AS-2010-07-20Animal Services
Minutes of Board meeting
Held: July 20, 2010 @6pm
The Coppell Animal Services Board met on July 20, 2010 at 6pm. The following
members were present: Lisa Sawyer, Reid Garfield and Mike Dorn. City liaisons Animal
Services Manager Robert Smith, Lt. Shawn Fullagar and Charlene Trego, were present.
Coppell resident Tressa Broadhead was also in attendance.
Item 1: Call meeting to order
Robert Smith, Animal Services manager, called the meeting to order at 6:02pm.
Item 2: Monthly report by manager, Robert Smith
Robert Smith passed out copies of the shelter statistics for the month of June. No
members had questions or comments about this at this time.
Item 3: Discussion of Bobcats in Coppell
Robert Smith passed out informational materials regarding Bobcats in urban settings
and the differences between bobcats and other wild cats. He also discussed what our
procedure is, as far as dealing with citizen complaints. He advised that people keep house
pets indoors and under supervision, avoid feeding wildlife, etc. He explained that we will
attempt trapping, if necessary, but are usually unsuccessful. Robert also advised that we
are looking into the prospect of contracting an outside agency to assist with problematic
wildlife.
Mike Dorn stated he had a bobcat sighting in his neighborhood and expressed concern
that another resident had called 911 /After hours and never received a call back. Robert
explained that it is situational as to, whether or not we come out after hours for a bobcat
who is not posing an immediate threat to the public. Lt. Fullagar defended Roberts
position by stating that we do, in fact, have a specific protocol for what we go out on after
hours. Dr. Garfield asked about the frequency of sightings in the area and Robert
explained that we have calls frequently. Dr. Garfield and Lt. Fullagar discussed other
wildlife, such as bucks that had been hit by cars.
Item 4: Training of ACOs
Robert Smith discussed the training of our staff at the shelter. He mentioned classes that
he had recently attended including an LRCA class and a shelter operations for managers'
class. Robert also addressed newer officer, Jonathan Homers' training, which includes his
Basic ACO for the State of Texas and his euthanasia training, which will both be
completed by August. He also explained the Officer Bill Davis was recently re- certified
for euthanasia and that Officer Charlene Trego is current on required certifications and
training. Dr.Garfield asks who certifies /trains us and Robert answered with Texas Dept.
of Health and gave examples of locations for training.
Item 5: Open discussion
Mike Dorn expressed concern for residents feeding wild animals by leaving different
types of food, meant for human consumption, out on public easements, etc. He asked,
how we can prevent this type of practice? Lt. Fullagar explained that this is a violation of
city ordinance and he will forward us information on the particulars of the part of the
ordinance.
Tressa Broadhead questioned the increased percentage of euthanasia for the month of
June. She did not understand why there has been a drastic spike from this time last year.
Robert explained that we are not in the practice of euthanizing healthy, adoptable animals
and that we have had many feral cats come in recently. Mrs. Broadhead questioned the
impoundment to euthanasia ratio again and went over the stats with Robert. Robert stated
again, that most, if not all of the animals we put down are sickly or feral.
Mrs. Broadhead then questioned our sterilization program and asked why we hadn't
done any this month. Robert explained that the veterinarian that we use requires that we
have a certain amount of animals before he will come to our location for sterilizations.
Mr.Dorn asked about how many animals that are impounded as strays get reclaimed by
their original owners. Robert explained that dogs are more often reunited than cats. Lt.
Fullagar and Robert discussed the amount of time that we are required to hold a stray
animal, which is at least 5 days. Dr. Garfield asked if the animals typically have tags,
microchips or other identification and expressed concern for this. Mr. Dorn discussed his
personal feelings on that matter, expressing that he felt all animal should wear proper ID.
Robert Smith addressed the members to see who would be in attendance at the next
meeting. Mike Dorn will be unable to attend due to travel.
Item 6: Adjourn
Robert Smith adjourned the meeting at 6:25pm
Lisa Sawver. Board President
Charlene Togo, recording