HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023.12.14 TCACA Agenda
AGENDA
Tri-Cities Animal Control Authority
5:30 PM - Thursday, December 14, 2023
Pasco City Hall, Council Chambers
Page
1. WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
2. PUBLIC COMMENTS - The public may address the Tri-Cities Animal
Control Authority (TCACA) on any items related to animal control within
Kennewick, Pasco or Richland. This is to provide the opportunity to bring
items to the attention of the TCACA or to express an opinion on an issue. Its
purpose is not to provide a venue for debate or for the posing of questions
with the expectation of an immediate response. Some questions require
consideration by the TCACA over time and after a deliberative process with
input from a number of different sources; some questions are best directed
to staff who have access to specific information. Public comments will
normally be limited to three minutes each. Those with lengthy messages are
invited to summarize their comments and/or submit written information for
consideration by the TCACA outside of formal meetings.
3. TCACA AGENCY REPORTS
4. TRI-CITIES ANIMAL SHELTER UPDATES
3 - 23 (a)
(b) Quarterly Statistics
(c) Communications Plan
(d) Outreach and Events
(e) Updates to Policies/Process/Operations
(f) Staffing, Training, and Volunteering
5. OLD BUSINESS
24 - 28 (a) October 12, 2023 Tri-Cities Animal Control Authority Meeting
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Minutes
6. NEW BUSINESS
7. NEXT MEETING SCHEDULED FOR FEBRUARY 8, 2024
8. ADJOURNMENT
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Animal Control
Authority
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TCACA Members
•City of Pasco Representative: Parks & Recreation Director Jesse Rice
•City of Richland Representative: Lieutenant Christopher Mason
•City of Kennewick Representative: Commander Randy Maynard
•City of Pasco/Tri-Cities Animal Shelter Manager: Ben Zigan
•City of Pasco Administrative Assistant II: Elizabeth Olivo
•City of Pasco/Tri-Cities Animal Shelter Department Assistant II: Annen Martin
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•Animal Shelter Services - include daily animal care, medical
services, intake, adoption, surrender, fostering, rescue
placement, volunteer management.
•Animal Control Services - barking dogs, roaming animals,
animal complaints, neglect, abuse, legal actions and medical
response needs.
•Community Outreach and Education - adoption events,
educational presentations, assisted living home visits, social
media.
Tri-Cities Animal Shelter (TCAS)
General Responsibilities
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•Each City
represented
•Input & oversight of
management &
operations
•Public meetings
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•Located at 1312 S 18th, Pasco
•Built in 1980, initially used by Benton
Franklin Humane Society.
•Current Capacity:
Dogs – 64 Dogs
Cats\Kittens – 66 (variable by litter size).
•Open to the Public Tues – Sat 10AM - 5PM.
•Operates 7x24 Care of Animals and Animal
Control Services.
Current Animal Shelter
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1 – Animal Services Manager
1 – Animal Control Supervisor
1 – Animal Control Dispatcher
3 – Animal Control Officers
1 – Department Assistant II
2 – Customer Service Representatives
1 – Transfer\Volunteer Coordinator
2 – Animal Intake/Medical Assistants
8 – Animal Care Technicians
1 – Part-time Veterinarian
1 – Part-time Veterinarian Assistant
22 combined Full and Part time staff
TCAS Current Staffing
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•Bite stick training for ACO’s
•Hantavirus training for shelter staff
•SECTOR E-Ticketing System Training
•Minimizing Workplace Gossip Training
•Police Department Search Warrant Training
•Finance Processing, Procurement, and Budget Training
•Behavioral Consultant Training
•ACO Virtual Equine Neglect and Abuse Investigation Training
•WICA Supervisor Training
2023 Staff Training
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TCAS Volunteers
A special thank you to all our Animal Shelter volunteers for their hard work and dedication to our
beloved animals.
They come in early and leave late every day of the week. We cannot express our appreciation and
gratitude enough.
Please follow their page on Facebook: TCAS Dog Walker Volunteers & Staff Members.
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October – November Intake/Outcome Statistics
Intakes for October: 231
Dogs – 103
Cats – 128
Adoptions for October: 115
Dogs – 46
Cats – 69
Transferred Out for October: 71
Dogs – 28
Cats – 43
Euthanasia – Medical for October: 11
Dogs – 2
Cats – 9
Intakes for November: 217
Dogs – 92
Cats – 125
Adoptions for November: 130
Dogs – 54
Cats – 76
Transferred Out for November: 39
Dogs – 8
Cats – 31
Euthanasia – Medical for November: 20
Dogs – 5
Cats – 15
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Animal Shelter Services by the Numbers
Intakes: 2522
Dogs – 1027
Cats – 1495
Adoptions: 1155
Dogs – 505
Cats – 650
Transferred Out: 733
Dogs – 171
Cat – 562
Euthanasia Medical: 134
Dogs – 20
Cat – 114
Euthanasia Behavioral: 5
5 – Dogs
Euthanasia Legal: 0
Jan 2023 – Nov 2023
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ACO Case Breakdown
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•Transition from nonprofit contractor-managed shelter to a city-managed municipal
shelter.
•Improving transparency of operations.
•Instability of vet services caused services to get backed up and made it difficult to get
medical supplies such as vaccinations, snap tests, etc.
•Shelter capacity.
•Current facility.
•Difficulty in management of spread of giardia, parvo, and ringworm. This is also caused
by the inability to get the medical supplies we need in a timely manner due to instability
of veterinary service or supply chain issues.
•Maintain Full Staffing.
2023 Challenges & Opportunities
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•Ongoing transition to a municipal managed and operated shelter, which includes alignment of procedures, policies, and risk management of
daily operations.
•Strengthened and developed new partnerships with other shelters and rescues to assist with non-standard adoptable pets and shelter
capacity reduction.
•Added in-house veterinary staff to stabilize medical needs and costs, which also reduces transportation needs and pharmaceutical costs.
•Increased transparency of shelter operations via the ACA Board by implementing a new venue and time/format. This includes both public
comment and after meeting community chat sessions.
•Reducing future unwanted pet population by continuing to spay/neuter all animals prior to them transitioning from the shelter, as well as
administering current vaccinations and microchipping the animal.
•Participated in many community education and adoption events that raise awareness and help place animals in loving homes.
•Retain and train staff that are dedicated to caring for the shelter animals that are unwanted in the community.
•Maintain a robust volunteer program that supports the quality of pet lives while they reside at the shelter.
•Use of social media to provide information about available pets, community education, and other shelter related information has been
successful.
•Professional Training
•SECTOR
•Search Warrants
•Behavioral Consultant Training
•Equine Neglect & Abuse Investigation Training
2023 Accomplishments
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ID: A0052419563
Breed: American Pitbull Terrier
•April 11, 2023 – The Dog was brought to the Animal Shelter by Animal Control.
•April 17th 2023 – The Dog was neutered, vaccinated against rabies, and implanted with a microchip.
•April 17th 2023 to April 27th 2023 – Concerns about the Dog’s behavior towards other animals, staff, and volunteers, was brought
to the attention of the TCAS Manager.
•April 27th 2023 – There was an altercation between the Dog and another dog in the shelter during a walk. The injuries that the
other dog sustained were severe enough that it required medical attention.
•April 27th 2023 – After the altercation, Behavior Consultant Krystal Ellingson with Speak Dog, came to TCAS to assess the
aggressive behavior of the Dog. Accessed as a non-standard adoption.
•April 27th 2023 – TCAS Manager determined that the Dog was not suitable for adoption.
•May 9th 2023 – A group email was sent to at least eight rescue groups requesting assistance with the Dog. Four of the rescues
responded with a no, saying they would not be able to take the Dog.
•May 19th 2023 – As of this day, the other four rescues that were contacted on May 9th had not responded.
•May 21st 2023 – There was a second altercation between the Dog and another dog in the shelter during a walk. The injuries that
the other dog sustained were severe enough that it required medical attention.
•May 22nd 2023 – TCAS Manager reviewed the case history of the Dog with the Interim ACS Director. The Interim Director agreed
with the submission to the vet for review and euthanasia.
•May 23rd 2023 – A request for euthanasia was presented to Paws, Claws and Hooves Vet Clinic. The request included the case
history on the Dog. The Vet agreed with the case history.
•May 23rd 2023 – The Dog was euthanized at 1:30 pm.
Example of Procedure & Transparency
Euthanasia Action Report
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Rescue
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Our Foster Program
Many animals brought to the Animal Shelter are either too young to be adopted, are a nursing Mom with young
puppies/kittens, or need specialized medical care due to injury or sickness. In these cases, we rely on community
members opening their homes to care for or foster the animal outside the shelter environment until it is
adoptable.
Why is fostering so important?
•Healing and Rehabilitation: Many of the animals that arrive at our shelter have had a rough start in life. Some
have suffered abuse, neglect, or simply found themselves lost and alone. Fostering give them the opportunity to
heal both physically and emotionally in a nurturing environment.
•Socialization and Training: Foster homes provide a unique setting for our animals to learn and grow. By exposing
them to various experiences, interactions, and positive reinforcement, you can help them develop social skills,
manners, and confidence. Thus, making them more ready for their forever homes.
•Freeing Up Shelter Space: By fostering, you directly contribute to alleviating overcrowding at our shelter. This, in
turn, allows us to rescue more animals in need, ensuring they receive the care and attention they desperately
require.
•Tailored Matchmaking: Living in a home environment allows you to observe the personality, quirks, and
preferences of your foster pet. Your insights are invaluable as we work towards finding the perfect forever family,
ensuring a lifelong match that brings joy to both human and furry friend.
A typical foster care placement can last anywhere from 1 week to 2 months, depending on age and medical
situation. The shelter provides the needed animal supplies, as well as provides needed medical care for the
animals while they are placed in foster care. Foster allows more space for adoptable animals to be seen and
housed. Interested in fostering? Complete our foster application online at the following link
(https://www.animalsheltertc.com/)
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2024 Tasks, Projects, and Goals
•Completion of construction of new shelter schedule July 2024.
•Propose remodeling current shelter into an Annex building to increase capacity for intake, isolation, quarantine, and
legal holds for the animals, plus support operations including laundry and storage.
•Add a Kennel Staff Lead to assist with the 24/7 operations of the shelter and staff.
•Additional animal handling training for staff to ensure the proper and continued care of the animals during their stay
at the shelter.
•Continue developing our policies and procedures.
•Review our current vehicles and implement a future (2025-2026) replacement cycle for new vehicles as needed. 2024
includes one vehicle.
•Work to maintain the projected 2024 budget, which is driven by animal intake needs.
•Add an animal shelter community dog for adoption and educational events, as well as community interaction.
•Creation of web-based operational dashboard to provide additional transparency to the public.
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Current TCAS Budget
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TCAS Budget, Ongoing
The 2023 budget was crafted amidst circumstances of the emergency management takeover in July 2022, resulting in
limited insight into operations. We have transformed operations since assuming permanent control, there is need for a
supplement for 2023. This overhaul includes the strategic addition of an Animal Services Manager in December 2022,
the implementation of policies, cost-control measures, comprehensive training for permanent staff, establishment of a
robust volunteer program, amplification of partnerships for behavioral evaluations and efficient animal transfers,
heightened transparency in operations, and the establishment of a steadfast framework for veterinary services and
medical supplies.
Budget Requests
Total Supplemental Request for 2023 = $180k ($60k per ACA member)
1.Notes: The shelter continues to struggle with capacity. To reduce the community’s pet population animals are not leaving our shelter
unaltered, this does result in increased costs. Additionally, vet services through private vets were unstable and impacted our ability to
treat animals in a more cost-effective manner, Animal Services Manager Zigan worked to establish relationships with the vet
community and identified the need to bring on a vet and vet tech part-time. The vet is establishing medical protocols that will better
control costs as well as allows for the purchase of medication and supplies at cost.
Total Budget Requests for 2024 = $501k ($167k per ACA member)
1.Ongoing increase
1.$74k to add (1) FTE – Lead Kennel Tech to develop and oversee kennel staff including training, safety, process improvement,
provide necessary coverage for holiday and weekends
2.Increases in personnel costs, utilities, medical services, fleet maintenance, and fuel
2.One-time increase
1.$70k for the replacement of end-of-life ACO vehicle
Total Budget Request for New Shelter FF&E = $749 ($249k per ACA member)
1.Notes
1.Office, IT & Exam Room $217k
2.Cat & Exam Room $153k
3.Dog T-Kennel Run $329k
4.Installation $ 50k
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New Animal Shelter Facility
•Originally planned in 2009 based on 2025 needs.
•Located adjacent to current facility.
•Approximately 6000 sq. ft.
•Total budget of $6.5M, including $750k for FFE.
•Only 8 more dog kennel spaces than the current shelter.
•Anticipated construction completion June 2024, FFE install, and
ribbon cutting anticipated in early Fall 2024.
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New Animal Shelter Facility - Current
https://www.ipcamlive.com/tcas
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MINUTES
Tri-Cities Animal Control Authority
5:30 PM - Thursday, October 12, 2023
Pasco City Hall, Council Chambers
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Attendees:
City of Kennewick Representative: BJ Moos
City of Pasco Representative: Jesse Rice
City of Richland Representative: Darryl Judge
Animal Services Manager: Ben Zigan
Administrative Assistant II: Ally Garza
Administrative Assistant II: Elizabeth Olivo
Administrative Assistant I: Annen Martin
Mr. Rice opened the meeting with a welcome and provided brief
announcement on the structure of the meeting and presented the other
city representatives.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
- The public may address the Tri-Cities Animal Control Authority (TCACA) on
any items related to animal control within Kennewick, Pasco or Richland. This
is to provide the opportunity to bring items to the attention of the TCACA or to
express an opinion on an issue. Its purpose is not to provide a venue for
debate or for the posing of questions with the expectation of an immediate
response. Some questions require consideration by the TCACA over time and
after a deliberative process with input from a number of different sources; some
questions are best directed to staff who have access to specific information.
Public comments will normally be limited to three minutes each. Those with
lengthy messages are invited to summarize their comments and/or submit
written information for consideration by the TCACA outside of formal meetings.
No Public Comments
TCACA AGENCY REPORTS
The City of Richland Commander Darryl Judge said there was nothing to report
Page 1 of 5Page 24 of 28
from the City of Richland.
City of Kennewick Commander BJ Moos said there was nothing to report from
the City of Kennewick.
Tri-Cities Animal Shelter Manager, Mr. Zigan, provided an update regarding the
running of the Tri-Cities Animal Control Shelter (TCACS)
TRI-CITIES ANIMAL SHELTER UPDATES
Quarterly Statistics
Intakes for August: 298
Pasco
42 –Dogs
82 –Cats
Kennewick
41 –Dogs
52 –Cats
Richland / West Richland
14 –Dogs
49 –Cats
Returns / Surrenders: 11
7 –Dogs
4 –Cats
Adoptions for August: 151
63 –Dogs
88 –Cats
Intakes for September: 260
Pasco
43 –Dogs
57 –Cats
Kennewick
43 –Dogs
61 –Cats
Richland / West Richland
13 –Dogs
17 –Cats
Returns / Surrenders: 26
10 –Dogs
16 –Cats
Seized: 0
Adoptions for September: 145
55 –Dogs
90 –Cats
Transferred Out (August): 55
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8 –Dogs
47 –Cats
Euthanasia Medical: 18
3 –Dogs
16 –Cats
Euthanasia Behavioral: 0
Transferred Out (September): 103
23 –Dogs
80 –Cats
Euthanasia Medical: 14
1 –Dog
13 –Cats
Euthanasia Behavioral: 0
Outreach and Events
Employed part-time on-staff veterinarian and vet technician to
provide onsite medical services, direct pharmaceutical ordering,
and input\development of best practices and procedures.
Several Community Outreach and Adoptions Events including:
City of Pasco Fiery Foods
Paws for a Cause, Friend’s of TCAS and P.O.P.P Fund Raiser
BFHS Fast and FurryiousFun Run Fundraiser
City of Pasco Fall Festival –Oct 14th, 2023
Adventure Underground Pop-up Adoption Event
Implementing Supply Inventory and Tracking to maintain
adequate supplies (cleaning, food, medical) and budgeting
tracking
Construction of New Animal Shelter and providing Furniture,
Fixture, and Equipment List
Updates to Policies/Process/Operations
Page 3 of 5Page 26 of 28
Staffing, Training, and Volunteering
1 –Animal Services Manager
1 –Animal Control Supervisor
1 –Animal Control Dispatcher
3 –Animal Control Officers
1 –Department Assistant II
2 –Customer Service Representatives
1 –Transfer\Volunteer Coordinator
2 –Animal Intake/Medical Assistants
8 –Animal Care Technicians
1 –Part-time Veterinarian
1 –Part-time Veterinarian Assistant
22 combined Full and Part time staff
Page 4 of 5Page 27 of 28
OLD BUSINESS
August 10, 2023 Meeting Minutes
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
PetSmart Charities
The City of Pasco's Finance Department is on board to move forward for
the process with Pet Smart charities.
NEXT MEETING SCHEDULED FOR DECEMBER 14, 2023
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:50 PM
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