at the Tompkins County SPCA in Ithaca, N.Y., since 2007 – improve programming for volunteers, foster-homes, off-site adoptions, and spay/neuter surgeries – but on a larger scale. Make that a much larger scale, actually: At last count, Tompkins County had a population of 102,000. Austin? Nearly 800,000. In 2009, the Town Lake Animal Center took in about 23,000 animals. Tompkins? Just shy of 3,000. In other words, if Smith does get the job, she's going to have to shake off some of her small-town sensibilities in order to survive. In her closing statement Tuesday, Smith displayed the slightest hint of provincial naivete, saying that she was hoping to convince the various animal groups in Austin to "work together" in a "coordinated, collaborated effort" to reach the city's no-kill goals. Anyone who has paid attention to animal issues these last few years knows that fulfilling such a wish will probably take a Christmas miracle. Assistant City Manager Bert Lumbreras is expected to make a recommendation to City Manager Marc Ott after reviewing the candidates' applications; no timeline is set for a final decision.
BY JOSH ROSENBLATT
Austin Chronicle
On Tuesday, the fifth and final candidate for the city's chief animal services officer position, Abigail Smith, faced the firing squad that is the Austin animal-rights community and lived to tell the tale. It probably helped that Smith has nearly four years' experience running a "no-kill" animal shelter. Remember, in March, animal rights activists convinced City Council to approve an ordinance making Austin a no-kill city and directing staff to figure out how to make that happen by September 2011. Asked on Tuesday how she would manage the task if she were shelter director, Smith said she'd do exactly what she's done at the Tompkins County SPCA in Ithaca, N.Y., since 2007 – improve programming for volunteers, foster-homes, off-site adoptions, and spay/neuter surgeries – but on a larger scale. Make that a much larger scale, actually: At last count, Tompkins County had a population of 102,000. Austin? Nearly 800,000. In 2009, the Town Lake Animal Center took in about 23,000 animals. Tompkins? Just shy of 3,000. In other words, if Smith does get the job, she's going to have to shake off some of her small-town sensibilities in order to survive. In her closing statement Tuesday, Smith displayed the slightest hint of provincial naivete, saying that she was hoping to convince the various animal groups in Austin to "work together" in a "coordinated, collaborated effort" to reach the city's no-kill goals. Anyone who has paid attention to animal issues these last few years knows that fulfilling such a wish will probably take a Christmas miracle. Assistant City Manager Bert Lumbreras is expected to make a recommendation to City Manager Marc Ott after reviewing the candidates' applications; no timeline is set for a final decision.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
November 3rd Public Awareness Committee Meeting Notes
Public Awareness Committee Meeting Notes
Wednesday, November 3rd
I Marketing
A. Discuss our progress in our marketing/branding campaign
Mosak Advertising and Insights www.mosak.com is working on marketing material for us. They are doing all the work pro bono. Mosak will also include an estimate on printing expenses.
Included in their work is a website, ad buy, tri fold brochures, and poster
B. Logo, Marketing Company, T-Shirts, Stickers, Postcards, Flyers, Website, Website address
We have a logo donated by an anonymous artist.
Piret has printed T-shirts with the logo.
Gina ordered post cards to hand out to the public at events as well as stores around Austin
Trish mentioned the great impact bumper stickers have. Committee will work on this
Website address is www.AustinNoKill.org . Committee discussed a link on TLAC’s website to this web address for more Public Awareness info as well as volunteer opportunities.
ACTION ITEM # 2 – Meghan Turner suggested that the No Kill logo would be on TLAC’s home page and would link to a portal page that would then link to other pages. Ms. Fraga said she has to check about the logo. Piret Sari-Tate agreed to send the logo electronically to Ms. Fraga who will check on whether it can be approved to be on home page.
II Funds
A. Our funds are $0
B. Donations fund request plan
C. Friends of TLAC/Umbrella non-profit group
Committee members have been using their own funds for printing and booth expenses.
ACTION ITEM #1: We agreed to submit our work (marketing and public relations materials) to Patricia Fraga, City of Austin staff member liaison to committee for approval and use by the City. Ms. Fraga will compare to the city plan for use of $53,000 out of the General Fund and let us know if the two plans can be merged. If the $53,000 cannot be used, we can then discuss possible action regarding request for Donations Funds.
III Year of the Companion Animal
A. Proposal sent to AAC
Committee needs to work on the plan for Year of the Companion Animal.
Need a way to get earned media. We are looking at the declaration as a media splash to get attention and coverage for all Austin animal current events over the next year.
ACTION ITEM # 3: Brad Beam will research the council’s schedule for next year and bring a proposal to the AAC. We will plan the press conference for a “non-Council” Thursday. Ms. Fraga volunteered to research and plan the press conference.
IV Public Relations Society
A. Media Strategy, Press List, Press Releases, etc
B. Volunteers from PRSA?
Gina has contacted the Public Relations Society in an effort to obtain pro bono public relations work.
Main task will be to create a 24month calendar of events to create a campaign which coincides with national animal campaigns such as Spay/Neuter month, adopt a dog month, National Pit Bull Awareness Month
We will also invite members of Public Relations Society to join our Public Awareness Committee
V Public Events (pet related and other)
A. Volunteers to research events, booth costs, etc
Adette has agreed to research public events (pet related and non-pet related) to host public awareness booths. Examples include Farmers Markets and Pet Festivals around Austin. She will need volunteers to help with organizing and participating in these events.
Ms. Fraga asked if anyone might be interested in participating in Pet of the Week. Pat Valls-Trelles suggested Adette Quintana (who was at the meeting and agreed) as well as Tara Stermer who was not at the meeting. Ms. Fraga was interested in both.
VI Flyers at local establishments
A. Amy's Ice Cream has agreed to do this
B. others?
Members will contact local businesses for permission to display our flyers/postcards.
Wednesday, November 3rd
I Marketing
A. Discuss our progress in our marketing/branding campaign
Mosak Advertising and Insights www.mosak.com is working on marketing material for us. They are doing all the work pro bono. Mosak will also include an estimate on printing expenses.
Included in their work is a website, ad buy, tri fold brochures, and poster
B. Logo, Marketing Company, T-Shirts, Stickers, Postcards, Flyers, Website, Website address
We have a logo donated by an anonymous artist.
Piret has printed T-shirts with the logo.
Gina ordered post cards to hand out to the public at events as well as stores around Austin
Trish mentioned the great impact bumper stickers have. Committee will work on this
Website address is www.AustinNoKill.org . Committee discussed a link on TLAC’s website to this web address for more Public Awareness info as well as volunteer opportunities.
ACTION ITEM # 2 – Meghan Turner suggested that the No Kill logo would be on TLAC’s home page and would link to a portal page that would then link to other pages. Ms. Fraga said she has to check about the logo. Piret Sari-Tate agreed to send the logo electronically to Ms. Fraga who will check on whether it can be approved to be on home page.
II Funds
A. Our funds are $0
B. Donations fund request plan
C. Friends of TLAC/Umbrella non-profit group
Committee members have been using their own funds for printing and booth expenses.
ACTION ITEM #1: We agreed to submit our work (marketing and public relations materials) to Patricia Fraga, City of Austin staff member liaison to committee for approval and use by the City. Ms. Fraga will compare to the city plan for use of $53,000 out of the General Fund and let us know if the two plans can be merged. If the $53,000 cannot be used, we can then discuss possible action regarding request for Donations Funds.
III Year of the Companion Animal
A. Proposal sent to AAC
Committee needs to work on the plan for Year of the Companion Animal.
Need a way to get earned media. We are looking at the declaration as a media splash to get attention and coverage for all Austin animal current events over the next year.
ACTION ITEM # 3: Brad Beam will research the council’s schedule for next year and bring a proposal to the AAC. We will plan the press conference for a “non-Council” Thursday. Ms. Fraga volunteered to research and plan the press conference.
IV Public Relations Society
A. Media Strategy, Press List, Press Releases, etc
B. Volunteers from PRSA?
Gina has contacted the Public Relations Society in an effort to obtain pro bono public relations work.
Main task will be to create a 24month calendar of events to create a campaign which coincides with national animal campaigns such as Spay/Neuter month, adopt a dog month, National Pit Bull Awareness Month
We will also invite members of Public Relations Society to join our Public Awareness Committee
V Public Events (pet related and other)
A. Volunteers to research events, booth costs, etc
Adette has agreed to research public events (pet related and non-pet related) to host public awareness booths. Examples include Farmers Markets and Pet Festivals around Austin. She will need volunteers to help with organizing and participating in these events.
Ms. Fraga asked if anyone might be interested in participating in Pet of the Week. Pat Valls-Trelles suggested Adette Quintana (who was at the meeting and agreed) as well as Tara Stermer who was not at the meeting. Ms. Fraga was interested in both.
VI Flyers at local establishments
A. Amy's Ice Cream has agreed to do this
B. others?
Members will contact local businesses for permission to display our flyers/postcards.
Public Awareness Committee Report to AAC Nov. 10
Public Awareness Committee Report
November 10, 2010
The Committee had t-shirts made. We sold them at our booth on Pit Bull Awareness Day. At that event, we talked to many people about Austin’s more toward becoming a No-Kill city.
We have post cards that we will be handing out at events and leaving at local businesses. Amy’s Ice Cream has agreed to allow post cards/brochures in their stores. We are contacting other retail businesses, asking to leave materials in their establishments.
The committee secured the web address (URL) www.AustinNoKill.org. The Web site will consist only of a single page with the logo and four links: one to the adoption page of the TLAC web site, one to the foster page of the TLAC web site, one to the volunteer page of the TLAC web site and one to the donate page of the TLAC web site.
We presented the proposal to have the Mayor and City Council declare that 2011 is The Year of The Companion Animal. We plan to have a press conference shortly after Jan. 1 to publicize this declaration.
The committee secured the pro bono service of MOSAK Marketing. The company will develop a marketing plan, design brochures and print advertisements. They have offered to design a web site. They will also investigate the potential for donated space for print advertising.
We will have a booth at the “Day of Action” event at the Austin Pets Alive shelter on Nov. 20. We will sell t-shirts, distribute marketing materials and talk to people about the move toward No-Kill.
The committee is researching having booths at other events, expanding beyond events that are dog-centered.
Amy’s Ice Cream has agreed to allow brochures in their stores. We are contacting other retail businesses, asking to leave brochures in their establishments.
Efforts to recruit Committees members with professional backgrounds in marketing, advertising and public relations continue. The Austin chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) has agreed to ask their membership
November 10, 2010
The Committee had t-shirts made. We sold them at our booth on Pit Bull Awareness Day. At that event, we talked to many people about Austin’s more toward becoming a No-Kill city.
We have post cards that we will be handing out at events and leaving at local businesses. Amy’s Ice Cream has agreed to allow post cards/brochures in their stores. We are contacting other retail businesses, asking to leave materials in their establishments.
The committee secured the web address (URL) www.AustinNoKill.org. The Web site will consist only of a single page with the logo and four links: one to the adoption page of the TLAC web site, one to the foster page of the TLAC web site, one to the volunteer page of the TLAC web site and one to the donate page of the TLAC web site.
We presented the proposal to have the Mayor and City Council declare that 2011 is The Year of The Companion Animal. We plan to have a press conference shortly after Jan. 1 to publicize this declaration.
The committee secured the pro bono service of MOSAK Marketing. The company will develop a marketing plan, design brochures and print advertisements. They have offered to design a web site. They will also investigate the potential for donated space for print advertising.
We will have a booth at the “Day of Action” event at the Austin Pets Alive shelter on Nov. 20. We will sell t-shirts, distribute marketing materials and talk to people about the move toward No-Kill.
The committee is researching having booths at other events, expanding beyond events that are dog-centered.
Amy’s Ice Cream has agreed to allow brochures in their stores. We are contacting other retail businesses, asking to leave brochures in their establishments.
Efforts to recruit Committees members with professional backgrounds in marketing, advertising and public relations continue. The Austin chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) has agreed to ask their membership
Agenda for Public Awareness Committee - Dec. 1 Meeting
DECEMBER PUBLIC AWARENESS MEETING AGENDA
I. Our Mission and Purpose
II. Portal Page and Website
A. Pet Finder
B. Update from Trisha
C. Committee Website
III. Year of the Companion Animal Update
IV. Marketing Material Update
V. Public Events Promotions
A. Healthy Pets Healthy People and Pit Bull Awareness Day
B. Radio Show Spot
C. Upcoming Pet Events/Non-Pet Events
VI. Public Awareness in Schools
VII. Flyers at local businesses
A. Need Volunteers to contact local businesses- template email and list
B. Need Volunteers to distribute flyers
Wed, Dec 1 in the Bull Pen @ City Hall. Free parking in parking structure. Be sure to bring your ticket inside for validation
I. Our Mission and Purpose
II. Portal Page and Website
A. Pet Finder
B. Update from Trisha
C. Committee Website
III. Year of the Companion Animal Update
IV. Marketing Material Update
V. Public Events Promotions
A. Healthy Pets Healthy People and Pit Bull Awareness Day
B. Radio Show Spot
C. Upcoming Pet Events/Non-Pet Events
VI. Public Awareness in Schools
VII. Flyers at local businesses
A. Need Volunteers to contact local businesses- template email and list
B. Need Volunteers to distribute flyers
Wed, Dec 1 in the Bull Pen @ City Hall. Free parking in parking structure. Be sure to bring your ticket inside for validation
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Deer Survey presentation to City Council PHHS committee
The Public Health and Human Services Committee heard a presentation from the city's consultant on the deer population in Northwest Austin. The 27 minute presentation is on the city's website at:
http://austintx.swagit.com/player.php?refid=11162010-45
Agenda Item:
Receive Staff Update regarding deer survey. (David Lurie, Director, Health & Human Services Department, and Shannon Jones, Assistant Director of Public Health and Keith Olenick, Senior Wildlife Biologist, Plateau Land and Wildlife Management)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://austintx.swagit.com/player.php?refid=11162010-45
Agenda Item:
Receive Staff Update regarding deer survey. (David Lurie, Director, Health & Human Services Department, and Shannon Jones, Assistant Director of Public Health and Keith Olenick, Senior Wildlife Biologist, Plateau Land and Wildlife Management)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
City consultant recommends killing deer in NW Austin
KXAN coverage of city consultant recommendation to kill deer in NW Austin
watch video news coverage here:
http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/local/deer-study-in-northwest-austin
Deer study in Northwest Austin
Lethal measures to control population recommended
Updated: Wednesday, 17 Nov 2010, 10:22 PM CST
Published : Wednesday, 17 Nov 2010, 10:14 PM CST
Doug Shupe
AUSTIN (KXAN) -
The deer population in Austin's Northwest Hills neighborhood is at a "crisis state," according to a newly released report prepared for the City of Austin Health Department.
A consultant company called Plateau Land and Wildlife Management conducted the research in the 78731 zipcode. The survey found about 400 deer living in an area suitable for about 100 and recommended drastically reducing the population.
Some residents say growth and new development have forced deer into their yards because they have nowhere else to go. But some blame people for feeding the deer despite a city ban on it.
"I like to see them in the neighborhood," said Charlotte Flynn.
Flynn has lived in the 7800 block of West Rim for 40 years. Watching the deer at dark reminds her of the times she fed them with her husband before he died.
"It was just part of our evening. After he got sick it was always his joy, if he was well enough, to come out and watch me feed the deer," said Flynn.
But increased populations of people and deer have led to growing concerns about deer and vehicle collisions, confrontations with people or pets, economic damage to vehicles and landscaping, and health issues like Lyme Disease.
"They're a nuisance here absolutely a nuisance," said resident William Deginder.
Deginder says deer populations have exploded since he moved to the neighborhood in the early 80's
"The longer I stay the more I see," he said.
So the city asked for a deer study in Northwest Hills. Once complete, it found very high deer populations and recommended reducing deer density through two lethal methods--trap, transport and process to donate their meat or the use of sharpshooters in larger, open space areas.
The report did not recommend the non-lethal method of capture and release. There's mixed feelings about the report's recommendations and also a difference of opinion on whether the deer population should be lowered at all.
"Something has to be done," said Deginder.
"I think we're missing a wonderful opportunity to share nature," said Flynn.
The city has not made a decision yet on what to do about the deer. The Northwest Austin Civic Association will call a special meeting on November 29th and eventually vote on a recommendation to present to the city.
watch video news coverage here:
http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/local/deer-study-in-northwest-austin
Deer study in Northwest Austin
Lethal measures to control population recommended
Updated: Wednesday, 17 Nov 2010, 10:22 PM CST
Published : Wednesday, 17 Nov 2010, 10:14 PM CST
Doug Shupe
AUSTIN (KXAN) -
The deer population in Austin's Northwest Hills neighborhood is at a "crisis state," according to a newly released report prepared for the City of Austin Health Department.
A consultant company called Plateau Land and Wildlife Management conducted the research in the 78731 zipcode. The survey found about 400 deer living in an area suitable for about 100 and recommended drastically reducing the population.
Some residents say growth and new development have forced deer into their yards because they have nowhere else to go. But some blame people for feeding the deer despite a city ban on it.
"I like to see them in the neighborhood," said Charlotte Flynn.
Flynn has lived in the 7800 block of West Rim for 40 years. Watching the deer at dark reminds her of the times she fed them with her husband before he died.
"It was just part of our evening. After he got sick it was always his joy, if he was well enough, to come out and watch me feed the deer," said Flynn.
But increased populations of people and deer have led to growing concerns about deer and vehicle collisions, confrontations with people or pets, economic damage to vehicles and landscaping, and health issues like Lyme Disease.
"They're a nuisance here absolutely a nuisance," said resident William Deginder.
Deginder says deer populations have exploded since he moved to the neighborhood in the early 80's
"The longer I stay the more I see," he said.
So the city asked for a deer study in Northwest Hills. Once complete, it found very high deer populations and recommended reducing deer density through two lethal methods--trap, transport and process to donate their meat or the use of sharpshooters in larger, open space areas.
The report did not recommend the non-lethal method of capture and release. There's mixed feelings about the report's recommendations and also a difference of opinion on whether the deer population should be lowered at all.
"Something has to be done," said Deginder.
"I think we're missing a wonderful opportunity to share nature," said Flynn.
The city has not made a decision yet on what to do about the deer. The Northwest Austin Civic Association will call a special meeting on November 29th and eventually vote on a recommendation to present to the city.
City considering sharpshooting or trapping deer in Northwest Austin
KVUE news coverage of sharpshooting deer in Northwest Austin (watch video here):
http://www.kvue.com/home/To-shoot-or-not-to-shoot-controlling--108792884.html
Text of news story on KVUE website:
by ANDREW HORANSKY/ KVUE News
kvue.com
Posted on November 17, 2010 at 6:36 PM
A local consulting firm called Plateau Land and Wildlife Management recently conducted a census in Northwest Hills. It was not a count of people, but of deer.
“We found that we have a severe population problem there,” said Plateau President David Braun. “There are four times as many deer as is natural.”
Funded by the City of Austin at a cost of $7,500, Plateau counted about 400 deer, and recommended removing up to 300 of them. The firm then presented two options for controlling the population: trapping the deer, or using sharpshooters.
In trapping, huge nets surround the deer and can catch more than one at a time. The process, however, can traumatize the animal. Braun says sharpshooting is not only quicker, but possibly cheaper.
“I think people instinctively want to find the safest way, the most humane way,” Braun said. “Until they have studied it, they cannot imagine that this is going to be the conclusion.”
In the meantime, some residents say the deer problem has never been worse. They have gobbled up plants and caused countless accidents, and yet not everyone can agree on sharpshooters.
“I understand why some people may think it’s a good idea; we have too many deer around here,” Alexandra Evans says. “But, having kids, I just think the idea is pretty scary.”
The neighborhood association will ultimately vote on using traps versus sharpshooters.
http://www.kvue.com/home/To-shoot-or-not-to-shoot-controlling--108792884.html
Text of news story on KVUE website:
by ANDREW HORANSKY/ KVUE News
kvue.com
Posted on November 17, 2010 at 6:36 PM
A local consulting firm called Plateau Land and Wildlife Management recently conducted a census in Northwest Hills. It was not a count of people, but of deer.
“We found that we have a severe population problem there,” said Plateau President David Braun. “There are four times as many deer as is natural.”
Funded by the City of Austin at a cost of $7,500, Plateau counted about 400 deer, and recommended removing up to 300 of them. The firm then presented two options for controlling the population: trapping the deer, or using sharpshooters.
In trapping, huge nets surround the deer and can catch more than one at a time. The process, however, can traumatize the animal. Braun says sharpshooting is not only quicker, but possibly cheaper.
“I think people instinctively want to find the safest way, the most humane way,” Braun said. “Until they have studied it, they cannot imagine that this is going to be the conclusion.”
In the meantime, some residents say the deer problem has never been worse. They have gobbled up plants and caused countless accidents, and yet not everyone can agree on sharpshooters.
“I understand why some people may think it’s a good idea; we have too many deer around here,” Alexandra Evans says. “But, having kids, I just think the idea is pretty scary.”
The neighborhood association will ultimately vote on using traps versus sharpshooters.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Notes from October 20 Rescue Committee Meeting
The November meeting of the Rescue Committee created by the March 2010 No Kill Resolution will be on Wednesday, November 17 at 6:30 pm at the Town Lake Animal Center. The notes from the last meeting are below:
Rescue Committee October 20, 2010
Actions/decisions
Notetaking: Kathleen Hamilton
Meeting frequency: Decision: Confirmed the 3rd Wednesday of each month as the standing meeting date for the committee.
Rolling 24 month calendar: Action: Send to Brad Beam brad.beam@gmail.com information on animal related events that should be included on the calendar, which is being developed by the Public Awareness Committee.
Donation Funds: Awaiting reply to Brad’s email to the AAC asking for clarification on process for finalizing decisions on Donations Funds. Actions: When reply received from AAC, committee will formulate a recommendation concerning what percentage of funds from the Emergency Care $30,000 balance should be used for heartworm treatment.
Homeless Pets Need You flyer: Action: Send recommendations for changes to Adette Quintana, Public Awareness Committee; adettesark@yahoo.com
Shelter Walker Function: Actions: Send input on what info rescuers might want from this activity to Kathleen Hamilton zenhamk@aol.com, who will compile it. Contact Kathryn Sharp if you want to try out this activity to see how it might work. Kathleen will also talk with Joanna Johnson, TLAC volunteer coordinator, to see whether this job function might be included in potential jobs offered to TLAC volunteers. Idea left on table: Contact Triple Crown Academy to explore requiring people going through their program to have to spend certain amount of time performing the shelter walker function.
Creation of subcommittees to carry out work of the Rescue Committee: Actions Co-chairs will develop proposals for the subcommittees which might be established. Subcommittee on recruiting rescues created (Brad, Pat, Meghan, Nancy). Contact Brad brad.beam@gmail.com if you wish to participate on this committee.
Placement Partner Guidelines: Action: Establishment of Placement Guidelines Subcommittee (Christy, Toni, Marnie, Cheryl, Kathy, Julia). Contact Julia julia_jad@hotmail.com if you wish to serve on this subcommittee. Ideas left on table: Start with fosters who become rescues. Survey the rescues participating with TLAC and those not participating to see what their objections to the placement guidelines are (and what they like). Have presentations made by current partners to help people understand what is involved in being a rescue. Create incentives for being a rescue partner.
Rescue Committee October 20, 2010
Actions/decisions
Notetaking: Kathleen Hamilton
Meeting frequency: Decision: Confirmed the 3rd Wednesday of each month as the standing meeting date for the committee.
Rolling 24 month calendar: Action: Send to Brad Beam brad.beam@gmail.com information on animal related events that should be included on the calendar, which is being developed by the Public Awareness Committee.
Donation Funds: Awaiting reply to Brad’s email to the AAC asking for clarification on process for finalizing decisions on Donations Funds. Actions: When reply received from AAC, committee will formulate a recommendation concerning what percentage of funds from the Emergency Care $30,000 balance should be used for heartworm treatment.
Homeless Pets Need You flyer: Action: Send recommendations for changes to Adette Quintana, Public Awareness Committee; adettesark@yahoo.com
Shelter Walker Function: Actions: Send input on what info rescuers might want from this activity to Kathleen Hamilton zenhamk@aol.com, who will compile it. Contact Kathryn Sharp if you want to try out this activity to see how it might work. Kathleen will also talk with Joanna Johnson, TLAC volunteer coordinator, to see whether this job function might be included in potential jobs offered to TLAC volunteers. Idea left on table: Contact Triple Crown Academy to explore requiring people going through their program to have to spend certain amount of time performing the shelter walker function.
Creation of subcommittees to carry out work of the Rescue Committee: Actions Co-chairs will develop proposals for the subcommittees which might be established. Subcommittee on recruiting rescues created (Brad, Pat, Meghan, Nancy). Contact Brad brad.beam@gmail.com if you wish to participate on this committee.
Placement Partner Guidelines: Action: Establishment of Placement Guidelines Subcommittee (Christy, Toni, Marnie, Cheryl, Kathy, Julia). Contact Julia julia_jad@hotmail.com if you wish to serve on this subcommittee. Ideas left on table: Start with fosters who become rescues. Survey the rescues participating with TLAC and those not participating to see what their objections to the placement guidelines are (and what they like). Have presentations made by current partners to help people understand what is involved in being a rescue. Create incentives for being a rescue partner.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
staff goal for Council action on RFP and hiring new director
The video for today's Public Health and Human Services Committee meeting is now available at:
http://austintx.swagit.com/player.php?refid=10192010-30
City staff made a presentation and projected February 28, 2011 as the date for Council action on the RFP.
Council Member Morrison asked David Lurie, Director of Health and Human Services about the projected timeline for hiring a new director and he replied they are thinking of having someone on board by January 1, 2011.
http://austintx.swagit.com/player.php?refid=10192010-30
City staff made a presentation and projected February 28, 2011 as the date for Council action on the RFP.
Council Member Morrison asked David Lurie, Director of Health and Human Services about the projected timeline for hiring a new director and he replied they are thinking of having someone on board by January 1, 2011.
RFP on agenda for October 19 PHHS meeting
MEETING AGENDA
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE WILL MEET ON Tuesday, October,19th , 2010 AT 3:00 P.M. AT CITY HALL, 301 WEST SECOND STREET, BOARD AND COMMISSIONS, ROOM 1101, AUSTIN, TEXAS
1.
Call Meeting to Order
2.
Review and approval of minutes for the committee meeting held Tuesday, September 21st, 2010.
3.
Citizen Communications.
4.
Discussion on the status of RFPs for Animal Adoption Services. ( David Lurie , Director of Health and Human Services and Byron Johnson, Purchasing Officer)
5.
Status Report on Implementation Plan to Reduce Animal Intake and Increase Live Animal Outcomes and Take Appropriate Action (Filip Gecic, Acting Animal Services Officer)
6.
Discussion and Possible Action on $380,650 in Un-Allocated FY 2009-10 Social Service Funding. (David Lurie, Director, Health & Human Services Department, and Vince Cobalis, Assistant Director of Human Services)
7.
Consider agenda items for next meeting, scheduled for 3:00 pm on Tuesday, November, 16th, 2010 or at the call of the committee chair.
8.
Adjourn
The
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE WILL MEET ON Tuesday, October,19th , 2010 AT 3:00 P.M. AT CITY HALL, 301 WEST SECOND STREET, BOARD AND COMMISSIONS, ROOM 1101, AUSTIN, TEXAS
1.
Call Meeting to Order
2.
Review and approval of minutes for the committee meeting held Tuesday, September 21st, 2010.
3.
Citizen Communications.
4.
Discussion on the status of RFPs for Animal Adoption Services. ( David Lurie , Director of Health and Human Services and Byron Johnson, Purchasing Officer)
5.
Status Report on Implementation Plan to Reduce Animal Intake and Increase Live Animal Outcomes and Take Appropriate Action (Filip Gecic, Acting Animal Services Officer)
6.
Discussion and Possible Action on $380,650 in Un-Allocated FY 2009-10 Social Service Funding. (David Lurie, Director, Health & Human Services Department, and Vince Cobalis, Assistant Director of Human Services)
7.
Consider agenda items for next meeting, scheduled for 3:00 pm on Tuesday, November, 16th, 2010 or at the call of the committee chair.
8.
Adjourn
The
Monday, October 11, 2010
November 6: Barkitecture 2010, noon - 4pm
http://www.austinbarkitecture.com/
Barkitecture 2010
November 6, noon - 4pm
2nd Street District, Austin, TX
Since its inception in 2005, Barkitecture has become an Austin favorite! Hosted by Animal Lovers of Austin, Inc. and the 2nd Street District, this architectural dog-centric fundraiser showcases doghouses created by some of Austin’s best and brightest architects, designers and builders. Attendees will have the opportunity to bid on these unique doghouses, play at the 'pup-stop', learn more about adoption opportunities from local area rescue groups, and enjoy a winter-inspired Fashound Show.
Every year, local artist Jaime Cervantes donates his time and talents to create a limited-edition poster for Barkitecture. This year's (see below) is better than ever and will be on sale for $25 at the Barkitecture event with all proceeds going to this year's sponsored rescue groups.
Barkitecture 2010
November 6, noon - 4pm
2nd Street District, Austin, TX
Since its inception in 2005, Barkitecture has become an Austin favorite! Hosted by Animal Lovers of Austin, Inc. and the 2nd Street District, this architectural dog-centric fundraiser showcases doghouses created by some of Austin’s best and brightest architects, designers and builders. Attendees will have the opportunity to bid on these unique doghouses, play at the 'pup-stop', learn more about adoption opportunities from local area rescue groups, and enjoy a winter-inspired Fashound Show.
Every year, local artist Jaime Cervantes donates his time and talents to create a limited-edition poster for Barkitecture. This year's (see below) is better than ever and will be on sale for $25 at the Barkitecture event with all proceeds going to this year's sponsored rescue groups.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Woman and Min Pin Attacked by Four Dogs on West 48th Street
http://www.kvue.com/news/Woman-and-dog-attacked-by-four-dogs-in-Shoal-Creek-neighborhood-103091749.html
by JENNIE HUERTA / KVUE News
kvue.com
Posted on September 16, 2010 at 5:49 PM
A woman was walking her leashed dog along West 48th Street on Tuesday when she says four large dogs came at her at once.
The four dogs were unleashed and not wearing collars. It took several people to break up the ruckus that left the woman and her dog hurt.
Tracy Vaught’s miniature pinscher Pipsqueak proved to be no match for the two mastiffs, cow dog and pit bull that came at him while he was out for a walk on his leash last Tuesday.
“Those dogs raced, at the speed of the wind, and attacked,” Vaught says. “It wasn't like we were in their territory. They just came in and attacked.”
The four dogs, named Puck, Luna, Pluto and Spot are now quarantined at Town Lake Animal Center. One of them bit Vaught on the back side and bit Pipsqueak all over, but not before neighbors got into the fray.
“One man came out with a plastic guitar, and he's trying to beat the dogs away, and the dogs are not relenting,” Vaught said. “And somewhere in all of this, the owner showed up. They didn't respond to his voice commands. He literally had to carry the hundred-pound mastiff to his house.”
The dogs' owner, Victor Angelica, believes people's panic made the situation worse. He believes his dogs were just trying to play.
“The fact that there was a neighbor hitting my dogs with a guitar, and they were not attacking anybody when I got outside, tells me that they were not being aggressive,” Angelica said. “I know how they play.”
Paul Streetman, who saw the whole thing, disagrees.
Streetman says, “This was a full-on attack. This woman was screaming for her life. The dogs had taken her small miniature pinscher and had it in its mouth, and were thrashing it back and forth like a rag doll. She got bit bad in the process, by a large bull mastiff. It was a very scary and disturbing event to witness.”
Angelica's dogs had been in a fence, required by the City of Austin. He believes his cow dog Spot opened the gate to his backyard. Angelica will get his dogs back on Monday, to some neighbors', including Vaught’s, disappointment.
“I don't think that anyone around a neighborhood that is full of elderly neighbors and children and people walking their baby strollers needs to have dangerous animals,” Vaught said.
Vaught, an animal lover herself, says she doesn't want to see Angelica's dogs put down -- just controlled.
Angelica says he's planning to pay Vaught for her expenses, totaling about $1100. If an Austin Animal Control Officer had seen the dogs unrestrained, Angelica could have been fined up to $500 per dog, for breaking the city's leash law. So far, the City of Austin has not ruled the dogs dangerous. That involves a court proceeding. All of the dogs are vaccinated, but Angelica cannot take them home until he pays impound fees totaling more than $500.
Angelica says he’s looking for another place to live, perhaps in a less densely populated area.
by JENNIE HUERTA / KVUE News
kvue.com
Posted on September 16, 2010 at 5:49 PM
A woman was walking her leashed dog along West 48th Street on Tuesday when she says four large dogs came at her at once.
The four dogs were unleashed and not wearing collars. It took several people to break up the ruckus that left the woman and her dog hurt.
Tracy Vaught’s miniature pinscher Pipsqueak proved to be no match for the two mastiffs, cow dog and pit bull that came at him while he was out for a walk on his leash last Tuesday.
“Those dogs raced, at the speed of the wind, and attacked,” Vaught says. “It wasn't like we were in their territory. They just came in and attacked.”
The four dogs, named Puck, Luna, Pluto and Spot are now quarantined at Town Lake Animal Center. One of them bit Vaught on the back side and bit Pipsqueak all over, but not before neighbors got into the fray.
“One man came out with a plastic guitar, and he's trying to beat the dogs away, and the dogs are not relenting,” Vaught said. “And somewhere in all of this, the owner showed up. They didn't respond to his voice commands. He literally had to carry the hundred-pound mastiff to his house.”
The dogs' owner, Victor Angelica, believes people's panic made the situation worse. He believes his dogs were just trying to play.
“The fact that there was a neighbor hitting my dogs with a guitar, and they were not attacking anybody when I got outside, tells me that they were not being aggressive,” Angelica said. “I know how they play.”
Paul Streetman, who saw the whole thing, disagrees.
Streetman says, “This was a full-on attack. This woman was screaming for her life. The dogs had taken her small miniature pinscher and had it in its mouth, and were thrashing it back and forth like a rag doll. She got bit bad in the process, by a large bull mastiff. It was a very scary and disturbing event to witness.”
Angelica's dogs had been in a fence, required by the City of Austin. He believes his cow dog Spot opened the gate to his backyard. Angelica will get his dogs back on Monday, to some neighbors', including Vaught’s, disappointment.
“I don't think that anyone around a neighborhood that is full of elderly neighbors and children and people walking their baby strollers needs to have dangerous animals,” Vaught said.
Vaught, an animal lover herself, says she doesn't want to see Angelica's dogs put down -- just controlled.
Angelica says he's planning to pay Vaught for her expenses, totaling about $1100. If an Austin Animal Control Officer had seen the dogs unrestrained, Angelica could have been fined up to $500 per dog, for breaking the city's leash law. So far, the City of Austin has not ruled the dogs dangerous. That involves a court proceeding. All of the dogs are vaccinated, but Angelica cannot take them home until he pays impound fees totaling more than $500.
Angelica says he’s looking for another place to live, perhaps in a less densely populated area.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Austin City Council approves $757,000 increase in budget for Animal Services
Animal Services
The Animal Services program’s FY 2011 Budget
includes a $757,000 increase for the "No Kill Implementation Plan." This
plan includes 5.50 new full time
equivalent positions and several programs to
assist in increasing live animal outcomes to 90
percent in the Austin/Travis County community.
The 5.50 new positions include: 2 full time Vet
Technicians, a half-time Veterinarian, 1 full time Animal Behaviorist, 1 full time Public Health Educator
and 1 full time Animal Care Customer Services Representative Senior. In addition to
increased personnel, the plan includes funding for an offsite adoption program,
foster care program, spay street program, an emergency care fund and a public
awareness campaign.
Two new fees will be implemented in FY 2011 as
part of the Implementation Plan, an animal intake
fee and a wildlife relocation fee. These fees will
generate $22,500 in additional revenue. Other
revenue in the Animal Services program is
expected to have a net increase $25,052 based
on historical trends.
The FY 2011 Budget also includes a $50,000
increase as part of the Austin/Travis County
Interlocal agreement for the County portion of the
spay/neuter program.
The Animal Services program’s FY 2011 Budget
includes a $757,000 increase for the "No Kill Implementation Plan." This
plan includes 5.50 new full time
equivalent positions and several programs to
assist in increasing live animal outcomes to 90
percent in the Austin/Travis County community.
The 5.50 new positions include: 2 full time Vet
Technicians, a half-time Veterinarian, 1 full time Animal Behaviorist, 1 full time Public Health Educator
and 1 full time Animal Care Customer Services Representative Senior. In addition to
increased personnel, the plan includes funding for an offsite adoption program,
foster care program, spay street program, an emergency care fund and a public
awareness campaign.
Two new fees will be implemented in FY 2011 as
part of the Implementation Plan, an animal intake
fee and a wildlife relocation fee. These fees will
generate $22,500 in additional revenue. Other
revenue in the Animal Services program is
expected to have a net increase $25,052 based
on historical trends.
The FY 2011 Budget also includes a $50,000
increase as part of the Austin/Travis County
Interlocal agreement for the County portion of the
spay/neuter program.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Castrar/Esterilizar a su mascota!
http://www.ahimsatx.org/nnl/docs/BePartOfSp.htm
Castrar/Esterilizar a su mascota!
Una mascota castrada/esterilizada ...
es mas saludable
vive mas tiempo
obedece mejor y es mas facil de entrenar
es mas tranquila y
tiene menor tendecia a vagar, escaparse o pelearse con otros animales
NO tiene cria!
Invierta en el futoro de su mascota ... es un precio pequeno que pagar por toda una vida de amor y carino
Castrar/Esterilizar a su mascota!
Una mascota castrada/esterilizada ...
es mas saludable
vive mas tiempo
obedece mejor y es mas facil de entrenar
es mas tranquila y
tiene menor tendecia a vagar, escaparse o pelearse con otros animales
NO tiene cria!
Invierta en el futoro de su mascota ... es un precio pequeno que pagar por toda una vida de amor y carino
Los Dueños de Perros Deben Proveer
Los Dueños de Perros Deben Proveer
Suficiente comida fresca para el tamaño y edad
Agua fresca y limpia disponible a todos momentos
Para perros de patio, tener albergue disponible contra el mal tiempo
Si el perro esta amarrado, lacadena debe ser tres veces el tamaño de el perro y con un collar comodo
Si esta en jaula, el perro debera poderse parar doblar y moverse comodamente
Si esta en jaula, ejercisio adecuado
Cuidado veterinario para prevenir enfermedades y rabia
Contener el perro en su patio limpio y en condiciones sanitarias
Licensias, chapas y edentificasion en el collar
Suficiente comida fresca para el tamaño y edad
Agua fresca y limpia disponible a todos momentos
Para perros de patio, tener albergue disponible contra el mal tiempo
Si el perro esta amarrado, lacadena debe ser tres veces el tamaño de el perro y con un collar comodo
Si esta en jaula, el perro debera poderse parar doblar y moverse comodamente
Si esta en jaula, ejercisio adecuado
Cuidado veterinario para prevenir enfermedades y rabia
Contener el perro en su patio limpio y en condiciones sanitarias
Licensias, chapas y edentificasion en el collar
La Esterilización de los Perros y los Gatos
perros
http://www.tuperro.com.mx/01_06_03_repro_esterilizar.html
gatos
http://blogmascotas.com/porque-es-importante-esterilizar-a-los-gatos-machos-i/
http://www.tuperro.com.mx/01_06_03_repro_esterilizar.html
gatos
http://blogmascotas.com/porque-es-importante-esterilizar-a-los-gatos-machos-i/
Documental revela cruda y triste realidad de perros realengos en Puerto Rico
Si alguna vez te has condolido por la situación de los perros abandonados, ¡ésta es tu oportunidad de hacer algo al respecto!
http://www.primerahora.com/documentalrevelacrudaytristerealidaddeperrosrealengosenlaisla-tusmascotas-especial-nota-415934.html
http://www.primerahora.com/documentalrevelacrudaytristerealidaddeperrosrealengosenlaisla-tusmascotas-especial-nota-415934.html
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Pit Bull Committee Meeting Agenda for 8/31/2010
Pit Bull Task Force/Committee
Agenda for 8/31/10 meeting; TLAC, 6 – 7:30 pm
1. Sign-In/Welcome/Introductions around the room (5 mins)
2. Clarification of committee mission and goals (10 mins)
3. Overview of Committee Structure and Expectations (10 mins)
4. Review key issues that emerged from last meeting (See below) and identify top three priorities (20 mins)
5. Brainstorm ideas and outline strategy to address top three priorities (20 mins)
6. Formulate next steps and set regular meeting time/day (20 mins)
7. Adjourn
Key Issues that Emerged from Last Meeting
Strengths
Love-A-Bull as a free resource 13 votes
-Trainings 1 vote
-Community get togethers 3 votes
Trail dog program 6 votes
Love-A-Bull’s program objectives meeting goals 5 votes
Education efforts; Love-A-Bull 4 votes
Raising awareness with groups 4 votes
- Education programs
- Marketing
- Business plan for dog (pit bull)
Facebook groups- cross postings 2 votes
Billboards, posters, Facebook (Shelter Pet Project) 1 vote
Shelter adopts out pit bull types rather than not 1 vote
Love-A-Bull / Shelter relationship 1 vote
- Fosters
- Strategic
- Working relationship with other groups, nationally and locally
Grassroots education 1 vote
Representation from all groups especially after implementation plan
Respected/renamed nationwide
Community groups, schools, gang prevention units, rescues
Problem of breed identification (How to use terms to let public know pit bull is good)
-Adoption (housing) banning dangerous dogs
Opportunity
Hire behaviorist who knows about pit bulls 22 votes
Positive news stories 19 votes
Post-adoption training 11 votes
Free spay neuter 8 votes
Incentives for rescues to take pit bulls 7 votes
Evaluation public on breeds 6 votes
- At schools
PSA’s, general education 5 votes
Neighborhood association outreach 5 votes
Utilize spay/neuter funding identified in implementation plan for Emancipate designated for pit bull use 5 votes
Spay/Neuter Incentives 5 votes
Hold Love-A-Bull event @ TLAC 5 votes
Outreach to high risk neighborhoods 4 votes
Donation fund 3 votes
Outreach to all neighborhoods 3 votes
Outreach to businesses 2 votes
More funding 2 votes
Enhance computer to identify mix breeds 2 votes
Fund-raiser event (picnic?) to show dogs in different light 2 votes
Talk to neighborhood groups (turnout is low, though) 1 vote
Enhanced opportunities for non pit bull rescues to rescue pit bulls 1 vote
Get other areas of the City involved 1 vote
Speak/ do activities at churches 1 vote
- Churches with youth groups (kids could train with volunteers dogs)
Partner with other organizations for outreach
Crime Meetings
Training fliers from Love-A-Bull
Educate shelter workers/volunteers
Use meet up groups to do outreach areas
Weakness
No pit bull rescue group 14 votes
Advertising – Not enough 11 votes
Restrictiveness of apartment complexes 7 votes
-Insurance companies
Breed misidentification 5 votes
Lack of city support to adopt pit bull’s 5 votes
Expand outreach to East Austin/Other “well off” parts of City of Austin 4 votes
Education
Bad publicity 4 votes
Tendency of over-identification 3 votes
Lack of knowledge on the issues 3 votes
Redevelopment Project 2 votes
Mission Statement 1 vote
Efforts specifically general towards pit bulls
- Spay/ Neuter 1 vote
Education and outreach to children 1 vote
Identification issues 1 vote
Pet of the Week
- No images
- No pit-bulls 1 vote
Only one advocacy group – Love-A-Bull
Information focuses on negatives of pit bulls
Low manpower to set up training/outreach (volunteers)
Perception problem with pit bulls
Lack of dialogue between neighborhood groups (including but not limited to Neighborhood groups, associations, Property Managers, Owners, Landowners, Mueller
Challenges
Better utilization of volunteers 13 votes
- Utilize for maximum benefit to shelter
- Saves money
- Lack of coordination, education, training
Educating public 8 votes
Money 6 votes
Media (bad) 6 votes
Housing 6 votes
Media-Bias 5 votes
Difficulty in having a focused message 4 votes
Reputation/ Long held beliefs 4 votes
Housing/ Apartment Issues 4 votes
More off-site adoption events 3 votes
Locating pit-friendly insurance 2 votes
More Spay/Neuter 2 votes
Not enough people 2 votes
Misidentification 2 votes
Prejudice 1 vote
Misinformation 1 vote
More support needed from decision makers in community 1 vote
Image 1 vote
Need more volunteers 1 vote
Exposure 1 vote
Momentum (maintaining it)
Better protection for puppies
No kill equation needs No. 11
Clarify breed ban/ no kill
Continued challenge to overcome public perception
- Catalyst for change
Failure of city staff to understand and promote foster-to-adopt program
History of breed/dog fighting
Groups represented at the Pit Bull Task Force include:
Love-A-Bull
TLAC Volunteers
Confident Canines
Austin Pets Alive- Healthy Dogs, Healthy People
Training by TARA
Branding
APA/ APA Volunteers
Animal Issues Forum
LAB
Vision Hills Sanctuary
Animal Trustees
Agenda for 8/31/10 meeting; TLAC, 6 – 7:30 pm
1. Sign-In/Welcome/Introductions around the room (5 mins)
2. Clarification of committee mission and goals (10 mins)
3. Overview of Committee Structure and Expectations (10 mins)
4. Review key issues that emerged from last meeting (See below) and identify top three priorities (20 mins)
5. Brainstorm ideas and outline strategy to address top three priorities (20 mins)
6. Formulate next steps and set regular meeting time/day (20 mins)
7. Adjourn
Key Issues that Emerged from Last Meeting
Strengths
Love-A-Bull as a free resource 13 votes
-Trainings 1 vote
-Community get togethers 3 votes
Trail dog program 6 votes
Love-A-Bull’s program objectives meeting goals 5 votes
Education efforts; Love-A-Bull 4 votes
Raising awareness with groups 4 votes
- Education programs
- Marketing
- Business plan for dog (pit bull)
Facebook groups- cross postings 2 votes
Billboards, posters, Facebook (Shelter Pet Project) 1 vote
Shelter adopts out pit bull types rather than not 1 vote
Love-A-Bull / Shelter relationship 1 vote
- Fosters
- Strategic
- Working relationship with other groups, nationally and locally
Grassroots education 1 vote
Representation from all groups especially after implementation plan
Respected/renamed nationwide
Community groups, schools, gang prevention units, rescues
Problem of breed identification (How to use terms to let public know pit bull is good)
-Adoption (housing) banning dangerous dogs
Opportunity
Hire behaviorist who knows about pit bulls 22 votes
Positive news stories 19 votes
Post-adoption training 11 votes
Free spay neuter 8 votes
Incentives for rescues to take pit bulls 7 votes
Evaluation public on breeds 6 votes
- At schools
PSA’s, general education 5 votes
Neighborhood association outreach 5 votes
Utilize spay/neuter funding identified in implementation plan for Emancipate designated for pit bull use 5 votes
Spay/Neuter Incentives 5 votes
Hold Love-A-Bull event @ TLAC 5 votes
Outreach to high risk neighborhoods 4 votes
Donation fund 3 votes
Outreach to all neighborhoods 3 votes
Outreach to businesses 2 votes
More funding 2 votes
Enhance computer to identify mix breeds 2 votes
Fund-raiser event (picnic?) to show dogs in different light 2 votes
Talk to neighborhood groups (turnout is low, though) 1 vote
Enhanced opportunities for non pit bull rescues to rescue pit bulls 1 vote
Get other areas of the City involved 1 vote
Speak/ do activities at churches 1 vote
- Churches with youth groups (kids could train with volunteers dogs)
Partner with other organizations for outreach
Crime Meetings
Training fliers from Love-A-Bull
Educate shelter workers/volunteers
Use meet up groups to do outreach areas
Weakness
No pit bull rescue group 14 votes
Advertising – Not enough 11 votes
Restrictiveness of apartment complexes 7 votes
-Insurance companies
Breed misidentification 5 votes
Lack of city support to adopt pit bull’s 5 votes
Expand outreach to East Austin/Other “well off” parts of City of Austin 4 votes
Education
Bad publicity 4 votes
Tendency of over-identification 3 votes
Lack of knowledge on the issues 3 votes
Redevelopment Project 2 votes
Mission Statement 1 vote
Efforts specifically general towards pit bulls
- Spay/ Neuter 1 vote
Education and outreach to children 1 vote
Identification issues 1 vote
Pet of the Week
- No images
- No pit-bulls 1 vote
Only one advocacy group – Love-A-Bull
Information focuses on negatives of pit bulls
Low manpower to set up training/outreach (volunteers)
Perception problem with pit bulls
Lack of dialogue between neighborhood groups (including but not limited to Neighborhood groups, associations, Property Managers, Owners, Landowners, Mueller
Challenges
Better utilization of volunteers 13 votes
- Utilize for maximum benefit to shelter
- Saves money
- Lack of coordination, education, training
Educating public 8 votes
Money 6 votes
Media (bad) 6 votes
Housing 6 votes
Media-Bias 5 votes
Difficulty in having a focused message 4 votes
Reputation/ Long held beliefs 4 votes
Housing/ Apartment Issues 4 votes
More off-site adoption events 3 votes
Locating pit-friendly insurance 2 votes
More Spay/Neuter 2 votes
Not enough people 2 votes
Misidentification 2 votes
Prejudice 1 vote
Misinformation 1 vote
More support needed from decision makers in community 1 vote
Image 1 vote
Need more volunteers 1 vote
Exposure 1 vote
Momentum (maintaining it)
Better protection for puppies
No kill equation needs No. 11
Clarify breed ban/ no kill
Continued challenge to overcome public perception
- Catalyst for change
Failure of city staff to understand and promote foster-to-adopt program
History of breed/dog fighting
Groups represented at the Pit Bull Task Force include:
Love-A-Bull
TLAC Volunteers
Confident Canines
Austin Pets Alive- Healthy Dogs, Healthy People
Training by TARA
Branding
APA/ APA Volunteers
Animal Issues Forum
LAB
Vision Hills Sanctuary
Animal Trustees
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Tue. Aug 31 at City Hall: Animal Issues Forum
The next Animal Issues Forum will be held on Tuesday, August 31 at City Hall during the lunch break, from 11:45 am to 1:15 pm.
The forum will start with the showing of the film "Shelter", a short (17 minutes), locally-produced documentary about the City of Austin's efforts to become "No Kill" city. "Shelter" was filmed for a class at the University of Texas by Kelly Sloan (radio-television-film student) and Lauren Dooley (public policy student). The producers will be present at the screening and will participate in a discussion with Q&A after the film. Rob Graham, a member of Austin's Animal Advisory Commission, will talk about what the AAC has already done and what it has planned to reach No Kill.
Della Lindquist, an Emancipet volunteer, will talk about outreach efforts in Montopolis and other neighborhoods that have high numbers of homeless animals and her work with the City of Austin's Spay Street Program and that program's "neighborhood captains" including an effort to recruit Spanish speaking volunteers.
Monica Hardy, the new Executive Director of the Texas Humane Legislative Network, will also be speaking about THLN's conference, September 24-26 in Austin, and her new duties as ED of THLN during the legislative session that starts in January 2011.
The forum is free and open to the public. Parking in Austin City Hall's underground garage is free as well. (Bring parking ticket inside to be validated.)
Please forward to anyone who might be interested in attending. Thanks.
Pat Valls-Trelles
Animal Issues Forum
www.animalissuesforum.org
The forum will start with the showing of the film "Shelter", a short (17 minutes), locally-produced documentary about the City of Austin's efforts to become "No Kill" city. "Shelter" was filmed for a class at the University of Texas by Kelly Sloan (radio-television-film student) and Lauren Dooley (public policy student). The producers will be present at the screening and will participate in a discussion with Q&A after the film. Rob Graham, a member of Austin's Animal Advisory Commission, will talk about what the AAC has already done and what it has planned to reach No Kill.
Della Lindquist, an Emancipet volunteer, will talk about outreach efforts in Montopolis and other neighborhoods that have high numbers of homeless animals and her work with the City of Austin's Spay Street Program and that program's "neighborhood captains" including an effort to recruit Spanish speaking volunteers.
Monica Hardy, the new Executive Director of the Texas Humane Legislative Network, will also be speaking about THLN's conference, September 24-26 in Austin, and her new duties as ED of THLN during the legislative session that starts in January 2011.
The forum is free and open to the public. Parking in Austin City Hall's underground garage is free as well. (Bring parking ticket inside to be validated.)
Please forward to anyone who might be interested in attending. Thanks.
Pat Valls-Trelles
Animal Issues Forum
www.animalissuesforum.org
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Travis County Park Ranger shoots 2-year-old boxer-mix
http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/local/dog-recovering-after-being-shot-by-park-ranger
Dog recovering after ranger shot him
Owner says shooting unjustified
Updated: Tuesday, 10 Aug 2010, 6:28 PM CDT
Published : Tuesday, 10 Aug 2010, 5:40 PM CDT
Reagan Hackleman
AUSTIN (KXAN) - Bronx, a 2-year-old boxer-mix, is doing much better today than he was on Monday.
“He’s real sore, real tender, but the swelling is actually less pronounced today,” said Dr. Matt Schuessler of the Pale Face Veterinary Clinic.
Stuck inside Bronx’s head is shrapnel from a bullet fired by a Travis County Park Ranger .
“I was kind of shocked that, that kind of action was taken,” said Schuessler.
Before Bronx was brought to Schuessler’s, he was with his owner, Stacey Hines, at Pace Bend Park in Western Travis County.
“The dogs were taking a break from swimming,” said Hines.
Hines admitted the dogs weren’t wearing their leashes, which is the law at all Travis County Parks, when a Travis County Park Ranger pulled up.
“As I’m trying to get out of the water to go talk to him, the dogs run up and start barking at him,” Hines said.
What happened next left Hines and her friend in shock.
“He [the park ranger] immediately freaked out and ran directly into the lake. I was like, 'What is he doing?' All the dogs are barking at him, and he turned around and opened fire,” said Kenna Bobinger, who was at the park with Hines.
Both Hines and Bobinger said a 4-year-old child was nearby when the ranger pulled the trigger.
The chief of the Travis County Park Rangers, Dan Chapman, said while a child might have been in the area, at no time was that child in danger.
In a report yet to be filed, the chief said his ranger was afraid for his life and said the dogs were in “attack mode.”
The vet begged to differ.
“I’ve only known probably one or two boxers to be really super-aggressive. For the most part they’ll just lick you to death. They’re really good children-type dogs,” said Schuessler.
Schuessler said those who might find themselves confronted by a dog they are uncomfortable with to simply calm down and try and leave the area where the dog or dogs are.
Bronx, who was rescued from the Town Lake Animal Center by his owners, could have permanent vision problems because of the shooting. And meanwhile, no disciplinary actions have been taken against the ranger who pulled the trigger.
According to Chapman, the ranger involved has numerous years of law enforcement experience, including a stint with the U.S. Border Patrol.
Chapman said rangers do not go through any formal training when it comes to handling dogs.
Dog recovering after ranger shot him
Owner says shooting unjustified
Updated: Tuesday, 10 Aug 2010, 6:28 PM CDT
Published : Tuesday, 10 Aug 2010, 5:40 PM CDT
Reagan Hackleman
AUSTIN (KXAN) - Bronx, a 2-year-old boxer-mix, is doing much better today than he was on Monday.
“He’s real sore, real tender, but the swelling is actually less pronounced today,” said Dr. Matt Schuessler of the Pale Face Veterinary Clinic.
Stuck inside Bronx’s head is shrapnel from a bullet fired by a Travis County Park Ranger .
“I was kind of shocked that, that kind of action was taken,” said Schuessler.
Before Bronx was brought to Schuessler’s, he was with his owner, Stacey Hines, at Pace Bend Park in Western Travis County.
“The dogs were taking a break from swimming,” said Hines.
Hines admitted the dogs weren’t wearing their leashes, which is the law at all Travis County Parks, when a Travis County Park Ranger pulled up.
“As I’m trying to get out of the water to go talk to him, the dogs run up and start barking at him,” Hines said.
What happened next left Hines and her friend in shock.
“He [the park ranger] immediately freaked out and ran directly into the lake. I was like, 'What is he doing?' All the dogs are barking at him, and he turned around and opened fire,” said Kenna Bobinger, who was at the park with Hines.
Both Hines and Bobinger said a 4-year-old child was nearby when the ranger pulled the trigger.
The chief of the Travis County Park Rangers, Dan Chapman, said while a child might have been in the area, at no time was that child in danger.
In a report yet to be filed, the chief said his ranger was afraid for his life and said the dogs were in “attack mode.”
The vet begged to differ.
“I’ve only known probably one or two boxers to be really super-aggressive. For the most part they’ll just lick you to death. They’re really good children-type dogs,” said Schuessler.
Schuessler said those who might find themselves confronted by a dog they are uncomfortable with to simply calm down and try and leave the area where the dog or dogs are.
Bronx, who was rescued from the Town Lake Animal Center by his owners, could have permanent vision problems because of the shooting. And meanwhile, no disciplinary actions have been taken against the ranger who pulled the trigger.
According to Chapman, the ranger involved has numerous years of law enforcement experience, including a stint with the U.S. Border Patrol.
Chapman said rangers do not go through any formal training when it comes to handling dogs.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Edison Fries an Elephant to Prove His Point
Jan. 4, 1903: Edison Fries an Elephant to Prove His Point
By Tony Long 01.04.08
http://www.wired.com/science/discoveries/news/2008/01/dayintech_0104
Topsy the elephant was electrocuted at Luna Park Zoo on Coney Island in 1903. Captured on film by Thomas Edison, the event was one of a string of animal electrocutions Edison staged to discredit a new form of electricity: alternating current.
1903: Thomas Edison stages his highly publicized electrocution of an elephant in order to demonstrate the dangers of alternating current, which, if it posed any immediate danger at all, was to Edison's own direct current.
Edison had established direct current at the standard for electricity distribution and was living large off the patent royalties, royalties he was in no mood to lose when George Westinghouse and Nicola Tesla showed up with alternating current.
Edison's aggressive campaign to discredit the new current took the macabre form of a series of animal electrocutions using AC (a killing process he referred to snidely as getting "Westinghoused"). Stray dogs and cats were the most easily obtained, but he also zapped a few cattle and horses.
Edison got his big chance, though, when the Luna Park Zoo at Coney Island decided that Topsy, a cranky female elephant who had squashed three handlers in three years (including one idiot who tried feeding her a lighted cigarette), had to go.
Park officials originally considered hanging Topsy but the SPCA objected on humanitarian grounds, so someone suggesting having the pachyderm "ride the lightning," a practice that had been used in the American penal system since 1890 to dispatch the condemned. Edison was happy to oblige.
This portion of Edison's film Electrocuting an Elephant is taken from a German television show.
When the day came, Topsy was restrained using a ship's hawser fastened on one end to a donkey engine and on the other to a post. Wooden sandals with copper electrodes were attached to her feet and a copper wire run to Edison's electric light plant, where his technicians awaited the go-ahead.
In order to make sure that Topsy emerged from this spectacle more than just singed and angry, she was fed cyanide-laced carrots moments before a 6,600-volt AC charge slammed through her body. Officials needn't have worried. Topsy was killed instantly and Edison, in his mind anyway, had proved his point.
A crowd put at 1,500 witnessed Topsy's execution, which was filmed by Edison and released later that year as Electrocuting an Elephant.
In the end, though, all Edison had to show for his efforts was a string of dead animals, including the unfortunate Topsy, and a current that quickly fell out of favor as AC demonstrated its superiority in less lethal ways to become the standard.
(Source: Various)
Read More http://www.wired.com/science/discoveries/news/2008/01/dayintech_0104#ixzz0wEFCdf8c
By Tony Long 01.04.08
http://www.wired.com/science/discoveries/news/2008/01/dayintech_0104
Topsy the elephant was electrocuted at Luna Park Zoo on Coney Island in 1903. Captured on film by Thomas Edison, the event was one of a string of animal electrocutions Edison staged to discredit a new form of electricity: alternating current.
1903: Thomas Edison stages his highly publicized electrocution of an elephant in order to demonstrate the dangers of alternating current, which, if it posed any immediate danger at all, was to Edison's own direct current.
Edison had established direct current at the standard for electricity distribution and was living large off the patent royalties, royalties he was in no mood to lose when George Westinghouse and Nicola Tesla showed up with alternating current.
Edison's aggressive campaign to discredit the new current took the macabre form of a series of animal electrocutions using AC (a killing process he referred to snidely as getting "Westinghoused"). Stray dogs and cats were the most easily obtained, but he also zapped a few cattle and horses.
Edison got his big chance, though, when the Luna Park Zoo at Coney Island decided that Topsy, a cranky female elephant who had squashed three handlers in three years (including one idiot who tried feeding her a lighted cigarette), had to go.
Park officials originally considered hanging Topsy but the SPCA objected on humanitarian grounds, so someone suggesting having the pachyderm "ride the lightning," a practice that had been used in the American penal system since 1890 to dispatch the condemned. Edison was happy to oblige.
This portion of Edison's film Electrocuting an Elephant is taken from a German television show.
When the day came, Topsy was restrained using a ship's hawser fastened on one end to a donkey engine and on the other to a post. Wooden sandals with copper electrodes were attached to her feet and a copper wire run to Edison's electric light plant, where his technicians awaited the go-ahead.
In order to make sure that Topsy emerged from this spectacle more than just singed and angry, she was fed cyanide-laced carrots moments before a 6,600-volt AC charge slammed through her body. Officials needn't have worried. Topsy was killed instantly and Edison, in his mind anyway, had proved his point.
A crowd put at 1,500 witnessed Topsy's execution, which was filmed by Edison and released later that year as Electrocuting an Elephant.
In the end, though, all Edison had to show for his efforts was a string of dead animals, including the unfortunate Topsy, and a current that quickly fell out of favor as AC demonstrated its superiority in less lethal ways to become the standard.
(Source: Various)
Read More http://www.wired.com/science/discoveries/news/2008/01/dayintech_0104#ixzz0wEFCdf8c
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Agenda for August 11 Animal Advisory Commission meeting
http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/edims/document.cfm?id=140475
ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2010
6:00 PM
WALLER CREEK CENTER
625 E. 10TH STREET, RM. 105
AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701
AGENDA
CALL TO ORDER
1. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL
The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a threeminute
allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. AAC Public Hearing & Special Meeting held on June 2, 2010
b. AAC Special Meeting held on June 9, 2010
c. AAC Regular Meeting held on July 14, 2010
3. OLD BUSINESS
a. Review and Discussion of the Draft Mission of Animal Services
4. NEW BUSINESS
Approve Revised Bylaws As Directed By City Council In Action Taken On July 29, 2010,
Concerning Officer Terms.
Election of Board Officers (Chair, Co-Chair and Parliamentarian)
Report from Donations Funds Sub-Committee Meeting
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None
6. STAFF BRIEFINGS
2011 Proposed Budget
Animal Services Center Briefing
Status report on Implementation Plan to reduce Animal Intake and Increase Live Animal
Outcomes.
Staff Briefing On Any Issues Related To Animals In Travis County
Update, discussion Of Task Forces and Public Awareness Campaign
7. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
8. ADJOURNMENT
The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to
communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or
alternative formats, please give notice at least 4 days before the meeting date. Please call Gricelda Diaz at Health & Human Services Department,
Animal Services Division at 512: 972-5805, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711
ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2010
6:00 PM
WALLER CREEK CENTER
625 E. 10TH STREET, RM. 105
AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701
AGENDA
CALL TO ORDER
1. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL
The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a threeminute
allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. AAC Public Hearing & Special Meeting held on June 2, 2010
b. AAC Special Meeting held on June 9, 2010
c. AAC Regular Meeting held on July 14, 2010
3. OLD BUSINESS
a. Review and Discussion of the Draft Mission of Animal Services
4. NEW BUSINESS
Approve Revised Bylaws As Directed By City Council In Action Taken On July 29, 2010,
Concerning Officer Terms.
Election of Board Officers (Chair, Co-Chair and Parliamentarian)
Report from Donations Funds Sub-Committee Meeting
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None
6. STAFF BRIEFINGS
2011 Proposed Budget
Animal Services Center Briefing
Status report on Implementation Plan to reduce Animal Intake and Increase Live Animal
Outcomes.
Staff Briefing On Any Issues Related To Animals In Travis County
Update, discussion Of Task Forces and Public Awareness Campaign
7. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
8. ADJOURNMENT
The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to
communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or
alternative formats, please give notice at least 4 days before the meeting date. Please call Gricelda Diaz at Health & Human Services Department,
Animal Services Division at 512: 972-5805, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
33% increase in cats killed per day
In June 2010, there were 20 cats per day put down by lethal injection at the Town Lake Animal Center, a 33% increase over the 15 cats per day put down by lethal injection in June 2009.
http://www.cityofaustin.org/health/pets/downloads/ops_0610.pdf
http://www.cityofaustin.org/health/pets/downloads/ops_0610.pdf
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Agenda for August 3rd Animal Issues Forum
Animal Issues Forum - Tuesday, August 3
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Terrazas Library, 1105 E. Cesar Chavez
6:30 - 7:00 Animal Events in August-September
Speakers will provide information about the upcoming animal events: Ringling Brothers Circus Protest (August 18-22); Puppy Mill Awareness Day (September 19); Texas Humane Legislation Network Conference (September 24-26) and Austin No Kill Workshop (September 28).
7:00 - 7:30 Outreach to Spanish speakers and Latino(a) community
Bobbie Garza-Hernandez (formerly Enriquez) has been providing communications services on large scale public and private projects through Enriquez & Associates (renamed Pink Consulting) since mid 1997. A major portion of her service has focused on the development and implementation of large scale community outreach initiatives, with emphasis in minority communities.
7:30 - 8:00 Update on Austin's No Kill Initiatives
Status of RFP, Donations Fund, City of Austin budget process, search for new director, the Public Awareness Task Force, the Rescue Task Force and the Pit Bull Task Force and the Animal Advisory Commission.
8:00 - 8:30 Small group discussions on above topics
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Terrazas Library, 1105 E. Cesar Chavez
6:30 - 7:00 Animal Events in August-September
Speakers will provide information about the upcoming animal events: Ringling Brothers Circus Protest (August 18-22); Puppy Mill Awareness Day (September 19); Texas Humane Legislation Network Conference (September 24-26) and Austin No Kill Workshop (September 28).
7:00 - 7:30 Outreach to Spanish speakers and Latino(a) community
Bobbie Garza-Hernandez (formerly Enriquez) has been providing communications services on large scale public and private projects through Enriquez & Associates (renamed Pink Consulting) since mid 1997. A major portion of her service has focused on the development and implementation of large scale community outreach initiatives, with emphasis in minority communities.
7:30 - 8:00 Update on Austin's No Kill Initiatives
Status of RFP, Donations Fund, City of Austin budget process, search for new director, the Public Awareness Task Force, the Rescue Task Force and the Pit Bull Task Force and the Animal Advisory Commission.
8:00 - 8:30 Small group discussions on above topics
CALENDAR OF AUSTIN ANIMAL-RELATED EVENTS
July 29 Public Awareness Task Force
August 3 Animal Issues Forum - 6:30 pm Terrazas Library
August 10 Pit Bull Task Force
August 11 Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting
August 14 Pints for Pits
August 18 - 22 Ringling Brothers Circus Protest
September 19 Puppy Mill Awareness Day
September 24-26 Texas Humane Legislation Network Conference
September 28 Maddie's Fund No Kill Conference
August 3 Animal Issues Forum - 6:30 pm Terrazas Library
August 10 Pit Bull Task Force
August 11 Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting
August 14 Pints for Pits
August 18 - 22 Ringling Brothers Circus Protest
September 19 Puppy Mill Awareness Day
September 24-26 Texas Humane Legislation Network Conference
September 28 Maddie's Fund No Kill Conference
Sunday, July 18, 2010
July 26 AAC Donations Fund Committee Meeting
July 27 Rescue Task Force
July 29 Public Awareness Task Force
August 3 Animal Issues Forum
August 10 Pit Bull Task Force
August 11 Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting
August 14 Pints for Pits
August ___ - ___ Ringling Brothers Circus Protest
September 19 Puppy Mill Awareness Day
September 24-26 Texas Humane Legislation Network Conference
September 28 Maddie's Fund No Kill Conference
July 27 Rescue Task Force
July 29 Public Awareness Task Force
August 3 Animal Issues Forum
August 10 Pit Bull Task Force
August 11 Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting
August 14 Pints for Pits
August ___ - ___ Ringling Brothers Circus Protest
September 19 Puppy Mill Awareness Day
September 24-26 Texas Humane Legislation Network Conference
September 28 Maddie's Fund No Kill Conference
Thursday, July 15, 2010
KXAN coverage of Petland closure
Petland to close as city moves on ban
Embattled store defends animal-sale practices
Updated: Wednesday, 14 Jul 2010, 5:49 PM CDT
Published : Wednesday, 14 Jul 2010, 11:50 AM CDT
Karen Brooks
AUSTIN (KXAN) - The large chain retail store Petland is closing this Sunday after being under fire for more than two years from protestors who accused the large chain store of selling pets from puppy and kitten mills, a city official said Tuesday.
Store owners have denied the accusations, saying they only get their animals from USDA-approved breeders. They told KXAN on Wednesday that they decided to close the store mainly because they thought the city had passed a ban on retail sails of dogs and cats. The city hasn't passed it yet, but it's widely considered to be inevitable, which the owner said would kill his store.
"It's very unfair," said owner Ben Guerra. "A lot of people are saying that the protestoers have won. I don't think anyone's winning, especially when 20 people are being left without a job."
Protestors said they weren't trying to close the place down, but were hoping Petland would just halt that aspect of their business - or turn away from sales to other options.
"We're not jumping for joy that theyr'e going out of business," said protester Sharon Yancy. "We would have preferred a humane option."
All the pets are gone from the store and have been transferred to other Petland stores, none of which are in Austin.
The move comes as the advisory commission considers a citywide ban on retail kitten and puppy sales because those stores often get the animals from out-of-state mills - which are notorious for subjecting animals to inhumane conditions, said David Lundstedt, vice chairman of the city's Animal Advisory Commission.
The board meets tonight to discuss that ordinance. Once the commission decides to pass it, the ordinance would need the approval of the entire city council.
Two years ago, just before Petland opened, the city banned the mass sale of "intact" puppies and kittens - those that had not been spayed or neutered - and said Petland was a specific target of that ordinance.
Petland, which has stores all over the world, is being sued by the Humane Society , which said it has investigated where the chain has purchased its pets.
Protestors have been demonstrating in front of Petland every Saturday for the past two years against puppy sales at its stores.
While one protestor said it is a bittersweet victory for them, the protestors never wanted or meant for the entire pet store to go out of business, saying they just wanted the store to change its rules for how it handled its pet sales.
Protestors will be at Petland Saturday, making it the last protest the day just before it shuts its doors.
Embattled store defends animal-sale practices
Updated: Wednesday, 14 Jul 2010, 5:49 PM CDT
Published : Wednesday, 14 Jul 2010, 11:50 AM CDT
Karen Brooks
AUSTIN (KXAN) - The large chain retail store Petland is closing this Sunday after being under fire for more than two years from protestors who accused the large chain store of selling pets from puppy and kitten mills, a city official said Tuesday.
Store owners have denied the accusations, saying they only get their animals from USDA-approved breeders. They told KXAN on Wednesday that they decided to close the store mainly because they thought the city had passed a ban on retail sails of dogs and cats. The city hasn't passed it yet, but it's widely considered to be inevitable, which the owner said would kill his store.
"It's very unfair," said owner Ben Guerra. "A lot of people are saying that the protestoers have won. I don't think anyone's winning, especially when 20 people are being left without a job."
Protestors said they weren't trying to close the place down, but were hoping Petland would just halt that aspect of their business - or turn away from sales to other options.
"We're not jumping for joy that theyr'e going out of business," said protester Sharon Yancy. "We would have preferred a humane option."
All the pets are gone from the store and have been transferred to other Petland stores, none of which are in Austin.
The move comes as the advisory commission considers a citywide ban on retail kitten and puppy sales because those stores often get the animals from out-of-state mills - which are notorious for subjecting animals to inhumane conditions, said David Lundstedt, vice chairman of the city's Animal Advisory Commission.
The board meets tonight to discuss that ordinance. Once the commission decides to pass it, the ordinance would need the approval of the entire city council.
Two years ago, just before Petland opened, the city banned the mass sale of "intact" puppies and kittens - those that had not been spayed or neutered - and said Petland was a specific target of that ordinance.
Petland, which has stores all over the world, is being sued by the Humane Society , which said it has investigated where the chain has purchased its pets.
Protestors have been demonstrating in front of Petland every Saturday for the past two years against puppy sales at its stores.
While one protestor said it is a bittersweet victory for them, the protestors never wanted or meant for the entire pet store to go out of business, saying they just wanted the store to change its rules for how it handled its pet sales.
Protestors will be at Petland Saturday, making it the last protest the day just before it shuts its doors.
Victory for Petland protesters: Petland to close
http://www.kvue.com/news/No-retail-pet-sales-in-Austin-98471124.html
by SHELTON GREEN / KVUE News
kvue.com
Posted on July 14, 2010 at 9:37 PM
Updated yesterday at 10:52 PM
Wednesday evening, with a unanimous vote, the City of Austin took one more step to becoming a no-kill city when it comes to animal shelters.
The Austin Animal Advisory Commission approved a proposal to ask the Austin City Council to create a ban on the retail sales of companion animals like kittens and puppies at stores.
The only store in Austin selling kittens and puppies is Petland in south Austin. Now the Southpark Meadows store will close its doors for good on Sunday, July 18th.
"You know it's going to be inevitable. There's no point in just prolonging this, the store is going to eventually have to close down," said Ben Guerra, the manager at Petland.
"We've tried to implement this no kill plan but we're not there yet, we are not no kill, we're working on it. We've got a lot of work to do. It's going to be an 18-month to two year process," added Lundstedt.
"The people that are protesting are trying to say this is a victory. How is it a victory when 19-people of our staff are being left without jobs?," questioned Guerra.
The Austin City Council is expected to tackle the issue between now and October.
The Animal Advisory Commission says that Petland was buying animals from puppy mills across the country and selling them in Austin without them being spayed or neutered, an accusation Ben Guerra denied.
"Every time animals go into the Town Lake Animal Center and have to be killed, that's tax dollars that don't have to be spent," said David Lundstedt, a member of the Austin Animal Advisory Commission.
by SHELTON GREEN / KVUE News
kvue.com
Posted on July 14, 2010 at 9:37 PM
Updated yesterday at 10:52 PM
Wednesday evening, with a unanimous vote, the City of Austin took one more step to becoming a no-kill city when it comes to animal shelters.
The Austin Animal Advisory Commission approved a proposal to ask the Austin City Council to create a ban on the retail sales of companion animals like kittens and puppies at stores.
The only store in Austin selling kittens and puppies is Petland in south Austin. Now the Southpark Meadows store will close its doors for good on Sunday, July 18th.
"You know it's going to be inevitable. There's no point in just prolonging this, the store is going to eventually have to close down," said Ben Guerra, the manager at Petland.
"We've tried to implement this no kill plan but we're not there yet, we are not no kill, we're working on it. We've got a lot of work to do. It's going to be an 18-month to two year process," added Lundstedt.
"The people that are protesting are trying to say this is a victory. How is it a victory when 19-people of our staff are being left without jobs?," questioned Guerra.
The Austin City Council is expected to tackle the issue between now and October.
The Animal Advisory Commission says that Petland was buying animals from puppy mills across the country and selling them in Austin without them being spayed or neutered, an accusation Ben Guerra denied.
"Every time animals go into the Town Lake Animal Center and have to be killed, that's tax dollars that don't have to be spent," said David Lundstedt, a member of the Austin Animal Advisory Commission.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
RFP for Comprehensive Adoption Program posted by City of Austin
The City has posted two Requests for Proposals for Animal Services to the City's website. The two RFPs can be accessed through the Purchasing Department link at:
https://www.ci.austin.tx.us/vss/Advantage
Click on Public Access
Click on Business Opportunities
Click on Search for Solicitations
https://www.ci.austin.tx.us/vss/Advantage
Click on Public Access
Click on Business Opportunities
Click on Search for Solicitations
Monday, June 7, 2010
RFP for Comprehensive Adoption Program posted to City website
The City has posted two Requests for Proposals for Animal Services to the City's website. The two RFPs can be accessed through the Purchasing Department link at:
https://www.ci.austin.tx.us/vss/Advantage
https://www.ci.austin.tx.us/vss/Advantage
Saturday, June 5, 2010
June 22 Animal Issues Forum - 11:45 - 1:15
Animal Issues Forum
DATE: June 22, 2010
TIME: 11:45 am - 1:15 pm
LOCATION: Town Lake Animal Center
AGENDA: To be determined but will include:
1. Report on Animal Advisory Commission meeting (Wed., June 9).
2. Report on City Budget Meeting (Tues. June 15)
3. Report on Pit Bull Task Force, Public Awareness Task Force and Rescue Task Force.
4. Report on upcoming activities related to
a. the Donations Fund,
b. the city budget process and
c. the Request for Proposal process for the Comprehensive Adoption Program.
DATE: June 22, 2010
TIME: 11:45 am - 1:15 pm
LOCATION: Town Lake Animal Center
AGENDA: To be determined but will include:
1. Report on Animal Advisory Commission meeting (Wed., June 9).
2. Report on City Budget Meeting (Tues. June 15)
3. Report on Pit Bull Task Force, Public Awareness Task Force and Rescue Task Force.
4. Report on upcoming activities related to
a. the Donations Fund,
b. the city budget process and
c. the Request for Proposal process for the Comprehensive Adoption Program.
Friday, June 4, 2010
UPDATE: June 15, 6pm City Budget Office Public Forum
City of Austin Budget Input Forum
June 15, 2010 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Austin Convention Center, 500 E. Cesar Chavez St.
* Tell us what should be kept or cut from the City of Austin 2010-2011
Budget and your future priorities.
* Find out the budget forecast.
* Meet department representatives.
* Cast votes for your priorities.
* Share your comments.
FREE PARKING
Austin Convention Center garages
Fifth and Red River street
Second and Brazos streets
June 15, 2010 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Austin Convention Center, 500 E. Cesar Chavez St.
* Tell us what should be kept or cut from the City of Austin 2010-2011
Budget and your future priorities.
* Find out the budget forecast.
* Meet department representatives.
* Cast votes for your priorities.
* Share your comments.
FREE PARKING
Austin Convention Center garages
Fifth and Red River street
Second and Brazos streets
June 8, 6pm, City Budget Office Public Forum
City Budget Office hosts a Public Forum 6/8 @ 6-9pm
City of Austin Budget Input Forum
June 8, 2010 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Austin Convention Center, 500 E. Cesar Chavez St.
* Tell us what should be kept or cut from the City of Austin 2010-2011
Budget and your future priorities.
* Find out the budget forecast.
* Meet department representatives.
* Cast votes for your priorities.
* Share your comments.
FREE PARKING
Austin Convention Center garages
Fifth and Red River streets
Second and Brazos streets
City of Austin Budget Input Forum
June 8, 2010 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Austin Convention Center, 500 E. Cesar Chavez St.
* Tell us what should be kept or cut from the City of Austin 2010-2011
Budget and your future priorities.
* Find out the budget forecast.
* Meet department representatives.
* Cast votes for your priorities.
* Share your comments.
FREE PARKING
Austin Convention Center garages
Fifth and Red River streets
Second and Brazos streets
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Dorinda Pulliam leaving Town Lake Animal Center position
From Austin Chronicle's City Hustle column:
… It came out this week that Dorinda Pulliam, the Town Lake Animal Center director, is leaving her post to work on “high level Departmental and City Corporate projects” before retiring in January 2010, according to a city memo. Pulliam “is being assigned to assist with special projects in other divisions within the department and other corporate level projects,” reads the memo from H&HS director David Lurie. The announcement comes at a critical time for Austin animal services, with the recent adoption of “no-kill” guidelines, last week's groundbreaking for the city's new animal center in East Austin, and a heated debate between advocates and staff over when to vaccinate incoming strays. Her assistant director slot at Animal Services will be filled on an interim basis by Bruce Mills.
… It came out this week that Dorinda Pulliam, the Town Lake Animal Center director, is leaving her post to work on “high level Departmental and City Corporate projects” before retiring in January 2010, according to a city memo. Pulliam “is being assigned to assist with special projects in other divisions within the department and other corporate level projects,” reads the memo from H&HS director David Lurie. The announcement comes at a critical time for Austin animal services, with the recent adoption of “no-kill” guidelines, last week's groundbreaking for the city's new animal center in East Austin, and a heated debate between advocates and staff over when to vaccinate incoming strays. Her assistant director slot at Animal Services will be filled on an interim basis by Bruce Mills.
Amid distemper outbreak, groups say animal shelter too slow to vaccinate dogs
Not all animals were vaccinated upon arrival until recently, critics say, allowing distemper to spread more easily.
By Mary Ann Roser AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
After losing their dog of 16 years in March 2009, the Torpey family of Austin went to the Town Lake Animal Center to adopt another pet six weeks ago. They saw Ivan, a 3-month-old German shepherd/Labrador puppy, on March 30 and fell in love.
But less than 36 hours after they took him home, Ivan was lethargic and sneezing, said Leanne Torpey, 43. She took him to the vet, and Ivan was hospitalized. He later went home, but when he did not improve, Torpey took him back, and the vet diagnosed two infections, parvovirus and giardia. Ivan had lost five of his 18 pounds. In late April, he also was diagnosed with distemper, a highly contagious respiratory illness that can kill.
Torpey thinks Ivan caught the disease at the shelter, which has struggled this year to overcome a canine distemper outbreak. Shelter records show that staff delayed neutering Ivan for two weeks, until March 29, because he was lethargic and had a "heavy green" discharge from his eyes and nose, adding fuel to Torpey's belief that Ivan contracted distemper at the shelter.
Shelter officials, including Executive Director Dorinda Pulliam and veterinarian Dr. Linda Czisny, have insisted for weeks that all animals are vaccinated when they come into the shelter. That is a policy the shelter has followed for nine years, they said, with one key exception being when animals arrive too late in the day. Then they are vaccinated the next day, they said.
"We've been very committed to our vaccination protocol for a long time," said Pulliam, who is leaving the shelter for another job in the department . "It's been very effective, and we're very pleased with the result."
But others say the shelter has been too lax in vaccinating animals this year, leading to unnecessary deaths.
Larry Tucker, chairman of the Animal Advisory Commission, which advises the Austin City Council on animal welfare, said the shelter caused needless suffering and deaths because staff did not vaccinate all animals upon arrival, a standard practice at shelters. Dr. Ellen Jefferson, a veterinarian and president of Austin Pets Alive, a nonprofit that rescues animals from the shelter that are deemed unadoptable and slated to be euthanized, said last month that her organization took in 70 dogs in March and April that showed signs of respiratory illness and possible distemper.
"This issue at the shelter is, in my opinion, a crisis that must be addressed immediately," Tucker wrote in an e-mail to Travis County Judge Sam Biscoe. "Vaccinations are NOT being given immediately upon intake."
The Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department, which oversees the shelter, said it has tested 16 dogs for distemper this year, and of those, nine tests came back positive, five were negative and two results are pending. The first confirmed cases came in early April, Czisny said.
Sick animals come into the shelter and spread distemper, sometimes before symptoms appear, shelter officials said. Shelter staff members isolate sick animals, but they don't often test for distemper because of the cost: $69.25 per test, according to Carole Barasch, spokeswoman for the department.
The shelter can house as many as 650 animals during peak season, which starts about now, Pulliam said. Barasch provided a list of vaccination dates for animals now housed at the shelter, which shows that some of the animals were not inoculated upon arrival.
Though dogs and cats that have been there since mid-April generally were vaccinated the day they arrived, that was not the case for those that arrived in February, March and early April. Most of those animals were vaccinated at least a day later, and a few were vaccinated many days later. For example, a dog brought in March 26 wasn't vaccinated until May 4; another dog waited from March 24 to April 18 to be inoculated. One cat went unvaccinated from Feb. 25 to May 2.
"There's going to be times when something happens," Pulliam said, such as when 50 animals come in at once as part of an animal cruelty investigation.
Of the animals now at the shelter, Czisny said that the shelter vaccinated 99 percent of dogs and 95 percent of cats upon intake and that the animals that were not vaccinated either were too young, arrived after hours or had health issues. She said that in the recent past, animals that were deemed unsafe were not vaccinated, "but as of April 1, two people were assigned to vaccinate, and that has allowed them to work as a team to vaccinate the unsafe/scared animals."
Czisny also said in an e-mail that during the first three months of the year, animals sometimes were vaccinated after they were placed with other animals, a condition that experts say allows diseases to spread more easily.
Tucker said he has repeatedly asked for detailed records showing when animals were vaccinated at the shelter but has been ignored.
Jefferson, the Austin Pets Alive president, provided a report from her nonprofit organization showing that of the 55 animals it received from the shelter between March 31 and April 19, 60 percent had received vaccines the same day, 29 percent had received them late and 11 percent had not been vaccinated. Between Jan. 1 and April 19, her organization treated 63 dogs for distemper and lost 13 to the disease, Jefferson's report says.
"It looks like they started doing (vaccinations of every animal) on the 29th of April," Jefferson said. "I think they're getting it under control, but we could have done that at the beginning of March."
Czisny said Jefferson's statistics "only reflect the at-risk population that APA pulls. It does not reflect the entire population during those dates — the overall population would have a much higher percentage of animals vaccinated."
Shelter officials said they also isolate sick animals to reduce the spread of disease. "Dogs with more complicated respiratory infections are generally tested to confirm that they are not shedding distemper (virus) before being placed back in to adoption," Czisny said. "Dogs may also be adopted out while under treatment for respiratory infection if the adopter chooses to take them, and therefore they would not be tested."
Torpey said her family spent $4,500 trying to keep Ivan alive. She said her daughters, Robyn, 18, and Lindsey, 16, tried to comfort the dog in late April when he cried and howled by holding him and keeping him in a dark room. But on May 3, when he foamed at the mouth, they took him back to the vet.
"Everyone was crying, the vet team, everyone," Leanne Torpey said. "They loved him, too."
She went back to the shelter to let them know Ivan was dead.
"Town Lake's response to me was they don't test (dogs for distemper) until they show they are really sick. I slapped a picture of Ivan in front of them," she said. "I said it's cruel and abusive what they do to animals there."
Her family is adopting a new dog, she said, but not from the shelter.
maroser@statesman.com; 445-3619
By Mary Ann Roser AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
After losing their dog of 16 years in March 2009, the Torpey family of Austin went to the Town Lake Animal Center to adopt another pet six weeks ago. They saw Ivan, a 3-month-old German shepherd/Labrador puppy, on March 30 and fell in love.
But less than 36 hours after they took him home, Ivan was lethargic and sneezing, said Leanne Torpey, 43. She took him to the vet, and Ivan was hospitalized. He later went home, but when he did not improve, Torpey took him back, and the vet diagnosed two infections, parvovirus and giardia. Ivan had lost five of his 18 pounds. In late April, he also was diagnosed with distemper, a highly contagious respiratory illness that can kill.
Torpey thinks Ivan caught the disease at the shelter, which has struggled this year to overcome a canine distemper outbreak. Shelter records show that staff delayed neutering Ivan for two weeks, until March 29, because he was lethargic and had a "heavy green" discharge from his eyes and nose, adding fuel to Torpey's belief that Ivan contracted distemper at the shelter.
Shelter officials, including Executive Director Dorinda Pulliam and veterinarian Dr. Linda Czisny, have insisted for weeks that all animals are vaccinated when they come into the shelter. That is a policy the shelter has followed for nine years, they said, with one key exception being when animals arrive too late in the day. Then they are vaccinated the next day, they said.
"We've been very committed to our vaccination protocol for a long time," said Pulliam, who is leaving the shelter for another job in the department . "It's been very effective, and we're very pleased with the result."
But others say the shelter has been too lax in vaccinating animals this year, leading to unnecessary deaths.
Larry Tucker, chairman of the Animal Advisory Commission, which advises the Austin City Council on animal welfare, said the shelter caused needless suffering and deaths because staff did not vaccinate all animals upon arrival, a standard practice at shelters. Dr. Ellen Jefferson, a veterinarian and president of Austin Pets Alive, a nonprofit that rescues animals from the shelter that are deemed unadoptable and slated to be euthanized, said last month that her organization took in 70 dogs in March and April that showed signs of respiratory illness and possible distemper.
"This issue at the shelter is, in my opinion, a crisis that must be addressed immediately," Tucker wrote in an e-mail to Travis County Judge Sam Biscoe. "Vaccinations are NOT being given immediately upon intake."
The Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department, which oversees the shelter, said it has tested 16 dogs for distemper this year, and of those, nine tests came back positive, five were negative and two results are pending. The first confirmed cases came in early April, Czisny said.
Sick animals come into the shelter and spread distemper, sometimes before symptoms appear, shelter officials said. Shelter staff members isolate sick animals, but they don't often test for distemper because of the cost: $69.25 per test, according to Carole Barasch, spokeswoman for the department.
The shelter can house as many as 650 animals during peak season, which starts about now, Pulliam said. Barasch provided a list of vaccination dates for animals now housed at the shelter, which shows that some of the animals were not inoculated upon arrival.
Though dogs and cats that have been there since mid-April generally were vaccinated the day they arrived, that was not the case for those that arrived in February, March and early April. Most of those animals were vaccinated at least a day later, and a few were vaccinated many days later. For example, a dog brought in March 26 wasn't vaccinated until May 4; another dog waited from March 24 to April 18 to be inoculated. One cat went unvaccinated from Feb. 25 to May 2.
"There's going to be times when something happens," Pulliam said, such as when 50 animals come in at once as part of an animal cruelty investigation.
Of the animals now at the shelter, Czisny said that the shelter vaccinated 99 percent of dogs and 95 percent of cats upon intake and that the animals that were not vaccinated either were too young, arrived after hours or had health issues. She said that in the recent past, animals that were deemed unsafe were not vaccinated, "but as of April 1, two people were assigned to vaccinate, and that has allowed them to work as a team to vaccinate the unsafe/scared animals."
Czisny also said in an e-mail that during the first three months of the year, animals sometimes were vaccinated after they were placed with other animals, a condition that experts say allows diseases to spread more easily.
Tucker said he has repeatedly asked for detailed records showing when animals were vaccinated at the shelter but has been ignored.
Jefferson, the Austin Pets Alive president, provided a report from her nonprofit organization showing that of the 55 animals it received from the shelter between March 31 and April 19, 60 percent had received vaccines the same day, 29 percent had received them late and 11 percent had not been vaccinated. Between Jan. 1 and April 19, her organization treated 63 dogs for distemper and lost 13 to the disease, Jefferson's report says.
"It looks like they started doing (vaccinations of every animal) on the 29th of April," Jefferson said. "I think they're getting it under control, but we could have done that at the beginning of March."
Czisny said Jefferson's statistics "only reflect the at-risk population that APA pulls. It does not reflect the entire population during those dates — the overall population would have a much higher percentage of animals vaccinated."
Shelter officials said they also isolate sick animals to reduce the spread of disease. "Dogs with more complicated respiratory infections are generally tested to confirm that they are not shedding distemper (virus) before being placed back in to adoption," Czisny said. "Dogs may also be adopted out while under treatment for respiratory infection if the adopter chooses to take them, and therefore they would not be tested."
Torpey said her family spent $4,500 trying to keep Ivan alive. She said her daughters, Robyn, 18, and Lindsey, 16, tried to comfort the dog in late April when he cried and howled by holding him and keeping him in a dark room. But on May 3, when he foamed at the mouth, they took him back to the vet.
"Everyone was crying, the vet team, everyone," Leanne Torpey said. "They loved him, too."
She went back to the shelter to let them know Ivan was dead.
"Town Lake's response to me was they don't test (dogs for distemper) until they show they are really sick. I slapped a picture of Ivan in front of them," she said. "I said it's cruel and abusive what they do to animals there."
Her family is adopting a new dog, she said, but not from the shelter.
maroser@statesman.com; 445-3619
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Statesman article on Lee Mannix
Lee Mannix, noted dog trainer, killed in car accident
Austin behaviorist used understanding with dogs and trained their people.By Chris Garcia AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Updated: 11:04 p.m. Monday, May 3, 2010
Sporting Wrangler jeans, cracked boots and a weathered T-shirt, a plug of Copenhagen tobacco puffing out one cheek, Lee Mannix was a Texas good ol' boy with a distinctly outdoorsy gift: He could talk to the animals.
Mannix, an internationally respected dog behaviorist whose clients included musician Jimmie Dale Gilmore and author Kinky Friedman, made his name with the Lee Mannix Center for Canine Behavior in South Austin, which he founded in 2002. Dogs adored him; their often harried masters, many of whom regarded Mannix a miracle worker, revered him.
Mannix, 40, was killed in a single-vehicle accident Sunday in Hays County. His brother Kevin was in the vehicle and was treated at University Medical Center Brackenridge. He was expected to be released Monday night.
"There are very few people who have the touch, and Lee certainly had it," said Friedman, who co-founded the Utopia Animal Rescue Ranch. "His ability to relate to animals was second to none. He could take a dog that everybody's having trouble with and thinks is ferocious and untameable, and two or three weeks later it's a totally different dog. Lee came in as an equal, and the dogs just loved him."
Raised in Odessa and Houston, Mannix, born in 1969, was a teenage scrapper who tracked down trouble like a bird dog. Wearing a mohawk, he ran away from a broken home, got arrested four times, drank too much.
"I was going down a bad road," he told the American-Statesman last summer. Moving in with his best friend's family straightened him out.
After a terrifying run-in with a German shepherd when he was 8 — the wound required 130 stitches — Mannix avoided dogs until he was 20. When he moved to Austin in the late 1990s, a friend gave him a dog. The pair got along just like that. A poetry lover, Mannix named the ridgeback Langston after poet Langston Hughes.
Mannix worked at the Austin Humane Society and DogBoy's Positive Power Kennels in Pflugerville. While he lived briefly in Colorado, Mannix, then 27, was one of the youngest executive directors of the area Humane Society.
Mannix spent 13 years studying with British dog trainers John Rogerson and the late John Fisher, prime authorities in dog training and therapy. He considered himself a scientific trainer and canine behaviorist, not a method trainer
People would often bring their unruly pups to Mannix, who specialized in canine aggression problems, as a last resort. If no one else could fix their dog's severe behavior, Mannix usually could. And if he couldn't, he was candid enough to tell owners it was time to put the dog down.
"I can get a dog to do anything I want it to do. The thing is training the owner to do it," Mannix said last summer. "So I don't train dogs per se; I train owners to understand their dog's behavior and get it right."
Word of mouth keeps the Mannix Center abuzz with pooch problem-solving. Last year, Mannix told the American-Statesman that he received about 100 new client inquiries a day. The center will resume normal business hours today under the leadership of Shari Elkins , lead trainer and behavior consultant, who's worked with Mannix for 12 years.
"Lee was sort of known as a magician, so that part's gone," Elkins said. "But with our team we can keep helping dogs like no one else."
Mannix's absence will be palpable. He exuded a dusty country-boy demeanor, a rough-hewn charisma that illuminated a huge radius. His salty tongue and facility for off-color anecdotes were offset by a horizon-wide smile and incandescent optimism. He loved to cook, swig beer and hunt and fish with his best buddies — dogs Grady, Creek and Floyd — near his Wimberley farmhouse. He turned a canine tooth from one of his first dogs, Hadley, into a silver-capped charm. His burly left arm was embossed with a loud tattoo: "The Irish Dogfather."
"There are lots of important people out there, politicians and the like," Friedman said. "But I think Lee Mannix was significant. And there is a distinction there.
"He's the kind of guy who has opened the gates of heaven wider."
A list of survivors was not yet available. Services are pending. Memorial donations may be made to the Schrodi Memorial Training Fund: http://www.schrodifund.org/.
cgarcia@statesman.com; 445-3649
Austin behaviorist used understanding with dogs and trained their people.By Chris Garcia AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Updated: 11:04 p.m. Monday, May 3, 2010
Sporting Wrangler jeans, cracked boots and a weathered T-shirt, a plug of Copenhagen tobacco puffing out one cheek, Lee Mannix was a Texas good ol' boy with a distinctly outdoorsy gift: He could talk to the animals.
Mannix, an internationally respected dog behaviorist whose clients included musician Jimmie Dale Gilmore and author Kinky Friedman, made his name with the Lee Mannix Center for Canine Behavior in South Austin, which he founded in 2002. Dogs adored him; their often harried masters, many of whom regarded Mannix a miracle worker, revered him.
Mannix, 40, was killed in a single-vehicle accident Sunday in Hays County. His brother Kevin was in the vehicle and was treated at University Medical Center Brackenridge. He was expected to be released Monday night.
"There are very few people who have the touch, and Lee certainly had it," said Friedman, who co-founded the Utopia Animal Rescue Ranch. "His ability to relate to animals was second to none. He could take a dog that everybody's having trouble with and thinks is ferocious and untameable, and two or three weeks later it's a totally different dog. Lee came in as an equal, and the dogs just loved him."
Raised in Odessa and Houston, Mannix, born in 1969, was a teenage scrapper who tracked down trouble like a bird dog. Wearing a mohawk, he ran away from a broken home, got arrested four times, drank too much.
"I was going down a bad road," he told the American-Statesman last summer. Moving in with his best friend's family straightened him out.
After a terrifying run-in with a German shepherd when he was 8 — the wound required 130 stitches — Mannix avoided dogs until he was 20. When he moved to Austin in the late 1990s, a friend gave him a dog. The pair got along just like that. A poetry lover, Mannix named the ridgeback Langston after poet Langston Hughes.
Mannix worked at the Austin Humane Society and DogBoy's Positive Power Kennels in Pflugerville. While he lived briefly in Colorado, Mannix, then 27, was one of the youngest executive directors of the area Humane Society.
Mannix spent 13 years studying with British dog trainers John Rogerson and the late John Fisher, prime authorities in dog training and therapy. He considered himself a scientific trainer and canine behaviorist, not a method trainer
People would often bring their unruly pups to Mannix, who specialized in canine aggression problems, as a last resort. If no one else could fix their dog's severe behavior, Mannix usually could. And if he couldn't, he was candid enough to tell owners it was time to put the dog down.
"I can get a dog to do anything I want it to do. The thing is training the owner to do it," Mannix said last summer. "So I don't train dogs per se; I train owners to understand their dog's behavior and get it right."
Word of mouth keeps the Mannix Center abuzz with pooch problem-solving. Last year, Mannix told the American-Statesman that he received about 100 new client inquiries a day. The center will resume normal business hours today under the leadership of Shari Elkins , lead trainer and behavior consultant, who's worked with Mannix for 12 years.
"Lee was sort of known as a magician, so that part's gone," Elkins said. "But with our team we can keep helping dogs like no one else."
Mannix's absence will be palpable. He exuded a dusty country-boy demeanor, a rough-hewn charisma that illuminated a huge radius. His salty tongue and facility for off-color anecdotes were offset by a horizon-wide smile and incandescent optimism. He loved to cook, swig beer and hunt and fish with his best buddies — dogs Grady, Creek and Floyd — near his Wimberley farmhouse. He turned a canine tooth from one of his first dogs, Hadley, into a silver-capped charm. His burly left arm was embossed with a loud tattoo: "The Irish Dogfather."
"There are lots of important people out there, politicians and the like," Friedman said. "But I think Lee Mannix was significant. And there is a distinction there.
"He's the kind of guy who has opened the gates of heaven wider."
A list of survivors was not yet available. Services are pending. Memorial donations may be made to the Schrodi Memorial Training Fund: http://www.schrodifund.org/.
cgarcia@statesman.com; 445-3649
Monday, May 3, 2010
Local Community Mourns Loss of "Dogfather" Lee Mannix
Local Community Mourns Loss of "Dogfather" Lee Mannix
Austin, TX
May 3, 2010 - Lee Mannix, owner of the Lee Mannix Center for Canine Behavior (LMCCB), tragically passed away yesterday evening from injuries sustained from a car accident. His brother Kevin Mannix who was also in the vehicle is in stable condition.
"We are all in shock and disbelief at this loss," said Shari Elkins, spokesperson for LMCCB. "Lee was an exceptional trainer with an amazing heart."
Mannix, 40, was a pack behaviorist who consulted on dog behavior and specialized in aggression issues. He was dedicated to a teaching philosophy based on improving relationships between people and their pets. He was widely regarded as the last stop for many dogs with aggression and other severe behavior problems, and over the year Lee touched the lives of thousands of dogs and their humans.
Mannix was known for his incredible talent, his easy smile, and his deep generosity.
The training center will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, May 4th. The trainers and staff, led by Shari Elkins CPDT-KA, are continuing Lee's mission to help dogs.
Memorial donations in Lee's honor can be made to the Schrodi Training Fund (http://www.schrodifund.org/).
Service information to be announced.
Austin, TX
May 3, 2010 - Lee Mannix, owner of the Lee Mannix Center for Canine Behavior (LMCCB), tragically passed away yesterday evening from injuries sustained from a car accident. His brother Kevin Mannix who was also in the vehicle is in stable condition.
"We are all in shock and disbelief at this loss," said Shari Elkins, spokesperson for LMCCB. "Lee was an exceptional trainer with an amazing heart."
Mannix, 40, was a pack behaviorist who consulted on dog behavior and specialized in aggression issues. He was dedicated to a teaching philosophy based on improving relationships between people and their pets. He was widely regarded as the last stop for many dogs with aggression and other severe behavior problems, and over the year Lee touched the lives of thousands of dogs and their humans.
Mannix was known for his incredible talent, his easy smile, and his deep generosity.
The training center will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, May 4th. The trainers and staff, led by Shari Elkins CPDT-KA, are continuing Lee's mission to help dogs.
Memorial donations in Lee's honor can be made to the Schrodi Training Fund (http://www.schrodifund.org/).
Service information to be announced.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Plugerville's animals need your help
A new organization in Pflugerville that is advocating for improved conditions at the animal shelter - Plugerville Pfurry Pfriends - spoke at the City Council meeting on Wednesday, April 13. The Mayor and Council Members were clearly impressed with the tone and professional demeanor of the presenters. They offered advice on how to raise funds for a new animal shelter but did not commit to find money in the budget to improve the shelter. They did talk about the summer budget process, indicating the citizens of Pflugerville need to monitor the budget process and continue to speak out to get additional funds. Sheila Smith of Shadow Cat Rescue also spoke of the urgent and immediate need to enclose the shelter so animals are not exposed to the elements. There is also a need for a budgeted position so that the shelter can be open to the public and volunteers on a regular basis. The current situation is you have to call the Police Department and have someone walk over to let you in. For more information go to:
http://www.shelterreform.com/pflugerville.htm
http://www.shelterreform.com/pflugerville.htm
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
video about ATA by Julia Hilder
Great job by Julia Hilder:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6sffuIlERY&feature=youtube_gdata
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6sffuIlERY&feature=youtube_gdata
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Item 62 on planning for the new Animal Shelter, October 11, 2007
WE'LL TAKE UP ITEM NO. 62 NOW, WHICH IS AN ITEM FROM COUNCIL APPROVING RESOLUTION DESIGNATING THE LOCATION FOR THE NEW ANIMAL CENTER, AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO PROCEED WITH PLANNING FOR THE FACILITY.
source: http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/council/2007/council_10112007.htm
LEFFINGWELL: I WOULD JUST -- I THINK WE NEED TO ADD FORMALLY A FRIENDLY AMENDMENT SAYING THAT THE TOWN LAKE SITE WILL REMAIN OPEN AS AN ADOPTION CENTER, SO I'D LIKE TO OFFER,000 AS A FRIENDLY..................,000 --THAT AS A FRIENDLY AMENDMENT TO MAYOR PRO TEM'S MOTION.
THAT'S FINE. IT MAY BE OUR FIRST SATELLITE CENTER IF WE CAN CONTINUE TO HAVE THE FUNDS TO CONTINUE THE EXPANSION.
MAYOR WYNN: YOU MEAN THE ACTUAL DAVENPORT BUILDING, THAT IS THE NEWER BUILDING THAT -- SOUTHWEST PORTION OF THE EXISTING FACILITY. SO WE HAVE AN AMENDED MOTION AND SECOND ON THE TABLE. THAT IS DESIGNATING THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT CAMPUS AS THE SITE -- DIRECTING CITY MANAGER TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THE PLANNING FOR THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT CAMPUS TO BE THE SITE FOR THE NEW SHELTER. ALSO INSTRUCTING HER TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THE PLANNING AND THE PROCESS WHEREBY THE -- WHAT WE CALL THE DAVENPORT BUILDING AT THE EXISTING FACILITY REMAIN OPEN AS -- AND LEASE AN -- AS AN ADDITIONAL ADOPTION FACILITY. I ALSO AS THE SECOND -- I DON'T KNOW IF I CAN DO THIS OR NOT, MR. SMITH, BUT I'D LIKE FOR US ALSO, AS THE COUNCIL TAKES THIS ACTION, TO DIRECT THE CITY MANAGER TO THEN START PLANNING FOR -- AFTER THE DEMOLITION OF THE EXISTING 50 SOME ODD-YEAR-OLD SHELT FACILITY THERE ALONG LADY BIRD LAKE, THAT WE STATE OUR INTENT FOR THAT NOT ONLY TO REMAIN DEDICATED PARKLAND, WHICH IS GOING TO BE THE CASE REGARDLESS, BUT THAT WE ASK THE CITY MANAGER TO WORK WITH OUR PARTNERS AT WEST AUSTIN YOUTH ASSOCIATION AND IDENTIFY EXPANDED UTAH EXPAND -- EXPANDED YOUTH FACILITIES FOR THAT LAND, EITHER ADDITIONAL YOUTH BALL FACILITIES OR WORST CASE IS SOME ADDITIONAL PARKING FOR THOSE FAMILIES WHO USE THOSE FACILITIES. MR. SMITH --
MARTINEZ: THANKS, MAYOR. I WANT TO PUBLICLY STATE THAT I'M NOT GOING TO BE VOTING FOR THE MOTION, BUT I THINK THAT SOME GREAT IDEAS WERE THROWN OUT, BUT WHAT I THINK WE SAW WAS WE DON'T HAVE THE ANSWERS. WE HAD ANOTHER STAFF MEMBER COME UP AND SAY, YEAH, I THINK THAT COULD WORK. I THINK WE OWE IT TO OUR TAXPAYERS, WE OWE IT TO OURSELVES, WE OWE IT TO THE CITIZENS TO MAKE SURE THAT WE HAVE DEFINITIVE ANSWERS TO THE QUESTIONS. I WAS GIVEN A PRETTY DEFINITIVE LIST TODAY, FINALLY, AND I APPRECIATE THAT. BUT THAT'S NOT ENOUGH. WE -- YOU KNOW, WE NEED TO DETERMINE WHETHER OR NOT THIS FRIENDLY AMENDMENT OF CREATING AN ADOPTION SHELTER IS REALLY FEASIBLE. IS IT ACTUALLY DOABLE? ARE WE GOING TO BE BUSING ANIMALS BACK AND FORTH EVERY DAY TO ADOPT THEM OUT? I MEAN, THESE ARE BASIC QUESTIONS THAT I DON'T THINK ANY OF US HAVE REALLY THOUGHT ABOUT. WE'VE THROWN THIS AMENDMENT OUT. SO WHAT I'M ASKING IS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER TAKING THE NECESSARY TIME TO ANSWER ALL OF THESE QUESTIONS, ESPECIALLY TO THE AMENDMENTS THAT HAVE JUST BEEN ADDED. IF YOU WANT TO VOTE UP OR DOWN OR MOVING THIS THING TO LEVANDER LOOP, THEN I THINK IT'S PRETTY CLEAR, STAFF HAS GONE THROUGH THE PROCESS AND THEY'VE DONE THEIR DUE DILIGENCE OVER THE LAST YEAR AND A HALF PRESENTING THAT, BUT EVEN WITH THAT THIS IS NOT FROM ME -- FIRST OF ALL, IT'S NOT EMOTIONAL. IT'S NOT ABOUT WHETHER OR NOT WE NEED AN ANIMAL SHELTER. I THINK WE'RE ALL IN AGREEMENT THAT THAT'S WHAT WE NEED. THAT'S WHY WE'RE HERE. BUT IT'S ABOUT WHETHER OR NOT THE PROCESS IS RIGHT THAT GOT US TO THIS POINT. AND WHETHER OR NOT WE ARE MAKING THE DECISION WITH ALL OF THE INFORMATION AT HAND. I DON'T THINK WE ARE. I THINK THAT -- [APPLAUSE] BUT THE OTHER -- THE OTHER POINT THAT I WANT TO MAKE REAL CLEAR IS WE'RE NOT DONE. THIS IS STILL GOING TO HAVE TO GO TO PLANNING COMMISSION AND POTENTIALLY BACK HERE AGAIN FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT, AND I'M GOING TO CONTINUE TO KEEP RAISING THESE QUESTIONS UNTIL I GET SOME ANSWERS AS TO WHY EVERY SITE THAT WAS EVEN CONSIDERED WAS CONSIDERED IN EAST AUSTIN. I CAN POINT TO BUTLER PARK RIGHT ACROSS THE RIVER, IT'S A BEAUTIFUL LITTLE PARK, BUT IT'S PLENTY BIG ENOUGH TO BUILD WHATEVER WE NEED. WE USE PARKLAND ON THIS SIDE OF THE LAKE. WHY CAN'T WE USE PARKLAND ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE LAKE. WHY CAN'T WE AT LEAST CONSIDER IT AND TALK ABOUT IT. [CHEERING] [APPLAUSE] WE HAVE AN ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION THAT'S GIVEN US A RECOMMENDATION TO NOT MOVE THIS SHELTER AT THIS CURRENT TIME. WE HAVE ENOUGH INFORMATION, I BELIEVE, IN FRONT OF US TO CONSIDER OTHER OPTIONS, AND SO THAT'S WHAT I'M ASKING THIS COUNCIL TO DO, IS CONSIDER THOSE OPTIONS BEFORE WE MOVE FORWARD WITH PUTTING THIS ON LEVANDER LOOP IN EAST AUSTIN. [CHEERING AND APPLAUSE]
LEFFINGWELL: JUST IN ONE OF YOUR COMMENTS, COUNCIL MEMBER MARTINEZ, ABOUT IT BEING FEASIBLE OR NOT ACCORDING TO STAFF'S STATEMENT TO KEEP THE ADOPTION CENTER OPEN AT TOWN LAKE. THE FRIENDLY AMENDMENT THAT I MADE AND THAT WAS ACCEPTED WAS THAT IS A CONDITION OF THE APPROVAL OF THE LEVANDER LOOP SITE. SO IF IT CAN'T BE DONE, THEN THE MOTION IS NOT VALID, IT WOULD HAVE TO COME BACK HERE.... HERE.
source: http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/council/2007/council_10112007.htm
LEFFINGWELL: I WOULD JUST -- I THINK WE NEED TO ADD FORMALLY A FRIENDLY AMENDMENT SAYING THAT THE TOWN LAKE SITE WILL REMAIN OPEN AS AN ADOPTION CENTER, SO I'D LIKE TO OFFER,000 AS A FRIENDLY..................,000 --THAT AS A FRIENDLY AMENDMENT TO MAYOR PRO TEM'S MOTION.
THAT'S FINE. IT MAY BE OUR FIRST SATELLITE CENTER IF WE CAN CONTINUE TO HAVE THE FUNDS TO CONTINUE THE EXPANSION.
MAYOR WYNN: YOU MEAN THE ACTUAL DAVENPORT BUILDING, THAT IS THE NEWER BUILDING THAT -- SOUTHWEST PORTION OF THE EXISTING FACILITY. SO WE HAVE AN AMENDED MOTION AND SECOND ON THE TABLE. THAT IS DESIGNATING THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT CAMPUS AS THE SITE -- DIRECTING CITY MANAGER TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THE PLANNING FOR THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT CAMPUS TO BE THE SITE FOR THE NEW SHELTER. ALSO INSTRUCTING HER TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THE PLANNING AND THE PROCESS WHEREBY THE -- WHAT WE CALL THE DAVENPORT BUILDING AT THE EXISTING FACILITY REMAIN OPEN AS -- AND LEASE AN -- AS AN ADDITIONAL ADOPTION FACILITY. I ALSO AS THE SECOND -- I DON'T KNOW IF I CAN DO THIS OR NOT, MR. SMITH, BUT I'D LIKE FOR US ALSO, AS THE COUNCIL TAKES THIS ACTION, TO DIRECT THE CITY MANAGER TO THEN START PLANNING FOR -- AFTER THE DEMOLITION OF THE EXISTING 50 SOME ODD-YEAR-OLD SHELT FACILITY THERE ALONG LADY BIRD LAKE, THAT WE STATE OUR INTENT FOR THAT NOT ONLY TO REMAIN DEDICATED PARKLAND, WHICH IS GOING TO BE THE CASE REGARDLESS, BUT THAT WE ASK THE CITY MANAGER TO WORK WITH OUR PARTNERS AT WEST AUSTIN YOUTH ASSOCIATION AND IDENTIFY EXPANDED UTAH EXPAND -- EXPANDED YOUTH FACILITIES FOR THAT LAND, EITHER ADDITIONAL YOUTH BALL FACILITIES OR WORST CASE IS SOME ADDITIONAL PARKING FOR THOSE FAMILIES WHO USE THOSE FACILITIES. MR. SMITH --
MARTINEZ: THANKS, MAYOR. I WANT TO PUBLICLY STATE THAT I'M NOT GOING TO BE VOTING FOR THE MOTION, BUT I THINK THAT SOME GREAT IDEAS WERE THROWN OUT, BUT WHAT I THINK WE SAW WAS WE DON'T HAVE THE ANSWERS. WE HAD ANOTHER STAFF MEMBER COME UP AND SAY, YEAH, I THINK THAT COULD WORK. I THINK WE OWE IT TO OUR TAXPAYERS, WE OWE IT TO OURSELVES, WE OWE IT TO THE CITIZENS TO MAKE SURE THAT WE HAVE DEFINITIVE ANSWERS TO THE QUESTIONS. I WAS GIVEN A PRETTY DEFINITIVE LIST TODAY, FINALLY, AND I APPRECIATE THAT. BUT THAT'S NOT ENOUGH. WE -- YOU KNOW, WE NEED TO DETERMINE WHETHER OR NOT THIS FRIENDLY AMENDMENT OF CREATING AN ADOPTION SHELTER IS REALLY FEASIBLE. IS IT ACTUALLY DOABLE? ARE WE GOING TO BE BUSING ANIMALS BACK AND FORTH EVERY DAY TO ADOPT THEM OUT? I MEAN, THESE ARE BASIC QUESTIONS THAT I DON'T THINK ANY OF US HAVE REALLY THOUGHT ABOUT. WE'VE THROWN THIS AMENDMENT OUT. SO WHAT I'M ASKING IS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER TAKING THE NECESSARY TIME TO ANSWER ALL OF THESE QUESTIONS, ESPECIALLY TO THE AMENDMENTS THAT HAVE JUST BEEN ADDED. IF YOU WANT TO VOTE UP OR DOWN OR MOVING THIS THING TO LEVANDER LOOP, THEN I THINK IT'S PRETTY CLEAR, STAFF HAS GONE THROUGH THE PROCESS AND THEY'VE DONE THEIR DUE DILIGENCE OVER THE LAST YEAR AND A HALF PRESENTING THAT, BUT EVEN WITH THAT THIS IS NOT FROM ME -- FIRST OF ALL, IT'S NOT EMOTIONAL. IT'S NOT ABOUT WHETHER OR NOT WE NEED AN ANIMAL SHELTER. I THINK WE'RE ALL IN AGREEMENT THAT THAT'S WHAT WE NEED. THAT'S WHY WE'RE HERE. BUT IT'S ABOUT WHETHER OR NOT THE PROCESS IS RIGHT THAT GOT US TO THIS POINT. AND WHETHER OR NOT WE ARE MAKING THE DECISION WITH ALL OF THE INFORMATION AT HAND. I DON'T THINK WE ARE. I THINK THAT -- [APPLAUSE] BUT THE OTHER -- THE OTHER POINT THAT I WANT TO MAKE REAL CLEAR IS WE'RE NOT DONE. THIS IS STILL GOING TO HAVE TO GO TO PLANNING COMMISSION AND POTENTIALLY BACK HERE AGAIN FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT, AND I'M GOING TO CONTINUE TO KEEP RAISING THESE QUESTIONS UNTIL I GET SOME ANSWERS AS TO WHY EVERY SITE THAT WAS EVEN CONSIDERED WAS CONSIDERED IN EAST AUSTIN. I CAN POINT TO BUTLER PARK RIGHT ACROSS THE RIVER, IT'S A BEAUTIFUL LITTLE PARK, BUT IT'S PLENTY BIG ENOUGH TO BUILD WHATEVER WE NEED. WE USE PARKLAND ON THIS SIDE OF THE LAKE. WHY CAN'T WE USE PARKLAND ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE LAKE. WHY CAN'T WE AT LEAST CONSIDER IT AND TALK ABOUT IT. [CHEERING] [APPLAUSE] WE HAVE AN ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION THAT'S GIVEN US A RECOMMENDATION TO NOT MOVE THIS SHELTER AT THIS CURRENT TIME. WE HAVE ENOUGH INFORMATION, I BELIEVE, IN FRONT OF US TO CONSIDER OTHER OPTIONS, AND SO THAT'S WHAT I'M ASKING THIS COUNCIL TO DO, IS CONSIDER THOSE OPTIONS BEFORE WE MOVE FORWARD WITH PUTTING THIS ON LEVANDER LOOP IN EAST AUSTIN. [CHEERING AND APPLAUSE]
LEFFINGWELL: JUST IN ONE OF YOUR COMMENTS, COUNCIL MEMBER MARTINEZ, ABOUT IT BEING FEASIBLE OR NOT ACCORDING TO STAFF'S STATEMENT TO KEEP THE ADOPTION CENTER OPEN AT TOWN LAKE. THE FRIENDLY AMENDMENT THAT I MADE AND THAT WAS ACCEPTED WAS THAT IS A CONDITION OF THE APPROVAL OF THE LEVANDER LOOP SITE. SO IF IT CAN'T BE DONE, THEN THE MOTION IS NOT VALID, IT WOULD HAVE TO COME BACK HERE.... HERE.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Martindale dogs have been rescued! We (they) need your help!
Dear Friends,
Great news! The three Martindale, TX dogs have been rescued! But there is still an urgent need for: (1) donations to cover medical expenses; (2) vans/minivans and large crates for transport; and (3) foster homes to care for the dogs until they are adopted.
FOUR WAYS YOU CAN HELP
(1) VETERINARY EXPENSES. To help with medical care for the dogs, please visit the following page, click the PayPal icon, and make a donation. Anything helps, no matter how much!
http://www.animalissuesforum.org/CaldwellCountydogs/
(2) VANS/MINIVANS AND LARGE CRATES. Vans/minivans and large crates are needed to help with the next phase of the dogs' relocation. If you can lend your van/minivan and/or large crate for transport, please contact Chris Schulman at chris.schulman@austinpetsalive.org or Pat Valls-Trelles at patvt5@gmail.com .
(3) FOSTER HOMES. To offer a foster home, please contact Chris Schulman at chris.schulman@austinpetsalive.org or Pat Valls-Trelles at patvt5@gmail.com . The dogs' rescuers report that they are VERY SWEET and absolutely starved for affection. It should also be noted that they have been on a chain for an extended period of time, so there may be special needs involved in their care and rehabilitation.
(4) SPREAD THE NEWS. Please forward this message to every kind-hearted person on your contact list!
For additional background, KXAN's previous story on the dogs can be viewed here:
http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/local/Dogs-kept-out-in-the-cold
These dogs have suffered so much and for so long, it is truly a miracle that they have been rescued and now have a second chance at a better life. Huge kudos and many thanks to all the heroic people who have stepped up to make this happen, and to all who are offering help with their care and transition.
Thank you for your compassion!
Lyndon Poole
Great news! The three Martindale, TX dogs have been rescued! But there is still an urgent need for: (1) donations to cover medical expenses; (2) vans/minivans and large crates for transport; and (3) foster homes to care for the dogs until they are adopted.
FOUR WAYS YOU CAN HELP
(1) VETERINARY EXPENSES. To help with medical care for the dogs, please visit the following page, click the PayPal icon, and make a donation. Anything helps, no matter how much!
http://www.animalissuesforum.org/CaldwellCountydogs/
(2) VANS/MINIVANS AND LARGE CRATES. Vans/minivans and large crates are needed to help with the next phase of the dogs' relocation. If you can lend your van/minivan and/or large crate for transport, please contact Chris Schulman at chris.schulman@austinpetsalive.org or Pat Valls-Trelles at patvt5@gmail.com .
(3) FOSTER HOMES. To offer a foster home, please contact Chris Schulman at chris.schulman@austinpetsalive.org or Pat Valls-Trelles at patvt5@gmail.com . The dogs' rescuers report that they are VERY SWEET and absolutely starved for affection. It should also be noted that they have been on a chain for an extended period of time, so there may be special needs involved in their care and rehabilitation.
(4) SPREAD THE NEWS. Please forward this message to every kind-hearted person on your contact list!
For additional background, KXAN's previous story on the dogs can be viewed here:
http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/local/Dogs-kept-out-in-the-cold
These dogs have suffered so much and for so long, it is truly a miracle that they have been rescued and now have a second chance at a better life. Huge kudos and many thanks to all the heroic people who have stepped up to make this happen, and to all who are offering help with their care and transition.
Thank you for your compassion!
Lyndon Poole
Monday, January 11, 2010
Three Dogs on Chains in the City of Martindale
For the last three nights, as temperatures in Central Texas plunged into the teens and sometimes as low as 11 degrees, three dogs spent their days and nights tethered by chains in an empty field with only minimal shelter from the cold.
One of the dogs was on a chain that was too short to reach any of the three dog houses that were nearby.
Despite numerous appeals from concerned citizens, Martindale Police Chief Jeff Caldwell says that “nothing can be done.” In spite of a Texas law that says dogs must have shelter, Chief Caldwell says that a dog house in 11 degree weather, even if a dog can’t reach it, is adequate shelter.
Pictures of the dogs are at:
http://www.animalissuesforum.org/CaldwellCountydogs
One of the dogs was on a chain that was too short to reach any of the three dog houses that were nearby.
Despite numerous appeals from concerned citizens, Martindale Police Chief Jeff Caldwell says that “nothing can be done.” In spite of a Texas law that says dogs must have shelter, Chief Caldwell says that a dog house in 11 degree weather, even if a dog can’t reach it, is adequate shelter.
Pictures of the dogs are at:
http://www.animalissuesforum.org/CaldwellCountydogs
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