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.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Local Issues Presented at December 15 Animal Issues Forum
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.
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.
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.
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