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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024.06.13 TCACA Minutes MINUTES Tri-Cities Animal Control Authority 5:30 PM - Thursday, June 13, 2024 Pasco City Hall, Council Chambers WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Attendees: City of Kennewick Representative: BJ Moos City of Pasco Representative: Jesse Rice Animal Services Manager Ben Zigan Administrative Assistant II: Elizabeth Olivo Department Assistant II: Krista Hahn Mr. Rice opened the meeting with a welcome and provided a brief announcement on structure of the meeting and introduced the other cities' representatives. PUBLIC COMMENTS Mary Max Ms. Max has extensive experience working with various animals in training academies based near service waters. She has focused on livestock, sheep, horses, and pigs for 21 years, particularly with youth. She raised questions about the responsibility of making decisions about animals, suggesting that such decisions should involve a group rather than a single individual. She acknowledge the difficulty of euthanizing animals but agrees that it is sometimes necessary for health or safety reasons. She advocated for a collective decision-making process to demonstrate care and responsibility toward animals, particularly in addressing the number of dogs marked for euthanasia. She express belief in community involvement and volunteerism to prevent animals from becoming unadoptable or euthanized. As someone experienced in dog training, she discuss recognizing signs of aggression in dogs and assert their willingness to make tough decisions when necessary. She concluded by thanking the audience for their time and attention to these important matters. Lin Dien Ms. Dien expressed gratitude to Tri-Cities Animal shelter staff and Page 1 of 5 animal control officers for their hard work, despite minimal community appreciation. She acknowledged that the City and shelter staff have responded to community feedback and complaints by implementing solutions. She highlighted the shelter's efforts towards transparency, such as notifying the public about dogs and collaborating with rescues. The City placed the presence of a behaviorist and veterinary professionals on-site, who contribute to decision-making processes regarding animals. She mentioned other shelters that lack transparency and community engagement, often keep euthanasia decisions quiet. She mentioned factors like backyard breeding and insufficient spaying/neutering laws, which contribute to overcrowded shelters and rescue difficulties. She emphasized the challenges faced by long-term shelter residents and the necessity of making tough decisions when adoptions are unlikely. An example she mentioned was Garth a sweet dog, not sweet towards the end, no one wants to live in a 6x6 kennel. She concluded by expressing concern for the well-being of sheltered dogs and the limited options available when rescues and adoptions are not viable solutions. Kristen Grett Ms. Grett was a former shelter volunteer and concerned citizen, acknowledged improvements at the Tri- Cities Animal shelter under City of Pasco management but criticized ongoing issues that have undermined progress. She commented about toxic volunteers who disregard shelter staff and other volunteers' efforts, making unilateral decisions about dogs' fates without appropriate experience and resisting change. She stated certain volunteers have allegedly bullied and intimidated advocates for dog adoption or transfer, even publicly attacking trainers and rescues offering help. She questioned whether future rescues and trainers will risk involvement given this treatment. They highlight a dysfunctional and chaotic shelter environment where volunteers act boldly without fear of consequences, driving away good volunteers due to bullying and safety concerns. She calls for immediate change, expressing frustration with unfulfilled promises and insisting on action to prevent old problems from persisting in the new shelter, advocating for a fresh start for the community and its animals. Andria Morino Ms. Morino represents Mikey's Last Chance Rescue and acknowledged significant improvements at the shelter under City management but emphasized that more needs to be addressed. She noted an increase in non-standard adoptable dogs since the City takeover and expressed concern about what proactive measures are being taken to prevent dogs from reaching euthanasia status, particularly with the recent addition of a trainer/behaviorist on staff. She sought answers on how the community can assist before dogs reach critical points and stress the collective desire to prevent unnecessary euthanasia, especially for dogs like Garth. She acknowledged these questions may not have immediate answers but underscores the community's eagerness to contribute and Page 2 of 5 support positive outcomes for these animals. Judy Nelson Ms. Nelson from West Richland, began with a public apology to Mary Max and Andria Morino for accusations made by a volunteer at Tri-Cities Animal Shelter(TCAS). She express embarrassment and shame over the accusations made by volunteers and urge TCAS to take action against those responsible and prevent them from representing the organization. Next, she emphasized the urgent need to improve conditions for dogs at TCAS, advocating for more outdoor runs and yards to reduce kennel stress and prevent aggression. She proposed community involvement through donations of fencing and other materials to facilitate these improvements and save lives. She highlighted the illogical cycle of kennel stress leading to aggression and confinement, stressing that it is community's responsibility to care for these vulnerable animals. She urged TCAS to prioritize the welfare of these animals and call on the public to join efforts to provide exercise and outdoor time for them. Ms. Nelson emphasized the importance of being the voice for these animals and urges everyone to strive for better care and outcomes. Tamera Garcia Ms. Garcia acknowledged the challenges faced by shelter staff and expressed concern over recent events, particularly the story of Garth. She empathized with the stress and pressure on shelter workers and highlighted the need to address issues like backyard breeding through legislation. She suggested that pet ownership should require proof of financial capability and responsibility, including spaying/neutering requirements. She shared a troubling incident at her workplace where customer discussed killing their dogs because the shelter wouldn't take them, illustrating the dire consequences when people feel they have no options. She expressed frustration that no action could be taken due to potential claims of joking from the customers end. She questioned the current state of affairs and advocated for the City to do more to support responsible pet ownership. She argued that many dogs, like Garth, don't deserve euthanasia and could thrive with proper care and opportunity. She emphasized that the community and City authorities should do more to prevent such tragic outcomes and support animal welfare. Jordy Spark Ms. Spark the initiator of the campaign to save Garth, stated garth a sweet dog she found joy in. She expressed gratitude that the shelter offered Garth a chance at life despite an initial recommendation to euthanize him. However, they express disappointment over the negative behavior that ensued afterward. Those who advocated for Garth were publicly attacked, leading to a breakdown in the process after his initial Page 3 of 5 evaluation and rescue. She believed this situation was entirely unnecessary and called for reform and change in how such cases are handled in the future. Richard Fontain Mr. Fontain expressed confusion and distress over why his dogs were taken away and sent 300 miles away to an island when local people here were willing to adopt them. He felt his dogs were unfairly treated and wonded if it was a form of retaliation against him. He was upset that his cat is being used as a poster child for something, finding it disrespectful and heartbreaking. He expressed deep emotional pain over these actions. Mr. Rice suggest he would reach out to him regarding his cat. TCACA AGENCY REPORTS TRI-CITIES ANIMAL SHELTER UPDATES The TCACA representative reviewed and discussed the TCACA presentation Updates to Policies/Process/Operations Mr. Rice emphasized the critical role of volunteers at the shelter, noting their indispensable contribution to its operations. He highlighted plans to revamp the volunteer program, aiming for standardization and organization with structured training, a code of conduct, and clear expectations. These developments are in progress; however, Mr. Rice emphasized the importance of a thorough review with HR and risk management staff before implementing any new policies. Mr. Rice commented on the crucial partnership with rescues, underscoring the sharing of rescue lists and the unique operational challenges of running a municipal animal shelter. He expressed appreciation for rescues' contributions despite differing environments and skill sets. Regarding suggestions for an advisory board, Mr. Rice acknowledged its potential value but noted complexities due to collaboration with multiple Cities. He encouraged stakeholders to email suggestions directly, emphasizing the importance of a constructive input that included actionable recommendations from other agencies, particularly municipalities. He urged proactive engagement rather than waiting for advisory board formation to address critical issues. OLD BUSINESS Page 4 of 5 NEXT MEETING SCHEDULED FOR AUGUST 8, 2024 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:19 PM Page 5 of 5