Deer forum in Northwest Hills draws 125 residents
Some wary of how city might reduce deer population
http://www.statesman.com/news/local/deer-forum-in-northwest-hills-draws-125-residents-1199551.html?cxtype=ynews_rss
Ricardo B. Brazziell/AMERICAN-STATESMAN
Published: 11:49 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 20, 2011
What was billed as an educational meeting Thursday night about a city ordinance prohibiting the intentional feeding of deer quickly turned into a fact-finding mission for some Northwest Hills residents about the possible harvesting of neighborhood deer.
But Shannon Jones, assistant director of the Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department, repeatedly said the city's main focus was to educate residents about the ordinance and enforce it.
"We have not made any decisions," Jones said in response to a woman's question about whether the city was considering trapping deer and harvesting them for meat. "We are still studying this," he said, adding the City Council will make a decision on what to do about the overpopulation of deer in the neighborhood.
Some among the 125 people at the meeting at Doss Elementary School said they didn't trust the city's handling of the deer issue.
"Even though (Jones) said it, we want to see it in writing," said Teresa Sansone Ferguson, one of the organizers of the new DeerAustin group that is opposed to deer harvesting.
In November, Plateau Land and Wildlife Management, a Dripping Springs consulting firm hired by the city for $7,500 to count deer in the 78731 ZIP code, told city officials that a population of 400 or more deer in the area was at a crisis level.
The firm suggested removing deer by trapping, transporting and processing the deer for meat or using sharpshooters.
Many residents say they love the deer and believe they contribute to the beauty of the neighborhood. Others are fed up with deer tearing up the gardens and landscaping.
What has become clear is that a February 2009 ordinance that makes feeding deer a Class C misdeameanor — punishable by a fine of no more than $125 — is not working. Enforcing the law has been problematic because staffers from the city's Rodent and Vector Control Department must witness people feeding deer. So far, only five people — three of them in the 78731 ZIP code — have been cited, and two of the cases were settled in mediation.
Paul Trulove, who lives on Rockledge Drive, complained Thursday night that a neighbor on his street is responsible for "building a herd" by putting out hundreds of pounds of corn every month. "He's moved his operation to the backyard and feeding at night. People are doing it where they're diffcult to catch," he said.
Jones urged residents to file complaints in Municipal Court when they see people feeding deer.
It was evident that groups like DeerAustin and the Northwest Austin Civic Association are at odds over the issue. The association is polling its 400 dues-paying members on the association's recommendation that the city "engage in a program to reduce the deer population by the most humane method possible." The association will present its vote to the city next month.
"We have no agenda," said Richard Anton, the association's president. "All we're doing is trying to find out what our members want to recommend to the city."
Robin Abbott of DeerAustin said she wants the city to include her group in the process. Jones assured her that any interested neighborhood group or association will be kept informed as the city continues to study the deer issue.
rgandara@statesman.com; 445-3632
Friday, January 21, 2011
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Statesman: New era can begin at Austin's animal shelter
New era can begin at Austin's animal shelter
Statesman Editorial Board
Austin's new director of animal services, Abigail Smith, is the right person to advance the city's no-kill goal for its Town Lake Animal Center. Smith, hired by City Manager Marc Ott, starts the job March 15.
Austin's shelter is in transition as it shifts its focus from euthanizing stray cats and dogs as one of its methods to control the area's animal population to more humane measures such as adoption. Smith will oversee the operation of the city's planned $12 million animal center in East Austin, which is scheduled to open next year.
Though it will be more spacious, it will have no more capacity than the cramped, dark downtown shelter. That presents a formidable challenge, given the City Council's action last March to make Austin's shelter a no-kill facility. That designation means having 90 percent of the animals that come into the shelter leave alive, and the council set up a two-year timeline to reach that goal. We urge the council to maintain Town Lake as an adoption center once the new animal shelter opens.
Smith, who will earn a salary of $115,003 and oversee a $6 million budget, is highly regarded by animal welfare advocates nationally for her work as executive director of the Tompkins County SPCA in Ithaca, N.Y. That center has operated as a no-kill shelter for a decade. While there, she worked with nearby Cornell University to carry out a shelter medicine program, strengthened partnerships with animal rescue groups and secured funding for a special program for feral cats, Ott said.
She was one of five finalists who participated in interviews and a meet-and-greet forum in Austin; city staffers and community members also visited her in Ithaca.
Smith has shown herself to be a good communicator and solid fundraiser, skills that will serve her and this community well. To better manage the city and county pet population, she must talk to communities across income, ethnic and other lines. She will need the help of business leaders and community organizers in making policies to address the root causes of pet abandonment and the best way to reduce the city's and county's populations of stray animals. There has been a lack of clarity, vision and message from others who held the job in the past, and that has fostered a culture of stagnation at the center and in the community.
One issue that continues to come up in a sluggish economy is whether renters abandon their pets because they cannot afford pricey pet fees charged by apartments. So if there is a way to ease those fees or come up with other solutions, fewer pets might be abandoned. Smith should lead that discussion and seek remedies.
Another problem blamed on our ailing economy is Central Texas' booming stray cat population. If owners are dumping their cats on the streets because they no longer can afford to care for them, that, too, needs attention.
While we're on the topic, let's give kudos to the Spay Austin Coalition and other groups that are engaged in trapping, fixing and returning stray cats to the streets. They are making a difference, as are Austin Pets Alive, the Austin Humane Society, Emancipet and Animal Trustees of Austin, by working to control pet populations through humane ways, including aggressive adoption efforts and spay and neuter services.
We look forward to a new era at the animal shelter with Smith at the helm. But she can't do it alone, and we urge the community to work with her to move Austin into the growing ranks of no-kill cities across the country.
Statesman Editorial Board
Austin's new director of animal services, Abigail Smith, is the right person to advance the city's no-kill goal for its Town Lake Animal Center. Smith, hired by City Manager Marc Ott, starts the job March 15.
Austin's shelter is in transition as it shifts its focus from euthanizing stray cats and dogs as one of its methods to control the area's animal population to more humane measures such as adoption. Smith will oversee the operation of the city's planned $12 million animal center in East Austin, which is scheduled to open next year.
Though it will be more spacious, it will have no more capacity than the cramped, dark downtown shelter. That presents a formidable challenge, given the City Council's action last March to make Austin's shelter a no-kill facility. That designation means having 90 percent of the animals that come into the shelter leave alive, and the council set up a two-year timeline to reach that goal. We urge the council to maintain Town Lake as an adoption center once the new animal shelter opens.
Smith, who will earn a salary of $115,003 and oversee a $6 million budget, is highly regarded by animal welfare advocates nationally for her work as executive director of the Tompkins County SPCA in Ithaca, N.Y. That center has operated as a no-kill shelter for a decade. While there, she worked with nearby Cornell University to carry out a shelter medicine program, strengthened partnerships with animal rescue groups and secured funding for a special program for feral cats, Ott said.
She was one of five finalists who participated in interviews and a meet-and-greet forum in Austin; city staffers and community members also visited her in Ithaca.
Smith has shown herself to be a good communicator and solid fundraiser, skills that will serve her and this community well. To better manage the city and county pet population, she must talk to communities across income, ethnic and other lines. She will need the help of business leaders and community organizers in making policies to address the root causes of pet abandonment and the best way to reduce the city's and county's populations of stray animals. There has been a lack of clarity, vision and message from others who held the job in the past, and that has fostered a culture of stagnation at the center and in the community.
One issue that continues to come up in a sluggish economy is whether renters abandon their pets because they cannot afford pricey pet fees charged by apartments. So if there is a way to ease those fees or come up with other solutions, fewer pets might be abandoned. Smith should lead that discussion and seek remedies.
Another problem blamed on our ailing economy is Central Texas' booming stray cat population. If owners are dumping their cats on the streets because they no longer can afford to care for them, that, too, needs attention.
While we're on the topic, let's give kudos to the Spay Austin Coalition and other groups that are engaged in trapping, fixing and returning stray cats to the streets. They are making a difference, as are Austin Pets Alive, the Austin Humane Society, Emancipet and Animal Trustees of Austin, by working to control pet populations through humane ways, including aggressive adoption efforts and spay and neuter services.
We look forward to a new era at the animal shelter with Smith at the helm. But she can't do it alone, and we urge the community to work with her to move Austin into the growing ranks of no-kill cities across the country.
Friday, January 14, 2011
City announces selection of Abigail Smith as Austin's new animal shelter director
City Manager selects Abigail Smith as Chief Animal Services Officer
City Manager Marc Ott announced today, Jan. 14, the appointment of Abigail Smith, Executive Director of the Tompkins County SPCA in Ithaca, N.Y., as Austin’s new Chief Animal Services Officer.
She will begin her duties in Austin March 15.
Smith is recognized nationally for her work on animal welfare issues, presenting at numerous conferences. In August 2010, she spoke at the national No Kill Conference on the topic “90% Club: Sustaining No Kill in an Open Admissions Shelter.” The City of Austin has set the 90 percent live outcome goal.
“Abigail has a wealth of knowledge and experience to bring to Austin,” City Manager Ott said. “As a renowned expert in no-kill, she understands what Austin needs to do to reach its goal of becoming the first major metropolitan no-kill city. We are excited to have her join the City of Austin family and lead this very critical priority for our community.”
Smith served as Executive Director for the past four years at the Tompkins County SPCA which has operated as an open-admission, no-kill shelter for the past decade. While leading the agency, Smith focused on three major initiatives: animal control contracts, fundraising and spay/neuter programs.
Smith worked with Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine Program to implement a comprehensive shelter medicine program; created and strengthened collaborative partnerships, including those with civic organizations and animal rescue groups; expanded humane education programs; and secured funding for the Trap Neuter Release Program for feral cats.
Before her position in Ithaca, Smith served as Director of Development/Marketing and Manager of the Volunteer Program for the New Hampshire SPCA from 2004-2007.
She is a current member of the Society of Animal Welfare Administrators, the National Animal Control Association, the New York Animal Protection Federation and the Ithaca Rotary Club. She’s earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy, Pre-Medicine and English from Hamline University in St. Paul, Minn.
Smith was chosen after a nationwide search and an extensive interview/evaluation process that included a meet-and-greet forum with the public and a site visit to Ithaca by City staff and community stakeholders.
In March 2010 the City Council approved the No-Kill Implementation Plan for Austin. Since Oct. 1, 2010, the City of Austin Animal Services Office is actively working on the plan with the support of its partners and community. The City is making great strides in reaching the goal of 90 percent live outcomes, reaching 88 percent in December.
Filip Gecic, who served as Acting Animal Services Officer, did not apply for the position.
City Manager Marc Ott announced today, Jan. 14, the appointment of Abigail Smith, Executive Director of the Tompkins County SPCA in Ithaca, N.Y., as Austin’s new Chief Animal Services Officer.
She will begin her duties in Austin March 15.
Smith is recognized nationally for her work on animal welfare issues, presenting at numerous conferences. In August 2010, she spoke at the national No Kill Conference on the topic “90% Club: Sustaining No Kill in an Open Admissions Shelter.” The City of Austin has set the 90 percent live outcome goal.
“Abigail has a wealth of knowledge and experience to bring to Austin,” City Manager Ott said. “As a renowned expert in no-kill, she understands what Austin needs to do to reach its goal of becoming the first major metropolitan no-kill city. We are excited to have her join the City of Austin family and lead this very critical priority for our community.”
Smith served as Executive Director for the past four years at the Tompkins County SPCA which has operated as an open-admission, no-kill shelter for the past decade. While leading the agency, Smith focused on three major initiatives: animal control contracts, fundraising and spay/neuter programs.
Smith worked with Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine Program to implement a comprehensive shelter medicine program; created and strengthened collaborative partnerships, including those with civic organizations and animal rescue groups; expanded humane education programs; and secured funding for the Trap Neuter Release Program for feral cats.
Before her position in Ithaca, Smith served as Director of Development/Marketing and Manager of the Volunteer Program for the New Hampshire SPCA from 2004-2007.
She is a current member of the Society of Animal Welfare Administrators, the National Animal Control Association, the New York Animal Protection Federation and the Ithaca Rotary Club. She’s earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy, Pre-Medicine and English from Hamline University in St. Paul, Minn.
Smith was chosen after a nationwide search and an extensive interview/evaluation process that included a meet-and-greet forum with the public and a site visit to Ithaca by City staff and community stakeholders.
In March 2010 the City Council approved the No-Kill Implementation Plan for Austin. Since Oct. 1, 2010, the City of Austin Animal Services Office is actively working on the plan with the support of its partners and community. The City is making great strides in reaching the goal of 90 percent live outcomes, reaching 88 percent in December.
Filip Gecic, who served as Acting Animal Services Officer, did not apply for the position.
Friday, January 7, 2011
88% Live Outcome Rate in December at Town Lake Animal Center
M E M O R A N D U M
TO: Mayor and Council
FROM: Filip Gecic, Interim Chief Animal Services Officer
CC: Marc A. Ott, City Manager
H.G. (Bert) Lumbreras, Assistant City Manager
Animal Advisory Commission
DATE: January 7, 2011
SUBJECT: Animal Services Intake Rate
On October 1, 2010 the Town Lake Animal Center closed the night drop-off boxes as a recommendation from the Animal Advisory Commission. Since then the Animal Center has taken in 652 fewer dogs as compared to last year.
At the time TLAC closed the night drop-off boxes there were concerns expressed that there would be an increase in the number of loose dog calls. That has not been the case. For the three-month period, the number of loose dog calls have been down 100 to 200 calls each month.
We have a full quarter of data that reflects that the closure of the night drop-off boxes is successfully working to help the City reduce the animal intake rates thus increasing the overall live outcome rate.
The live outcome rate for the Town Lake Animal Center in December is 88% which is nearing the goal of 90% live outcome rate also known as a “No-Kill” city. This is during the slower winter season, but we are hopeful that this trend will continue.
The Animal Services Office is actively working on the City’s “No-Kill” implementation plan and with the support of our partners and community we are making great strides to reaching our goal.
Should you need further information, please contact my office at 972-6057.
TO: Mayor and Council
FROM: Filip Gecic, Interim Chief Animal Services Officer
CC: Marc A. Ott, City Manager
H.G. (Bert) Lumbreras, Assistant City Manager
Animal Advisory Commission
DATE: January 7, 2011
SUBJECT: Animal Services Intake Rate
On October 1, 2010 the Town Lake Animal Center closed the night drop-off boxes as a recommendation from the Animal Advisory Commission. Since then the Animal Center has taken in 652 fewer dogs as compared to last year.
At the time TLAC closed the night drop-off boxes there were concerns expressed that there would be an increase in the number of loose dog calls. That has not been the case. For the three-month period, the number of loose dog calls have been down 100 to 200 calls each month.
We have a full quarter of data that reflects that the closure of the night drop-off boxes is successfully working to help the City reduce the animal intake rates thus increasing the overall live outcome rate.
The live outcome rate for the Town Lake Animal Center in December is 88% which is nearing the goal of 90% live outcome rate also known as a “No-Kill” city. This is during the slower winter season, but we are hopeful that this trend will continue.
The Animal Services Office is actively working on the City’s “No-Kill” implementation plan and with the support of our partners and community we are making great strides to reaching our goal.
Should you need further information, please contact my office at 972-6057.
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