Next order of business is to read the duty and function of the board and talk about public participation. The functions of the animal control board are as follows. Make recommendations to the chief administrator of the emer office of emergency management regarding animal
care and regulation consistent with Florida statutes and chapter 20 of the seminal county code. These recommendations must first be approved by a majority of the animal control board prior to the submission to the chief administrator of the office of emergency management. The animal control board shall meet at least three times
per year. Special meetings may be called by the chairman or vice chairman or any three members of the board upon 48 hours notice to all members and to the animal control official and the chief administrator of emergency management. A majority of the animal control board will constitute a quorum.
Public participation. Pursuant to Florida law, the public has a right to be heard on all proposals. Public comment time on propositions shall be three minutes for individuals and six minutes for group representatives. The public will be provided with the opportunity to be heard on non-aggenda matters at the end of the meeting.
Property decorum will be observed. Thank you everyone for for that. Uh now we have roll call. >> John >> here present. >> Mr. Brian Wilson >> present. Tracy Fleming, >> present. >> Kathy Hood,
>> present. >> Gail Hair, >> present. >> Jennifer Laney, >> present. >> John Monk, absent. >> Mr. Chairman, we have a quorum. >> Is is he supposed to be here? Um,
>> no. >> Okay. I don't know if he We give him some time for traffic. So, >> yeah. Okay. So the first order of business um is recognition of Dr. Viz. Want to say thank you so much sir for your service and
so uh uh board thank you so much Alan Harris director of emergency management over the division of animal services. I'd like to uh thank uh Dr. Viz uh for your outstanding uh leadership. Uh I own
the animal control board for over five years. He's been a a owner of Broadway uh animal hospital, practicing veterary medicine here in Simino County for over 20 years. Has been an incredible advocate uh for animal services as well
as just the pet and animal community uh throughout Simino County. Uh whenever we had a question, we could go to him and he always provided expert uh uh information for us and uh you know the the science behind what we were doing. For a long time, we didn't have a
full-time vet. Uh so we relied on wonderful volunteers like Dr. Biz uh to provide us uh with information and education uh related to things that we needed to do at the shelter. So uh we and animal services, the animal control
board would like to thank you for your leadership, compassion uh uh to our community and the animal welfare of uh Simol County. With that, uh, we have a plaque and I was wondering if everyone could come down. It's going to be a little exercise today. If we can take a
photo, I'm going to ask some of my management staff to come up as well. Watch the board here. seats. >> Got a couple people come on this side. A little unbalanced. Thank you.
>> Thank you. appreciate you. >> So, as y'all are uh getting back there, um one thing I didn't mention is I've already started work or talking to Dr. Viz about coming on as a contract vet uh when he is to that point when he's ready to do that. So, maybe doing some uh
>> donate time. Oh, donate time is even better. Seminal county loves donated time. So, but we have lots of uh events, our vaccine clinics and things like that where we always can use additional hands and vets uh for that. So, we we we'll
talk a little bit more about that later. Thank you. >> Okay. The next item on the agenda is we have a new board member. So, yes. Uh so I'd like to welcome uh Miss Jennifer Laney uh uh as our new board member. Uh
she's been appointed by chairman Andrea her. Uh she will represent us uh in that district. Uh Jennifer comes from the private sector. Uh recently retired from the JM Family Enterprise, a part of Southeast Toyota. Her family has a long history of public service as well as
animal advocacy. And we're real excited to have you as a member of our board. Uh this includes her husband who is retired from law enforcement and son who is a firefighter and a daughter who works for Advent Health. So welcome aboard.
>> Thank you so much. >> Thank you so much and welcome to the welcome to the group. We appreciate your you well appearing being part of this because this is you know this we're all volunteers. There's somebody paid here. So we we appreciate you stepping up. Okay. So next thing is the minutes for the September 11th meeting. And I know a
few of you weren't here for the September 11th. Um, and obviously, Miss Lanny, you weren't here at all. So, um, did you have an opportunity to review the minutes? Are you satisfied with the the summary that was provided in the minutes? Because that's an issue that's going to come up again in old business.
So, any questions about the minutes? Any any discrep discrepancies from other I appreciate the summary. I know it was a a long meeting, so it was an excellent summary of, you know, brief and brief, but you did better to capture all the
points. So, I appreciate the the job you all do for us. Um, do I mot? >> I'll make a motion. >> Okay. Second. >> Second. >> All in favor? I >> I >> Okay, it is there. Accepted as is. So, the first thing we have to do as we
always do at the first meeting of the year is the election of offices. So, first thing I do is I hand the gavvel over to our legal representatively or fizzly, whatever we would like to do. Um, all right. Good evening. My name is Andrew Laneius, board members. It's nice
to see you this evening. Um, I'm with the county attorney's office and I will be acting as the temporary chairperson for the next few minutes to allow voting for the annual reorganization of the board. Um, I am hereby opening the floor for nominations of the next chairperson
to the animal services board. Does anybody have anybody they'd like to nominate? >> I would like to nominate uh Sergeant Monk. Can I do that even if he's not here tonight? >> Yes. Yes. Okay, that's an open nomination. Uh, anybody have anybody further they would like to nominate?
>> I'll nominate Brian again. He's pretty good. He's been Anybody have any further individuals they'd like to nominate? >> I would second the nomination on >> We don't need seconds for this particular thing. We're going to vote on
everybody. All right. So, the people nominated was Sergeant Monk and Brian Wilson. Is that accurate? >> Yes. >> Are there any further nominations? Now, I'm gonna need a motion to close nominations for the next chairperson and
a second. >> I'll make a motion to close nominations. >> Do we have a second? >> Second. >> Um, all in favor say I. >> I. >> Anybody opposed? All right, that carries. >> The eyes have it. So, now let's vote for the individuals nominated. We're going
to go in order. And so for Sergeant Monk to act as the next chairperson to the animal services board. Um please say I if you are in favor of that. >> I >> Is somebody keeping those? >> I am. >> All right. All right. And please say nay
if you oppose that. >> I mean do oppose or do we vote for the other? >> Um is it a vote or is it a nay? >> We can we can move on. We can just say how many eyes were there? >> Two. >> Two. Okay. And that was Sergeant Monk.
Now we're gonna move to Brian Wilson. Um, anybody in favor of Mr. Wilson being the animal services board chairperson? >> I >> All right. Did you get that count, Denise? >> Four. >> Four.
All right. So, we have two for Sergeant Monk and four for Brian Wilson. Is that accurate? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Correct. >> Well, then Mr. Wilson carries. is going to be the next uh chair of the animal services board. >> All right. >> Thank you for having faith in me.
>> And now um Mr. Wilson, do you mind if I go ahead and do the vice chair? >> All right. I am now going to be opening the floor for nominations of the next vice chairperson. Would anybody like to propose any nominations? >> I nominate John McGrath. He's done a
good job as the vice chair. >> Okay, that's Mr. McGrath. Does anybody have any second nominations? Okay. If there are no second nominations, um is there any would anybody like to make a motion to close
voting and a second? >> I make a motion to close. >> Second. >> All right. Is everybody in favor of closing voting? Please say I. I. >> I. >> All right. Any nays? Okay. And uh well I believe that there's only one nomination so it would be Mr.
McGrath would be the vice chair and I believe that would complete this portion of the meeting. So the chairperson will be Brian Wilson and the vice chair will be John McGrath. Did I do my math correct Denise? >> Yes, that is correct.
>> All right. Thank you. And I'm going to pass this back to Mr. Wilson. Well, thank you so much. So, the the first matter is going to be the the addition of rabbits to the retail pet
sales ban. And uh when we left it at the last meeting from the September 11th meeting, um the takeaways were going to be that I was going to be approaching pet supermarket to ask if they would adopt the the adoption only model and to see what I could find in regards to open
air sales or non non brick andmortar uh sales of rabbits. So I went and visited the store. I spoke to the uh the management at the store and they informed me that they are a corporate store. So all of their policies and procedures come down from the corporate office. And so they gave me a number to call for customer service. I contacted
them and customers, you know, obviously as a large corporation, they show no appetite for trying to cut their revenue sales for something that isn't going to be legally mandated. Um I tried several instances and I've gotten, you know, unfortunately have gotten nothing from them. Um, so they're obviously going to continue to sell to sell rabbits unless
we have unless we act on this to try to impose the to add the rabbits to the current um the the the current um ordinances. Thank you. Um those of you who weren't here, did y'all follow enough of the the conversations that
were had? I know there were, you know, a number of objections and a number of concerns about what we were going to be doing. Um, in addition to talking to um, Pet Supermarket, I also did some Google searches as well as looking online for anything in like next door, Facebook, uh, there's, you know, several different
groups out there on Facebook that talk about, you know, Sim County, Winter Springs, yard sales, uh, free free goods. I couldn't find anything that said there were rabbits being sold as live animals. Obviously, Next Door has a policy against selling animals, but
there were some. And what I did also notice when I was doing my searches were there was not a large number of rabbits being abandoned. Um you know there's a few every you know once a month there's two between two and three posts. Um there did seem to be a large number of people saying I've seen these rabbits
over a period of time in in different locations and then obviously recommending the Orlando rabbit rescue rabbit Orlando rescue uh orca RCA. So recommending them as being the the responsible party to go towards. Uh Alan Harris provided us with
the the numbers. Um you had said there were 24 rabbits came in. >> Yes. >> And so we uh we did uh you may you want to go ahead continue >> like in a month 24 came a year and a half. Okay. >> So we looked at the last 12 months and
24 domestic rabbits have been turned into Semino County Animal Services. Uh we've had additional rabbits, but those have been all in traps. Uh and those were very wild uh type rabbits. So it is difficult for us to know exactly, you
know, if is it a wild rabbit or is a pet rabbit. Uh but we know that the 24 were domestic pet rabbits. Uh in the last 24, I'm sorry, the last 12 months. That was one of the questions that was asked of us. Uh one of the other questions that was asked of us was about the pet shops.
We checked with every pet shop in Semino County and except for Pet uh Supermarket, which has three locations, uh no other pet shop uh sells uh rabbits. Uh Pet Supermarket does sell
rabbits. They're $14925 >> for $149.99 per rabbit. If you want a a rabbit from Pet Supermarket, >> can I say something? Okay, so I teach dog training classes at Pet Market Novo. I see rabbits in there. They're the same rabbits they've had, >> you know, sometimes for weeks. I don't
really see them moving much. I mean, people come in there to pet them and stuff, but it's almost like because I always kind of keep an eye on that what you were talking about last time, but it looks like the same rabbits the last time I was in there. So, >> so this is what this is going to be a significant financial hardship on the one the one pet store that is continuing to sell them if they aren't selling very
many of these rabbits. the problem probably is going to be coming from private breeders or from you know some of the source because in that same email um it was also the information was provided from the rescue organization where they talked about the fact that they receive you know literally all of the rescue groups receive hundreds of
calls a year over you know over a year and they try to accommodate as many as they can but but very few of them have more than 100 rabbits coming in in a single year so it seems like the rescue groups are doing you the lion share of the work because it and I don't you know how many calls come in for rabbits just
generally speak I mean it's not a if it was a significant portion of your phone calls it would be an issue that would have been brought forward during the conversation last year so obviously people are not going to animal services for rabbits they're going directly to these to these rabbit rescue organizations and so that puts the full onus on them of taking care of a problem
that we can address through this board and through our ordinance so that was why it was brought forward >> yeah you pick up please this discussion so it's My concern last time we were talking about has to do with how many of
the Simol County's resources would need to be involved if we put the rabbits in with the dogs and cats and you know would they the rabbits fall under the same regulations for breeders? Would somebody have to make sure that
>> somebody's not do they you know you the backyard breeders sure >> they have limits of what they can do >> are the rabbits in the same thing does somebody have to go check on that >> so what's the what's the >> we did look at that that was a question that was uh indicated uh so um from last
time so uh we uh for so there's two different things that we're talking about here one we're talking about uh the prevention of selling of rabbits uh from any type of breeding source at a pet shop. That doesn't mean that an
adoption type model can take place. So a rabbit rescue could go to one of these organizations like pet supermarket and uh just like we do with dogs and cats adopt adopt method there. So we could issue develop an ordinance where that
would take place. Uh we did look at what the resources would be to implement a non-breeding. So that's the other side. Uh it's a challenge right now. I will let you know we have a puppy mill ordinance and we have a anti-breeding ordinance here in Semino County. It's
very difficult. Andrew can talk a little bit more about that. uh for us proving that in fact we're in a situation right now where we know that there's a breeder and they're breeding dogs and because private property and just the way the court system works and getting access to
it, it's almost impossible for us to uh to file. Now when we checked with other uh animal service organizations that have issued ordinances uh similar to this and some of them are neighbor neighboring communities uh they have not filed one citation because of the
challenges of trying to collect the evidence to go after. Now that doesn't mean that we shouldn't do it. It just means that uh if we do it, it will take a lot of manh hours to actually issue one citation trying to get the evidence certainly going on on to someone's
private property. >> And that's my concern. Not that I want to abandon the rabbits, you know, an animal's got brown eyes. I'm in love with it. But I I am concerned about the dogs and the cats that are all over the
place that need help. And the poor little rabbits, they're invisible to us. We don't see somebody walking their rabbit down the sidewalk. And you know, so I feel bad for them, but I I just am
concerned about how you're going to spend your time and your resources. >> Well, and that's a legitimate concern, but the the ordinance as it reads, we have, like you said, it's it's two different sides. One of them is any sale of an animal virtual or physical
location sale. >> So the the ordinance so one ordinance that two again two different discussions. So one the selling of rabbits in pet shops
can be added to our current exemption for selling dogs and cats at pet shops. when you start to get into uh selling it directly from their home, that's a little bit more challenging. We get into situations where you're talking about
breeders and trying to to get access to homes and uh again, I don't want to go into a court case, but we've been in this court case for over a year and a half, and this is on a dock. Uh so and we know um but uh to try to prove that
try to go on their property and to try to identify and it's really challenging. So you know one is a little bit easier the pet shop one is a little bit easier to add to the ordinance and we go to pet supermarket and any other pet shop and say county has an ordinance to prevent the
sale of rabbits uh unless an adoption method is taken. So a rabbit rescue could go to PetSmart or Petco or something like that and do it. We don't want to prevent that from happening obviously. Uh the other is a anti-breeding
uh and that's much much more difficult for us to >> and and for the breeding as well most of these types of ordinances that I've seen have agricultural exemptions. And so part of if if you guys were inclined to have an agricultural exemption, um I'm
sure a lot of people were going to be backyard breeding for agricultural purposes. And that's going to be hard to differentiate. Is somebody breeding rabbits in their backyard for agricultural purposes or are they breeding them solely for purposes of being pets? Even if they have a website that says, "I'm breeding rabbits for
pets." That doesn't make it as easy as one would think to go to court with a Facebook post that says this person is selling rabbits. Well, you can't cross-examine a Facebook post. So, that's not really good evidence. And in the court, it's hard to get that type of
evidence in court. And so, proving that somebody is is breeding in their house is difficult. And dogs and cats aren't agricultural. They're not used for agricultural purposes. So if somebody's breeding their backyard, one could say, "Oh, they're violating the backyard breeding ordinance. Somebody's breeding
rabbits in their backyard," then you have a whole another giant step of, "Well, is it for agricultural purposes or is it for purposes of selling pets and and that that would present enforcement difficulties?" Um, which lots of ordinances, lots of laws have
enforcement difficulties. That doesn't make them bad, but I just wanted to give everybody a clear, since it was brought up, I want to give everybody a clear understanding of um what that would entail. Anybody have any questions regarding that point? Okay. Thank you.
>> Um sorry, there's there's there's one part of that that I'd like to >> Sure. Um it's uh so the retail sale when we talk about so if we're talking about adding it to just the uh 20.182 the retail sale of dogs and cats >> um
it is adoption based mail no pet shop unless the dog is obtained from um there was something was specifying it as being even a virtual sale of animals as opposed to a brick and mortar place and I was going to see which way
and maybe I was I been reading an outdated version of this ordinance. So, I apologize if it >> it is an M code. The again the difference is and where we've heard issues and I'm not going to specifically say a county, but we've contacted a couple counties where the issue is the
second the animal control officer goes on there, they say livestock. >> They say what? >> Livestock. >> And as soon as they say livestock, the animal control officer has to stop you because no one case is over. Yeah, >> that's a fairly >> build and build and spend hours and hours and hours trying to work on that.
But now it's a uh it's a a range and water. It's a Florida wildlife commission type and department of agriculture. >> Do you guys can move the pet alliance and the rabbits down there? >> No, because we're we're a dog and cat surrender facility.
>> Okay. >> I'm not sure how many Orange County Animal Services if they how many they get. That would be something to look into. But I mean, I would support just the store sale straight up. >> I would say just to start, you know,
that would be a big deal right there. >> I mean, since we already did it for dogs and cats because Orange County, they already had rabbits included in theirs. So, knocking out the stores, I would support that. I know the rest is falls
into a bigger area. So, I think just hitting the stores would be a plus. Okay. Do you have any other comments on this? I mean, is it >> What do you think? >> I'm I'm all for adding adding rabbits to just the retail sale and not including
them in the breeding part of the the breeding aspect of it. I know it doesn't provide a full solution for what the the rescues have to deal with, but it does start it in the right direction. and it provides you an opportunity to say, "Hey, we can't, you know, it takes out the impulse buy at a of a rabbit, you
know, being there." Um, so do we need a we need a motion to we need a motion to ask that the rabbits be included in the retail sale portion uh 20.182 or do we need to identify what what
exact chapter? But before I think we just if if well um if I we have to open it up for public comment since this is an agenda item. >> Okay. So whenever you're ready and you want to pull up the public for because I
think we do have a speaker form for this one. >> And may I ask? >> Uh no not for the rabbits. We do not have a public speaker for the rabbits. >> Okay. Oh, and before before the vote, I think there um would that involve an agricultural exemption? Because I don't think that there is an agricultural exemption right now in 182 if we're
adding rabbits, that might be something for you guys to discuss. >> Good point. Good point. >> Good point. >> So, I would like to make a motion to add rabbits with an exclusion for agricultural. Is agricultural purposes the right word? I I don't mean
>> I can come up with the right word. I can order that later, but I >> I'll let the legal people deal with the words. >> Yeah, I'll word that later. I'll >> chair. You're the chair. So, he's looking You're looking for a motion for >> I'm looking for a motion to add rabbits to the retail sales ban for dogs and
cats that we currently have, but to not include that also in the breeding portion of it. Um, now does that include the would that be 183? Also, the the the public the public sale says dogs and cats as well. Um,
so that's also re part of the retail sale. So we wouldn't want to have like open air open air sales available also. Is that a I don't know. I don't know how you're >> I think that would be a separate motion. >> Yeah. >> Make a motion for 182 and then make a separate motion for 183.
>> Okay. So is there a motion to Okay. Is there a motion to close close discussion on this? Are we all good on closing motion? No. Okay. So seconded. All in favor of any of the discussion so that we can then vote on it. I >> Okay, follow the rules. So, the first
motion I'm going to make is going to be to add rabbits to 20.182, the retail sale of dogs and cats. We're going to advise the the office of emergency management to research how they could add that to it and come back at the June
meeting with the language so that we can ask that to be promoted to the board of county commissioners. >> So, Mr. Chairman, you're looking for someone on the board since you're the chairman uh to make a motion for this. >> Yes. >> Okay. So >> So I make a motion. >> Do we do we have a second? >> Second.
>> All in favor? >> No. >> Any opposed? One opposed. >> Okay. The motion passes. >> So please research how to add that to 20.182. >> Okay. >> And that included an agricultural exemption.
>> Included the agricultural exemption. So, I would like a second motion to also add rabbits to 20.183, the prohibition of retail sale in public places. We don't want to have open air sales of of rabbits. So, do I have a second? I mean, do I have a motion to to advance that to the office of emergency?
>> If I may. So, this one is a little bit more challenging because flea markets uh and festivals traditionally are livestock type of >> operations. So we would have to try to differentiate between
rabbits that are there for livestock uh 4 things like that that we have events >> and uh and then >> the I've been to a few of those and they don't usually like sell animals off of the events. The events are more for awards and recognitions and and prizes
as opposed to >> any any event that where you have a marketplace outside. >> True. Yeah. It's a little bit more challenging for us if we came up and they said this is livestock. We have to be sure. Yeah. I just want y'all to be aware of that. We we could add it. We could certainly try to enforce it the
best to the best of our ability. >> I think that would that kind of falls in that gray area if it's agricultural. If we have the agricultural exemption in there that would allow I mean I know that would be the you know and unfortunately what Alan said that that would be the first
the first line of defense that someone would have oh this is agricultural but this is this is this is just for sale in >> pet stores >> public spaces. This is not a sale at at a private is a sale or private home. This is in in public spaces. Um public
through a fair public common areas are places of public accommodations, flea markets, festivals, yard sales, medians, parks, recreational areas, outdoor markets, parking lots or other similar locations. So this is not a private residence. This is not where someone is selling it out of their home as an agricultural animal. This would be at a like like what um like what he said,
this would be like the 4H events or flea markets or um flea world's closed now, so that that's not really apply. Um, but you know, places like that are like a swap swappy kind of thing. Public access areas, not private sales or not private agricultural businesses.
So, yeah, I I I agree that does does give them more of an opportunity to say this is an egg animal, but I I think it's a good way to at least give, you know, animal services an opportunity to try to keep the number of rabbits out of our community in in people's hands who
shouldn't have them. So, is there a motion to add it to 20.183? Second. >> I'll say a motion for it. >> Okay. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Okay. All in favor? >> I. >> All opposed.
>> Okay. We have two nays but four to two. So, the motion carries. So we would like to have that added as well with the agricultural exemption with special care to be paid to make sure we don't create a situation where animal services has to to do more work to go into a a fair or a 4 age or FFA
event. Thank you everyone. Um so that concludes old business. Uh new business Okay, let's see. Oh, am I supposed to be this is me?
Sorry. Um, so see for new business. Yeah, new business. Sorry. Um, we have been asked to review aggressive the aggressive dog ordinance and look at the aggressive dog ordinance and uh is
is that what the public comment was on Okay. So, uh, let's let's if we could hear the public comment first and then, uh, based on some, uh, suggestions, uh, it may be from you, um, that, uh, we've made some, uh, potential modifications
to our aggressive dog ordinance, but, uh, if we could have our public speaker first. >> So, our public commentary is for Tammy Blney. >> Blakey. >> Blakey. Okay, if you want to come on up to the podium and
uh state your name and address, please. >> Oh, the other podium. >> I'm on the other podium. Sorry about that. >> Thank you. Thanks, Denise. >> My name is Tammy Blakey. I reside at 803 Lynen Wald Lane, Alimont Springs,
Florida 32701. Good evening board members. My name is Tammy Blakey. I'm here today because on December 10th, 2025, while walking my 10-pound dog, Roxy, in our neighborhood, she was attacked and killed by a 60 lb pitbull cure mix. The incident was
unprovoked, and the offending dog broke off its collar and darted across the street and grabbed my dog while in my arms. Despite the traumatic experience, this most shocking part was not just the attack, the aftermath. I learned that because of a gap between section 20.103
and state statute 767.12, the dog that killed my pet isn't required to be fully secured or insured. Under the current rules, a dog that has been proven to be lethal is just labeled as aggressive. The owner doesn't have to carry the $100,000 liability insurance
that a dangerous dog owner has. If the dog attacks again, the next victim is completely unprotected. We essentially giving dogs one free kill before we require the owners to be financially responsible. That is a failure of public safety. The Pamrock Act was passed to
ensure that owners of lethal dogs are held to a $1,000 insurance standard, but because of the gap in our local code, the dog that killed Roxy is exempt from the very safety standards the state of Florida intended to provide. Furthermore, under the Dunar bite scale,
which is recognized by the Pamrock Act, what happened to Roxy was a level six attack, it was lethal. Yet, because of our current local ordinance, a dog that commits a level six lethal attack is still categorized as aggressive rather than dangerous. This label is lethal
predator the same way we might label a dog that merely lunges or snaps. I'm asking you to ensure that any level five or level six attack automatically triggers a $100,000 insurance and secure enclosure requirements.
I have handed you a letter along with a draft amendment and a case summary. I'm asking this board to recommend a chapter a change to chapter 20 that requires liability parody. If a dog is aggressive enough to kill on the first offense, it must be insured and secured and held to
the same standards as a dangerous dog. I'm asking you to align chapter 20 with the spirit of the Pamrock Act so that aggressive doesn't become a loophole for dangerous behavior. Let's close this gap before another pet or person is the next victim. Thank you.
>> Thank you. And we're we're sorry for your loss. >> Are there other public comments? >> No. >> Okay. >> Sorry. That's the end of the public commentary. All right. So, um, as the board may remember some me some of the members of the board, uh, the aggressive
dog ordinance was enacted, uh, we called it the Reese's law, and it was due to a very similar situation, uh, where a Yorkie named Reese, uh, very timid little cute dog, uh, walking down the road and a very similar situation
occurred. And in that case we didn't have aggressive dog at all. Uh and the attack unfortunately the way the Florida statute is written for dangerous dog it did not meet the standard of a dangerous dog which is uh the requirement of
killing of multiple multiple animals. >> So um we believed and you all believed uh that that was a loophole in the law or a gap in the law. So we created what was called uh Reese's law which is the
aggressive dog ordinance which is 20.31. Uh we can we uh we received the letter uh through the commission office and and we agree it it it can be strengthened. Uh I I think Reese's law was a good stab
at the first uh step in creating something that would protect uh all of us uh and it being a public safety issue. Uh so uh we have made a few adjustments already. Uh we'd
like to get your input of course uh from the animal control board and then um we'll come back with a final um look at what that aggressive dog ordinance would be based on your comments. But uh in your packet uh the the following
suggestions and changes uh have have been added. So uh the confinement of the dog time is has moved from 5 to 10 days. Uh this is to meet Florida statute uh for uh for any animal that is uh caught.
Uh then we added um another cause and that is cause uh injury to a human without being provoked when the person is in a public access area of private property while such individual is on the private property as an inviteee. So that
adds an additional um uh item for cause. Uh we added in the language of uh section 20 a posting of signage uh very similar to the suggestion uh that was made. We also
added um what we currently have is if an indivi if an aggressive dog attacks again it just extends the aggressive dog unless it meets the standard of a dangerous dog. Uh so if say it uh killed
a dog and then a year later it bites a dog but it doesn't kill the dog. >> So it doesn't meet the the Florida statute standard of a dangerous dog. So we just extended the aggressive dog. So
now we've added language in here called propensity to be dangerous. So propensity be to be dangerous would be for a lifetime for so uh right now if the aggressive dog uh does not do anything in two years it comes off the
aggressive dog list. U if a dog does any type of aggressive activity now it is a propensity to be dangerous and it remains for the entire lifetime of the dog. Okay. We also added information uh liability
insurance. We put 50 50k. So a slight adjustment there, but uh it does have an insurance requirement there. Um we also added uh so there are only a couple jurisdictions in Florida that
have aggressive dogs. It's either nothing or dangerous. Uh Miami Dade is one of those. and we learned that Miami Dade uh there was a dog that was moved here uh with the family and we were never we were notified but we didn't
there's nothing in our ordinance that says this dog needs to immediately be placed on our aggressive dog list. So this will add that in there that kind of that's a gap that we have. So we'd like to fix that right away. And then uh then there's also just an administrative
change that we're going to do throughout the entire code uh to change chief administrator. My title was changed to director. Uh there are no chief administrators in Simino County. More is more just an administrative thing. Now there's either directors or the deputy
county manager. So yeah, questions on all those. I know there's a lot of changes uh that we have proposed. uh all of them are underlined in your packet. Um and also we're you know we're
open to whatever additional you suggest and then Andrew can go into a little bit further detail if you want on I think I described it pretty well but >> okay you did a great job and I'm more than willing to answer any questions today if you guys have them or we can do it at the next hearing once you guys
have had a little bit to digest >> a dog that is declared what was the lifetime command. Was that aggressive dogs or dangerous dogs? >> So, a propensity to being dangerous. So, if an aggressive dog does another incident of any type, uh, but it doesn't
meet the standard of dangerous. Obviously, if it kills another dog, it immediately becomes dangerous. >> So, I'm not we're not super concerned about that because we already know it's going to go to dangerous and and that solves that issue, if you will. It
doesn't solve the issue. image, but it tries to protect the public as best we can, right? Um, for this particular thing, so if the dog kill a dog like Reese uh the Yorkie and uh then a year, six months down the road attacks a a
German Shepherd and bites the German Shepherd doesn't kill it, uh then it would be called propensity to be dangerous. They would get a formal notification from field services. uh Lauren Watts of course being the manager there and then uh they would have to for
per for the rest of their time and we're going to talk about fees in a little bit with the administrative code which is a totally different thing. Uh but they would have to continue to register the animal uh just like they do for aggressive but it would be more expensive. >> Uh there's liability insurance. They
still have to um have the requirements uh that a dangerous dog has uh for the protection of the property uh the protection of uh the animal, making sure the animal doesn't get out. An
aggressive dog, the dog has to be on a muzzle, the dog, you know, to go out of the house. Very similar for dangerous dog. There's a couple differences for aggressive dog. We don't require it to have a top over the cage. Dangerous dog. We do. So, propensity to be dangerous.
It would have to be they'd have to have a roof over like the big gated area. So, it's a couple changes there. >> So, I got a question. Sure. And it probably happened with you. Did they pay your vet bill? >> She did. >> Okay. So, shouldn't that be something like I mean obviously they're going to
have supposedly insurance, but I mean if the dog will say six months later tax another dog, I mean that should be like is that law? Do I mean you're the attorney so >> I think that that's apt for a civil issue. >> Um I don't think that we would be able to discern the type of well you know
there could be some dispute there that I don't think we would be apt to be able to handle. So I think the courts would be best for that or a private agreement. >> Okay. And I think when we've been out on those scenes, when people have had those questions, we >> suggest getting legal counsel to help.
Okay. >> That >> right. Yeah. >> Okay. Good. >> On the enclosure, the difference with between the two, I would think if the dog killed another dog and the next time
bit one, that shouldn't matter. I think the enclosure should be the same. >> Yeah. Okay. Any other any other questions, comments? I I I think we definitely agree. This is a good opportunity to close to close a loophole. And so I would like to make a
motion to accept the changes as presented in our packet to be sent forward to animal to did you have a question? Oh, okay. Sorry. Thank you. Um so I make a motion to accept the >> I have a question. Uh there was a suggestion and that's not in the packet
currently, but if that is something that uh you would like us to write in, we can certainly add language about the type of enclosure that the dog must be in because right now the dog must an aggressive dog must be secured in their
yard. If they come out of their yard, they have to be on a muzzle. They always have to be on a leash regardless. But uh specifically in this case, they can't go to dog. There's certain places they can go and cannot go. Um but we don't have a
requirement for a roof structure. Correct. >> Correct. >> Yeah. So if we wanted to add that then uh as part of the motion that should be it because otherwise we're happy to move forward with this. But y'all,
>> I mean, I just think if it's done at once, >> like if it's if it's not doing something >> apartment or condo, they're not going to have an outdoor kennel. So, >> yeah. So, it's that's >> then they're inside the house. >> Yeah. >> If they get out that door, all of a sudden they're So, how are you going to
really regulate that if they're we'll say they live in a condo and they're whatever breed pitbull whatever gets out? I mean, unless they're always supposed to be in their crate at home. I mean, that's I don't think that's going to be realistic at some people's homes, I'll be honest. Yeah.
>> I mean, how is how is that usually handled as a as a dangerous dog? >> Dangerous. What? >> Or if they have access to a yard, can you make it like that in the paperwork? Or like if if they have access to a yard, I guess you guys would have to do that. But if they don't have access to a yard, then >> well, theoretically, if we put
requirements for the for the dog to be caged up and somebody lives in a condo, they don't have access to a cage, then they wouldn't be able to comply. I I don't think that'd be a violation of the ordinance. I would suggest to my client that we don't cite them if it's impossible to comply. Um,
and so that's a bit of a a wrinkle in the law because some people just don't have backyards, >> right? But if they do have access to a backyard, >> I think if they have the yard, that's what I'm saying, that they it should be covered. I think that should make a difference. >> If they're going to have their
ability to escape a yard restricted, it should it should have the top two. It's that that's that. >> Or you can get really really strict and say, look, if they're outside, just like you say about the muzzle, if they're outside in the yard, sorry, owners got to be out there with a dog on the leash. That's a big thing. I see my business all the time. Unfortunately, what
happened to you is just dogs getting attacked. So sometimes it's people, sometimes other dogs or but if they're going to be out in their yard, then they just must be supervised on a leash. Even if it's a 10ft leash, you know, but at least they're attached. I would say >> I agree. I would rather that
>> because if they got a big old yard and the dog gets out and jumps the fence. I've seen dogs jump six foot fence like it's nothing, you know, and then people what going to put 8ft fence? That's not going to happen for most people. So >> and at the end of the day, the dog needs to be supervised. So, you know, rather than put the dog in a crate, if the dog
is in a crate, you might as well euthanize it because no dog wants to live in a crate. >> So, I would say supervision outside. >> I would say if they're even outside in the yard, you know, they have to be supervised. >> Supervised, muzzled, or, you know, on a
leash. >> Just like if you're in a park and you're running off leash, you know, you're not supposed to supposed to have your dog on the leash. So, yeah. >> If it's off leash, it's on a muzzle. It has a muzzle on and if it if they don't want to muzzle it, keep it on a leash. >> So, I don't know if you can put that
language in there, but >> so muzzle. >> Well, if it's in the neighborhood, it should be with a muzzle also, I think, because >> you're going to walk past somebody's house. I've seen it. And then a dog. Hey, there goes that dog that just killed my dog. And then if they're in their own yard, it should be on the
leash, unfortunately. Walk your dog around to go to the bathroom. Sorry. if they're in their yard, if they're if they have a fence, if they have the muzzle on in their yard, it should be able to roam free. But I wouldn't let my dog, if my dog is aggressive, I would have a muzzle on it when I let it
outside and let it roll. >> I have seen dogs and I work in a vet clinic and we muzzle them. They can very easily bite through a muzzle. It's not a safe >> If they're supervised though, if I take my dog outside and I'm supervising it and it's got a muzzle on, >> Yeah.
I would feel confident in bringing the dog outside, supervising it, and letting it walk free and not having to keep it on a leash, >> right? >> I mean, if if it's that out of control that I can't take my dog outside for a walk and let it roam free. >> Oh, no. I think you should be on the
leash. There's a lot of people that have that out of control in your own fenced yard. That's what I'm talking about. But out front. Yeah. Okay. I thought you were talking about talking about letting the dog walk in the backyard without a leash with in a fenced in backyard
without a leash with a muzzle on. It should have the freedom to go in your backyard with a muzzle on and it shouldn't be on a tether the entire time if you're an owner. If you go outside, yes, I agree. Leash muzzle, fine. But if you're in your own backyard, I think
that you should be able to muzzle it and let it go in the backyard. I mean, that's just my thought. Otherwise, if you have to crate it the whole time or it has to be >> Well, nobody's going to cr 247. >> So, >> I mean, that's just my thoughts. I don't I I agree with everybody that an
aggressive dog needs to be muzzled, needs to be leashed, but in their own backyard with a six-foot fence, if you can give the dog some room to at least walk >> or at least be supervised, be out there with >> Yeah. I don't believe any any aggressive
dog should be unsupervised. I don't think any aggressive dog should not be supervised at any point. >> Yeah, >> correct. That's the biggest thing is if they're supervised, >> you know, with a muzzle. Yeah. >> Did you get all that?
>> Exactly. I was trying to get all this. Okay. So we are we >> got supervised >> we would like to have this amended to include and I'm sorry did we we we said that it's it's fine to leave the pen as just
four sides. The pen doesn't need an an enclosure on the top but any any dangerous dog or propensity for dangerous dog needs to be supervised in the backyard >> bard. Are we talking about we're talking about dangerous dogs and aggressive dogs
with a propensity to be dangerous. both. >> So, was it leashed or muzzled or both? No, it's backard. >> In the backyard should be muzzled. >> If it's in their own fenced in yard, then it Yeah, >> muzzle should be supervised. >> Supervised >> and muzzled. Should be supervised and muzzled. >> I don't know that it would should have
to be muzzled. >> I don't think we But you should be out there with your dog. >> You should be out there with I don't trust anything out in the yard just in case. >> That's true. You never know. any any any well it's already the dangerous dog has to be supervised at all points in time.
Is that true? >> Dangerous dogs. >> Yeah, dangerous dogs already got this. So it really be the propensity to be dangerous or aggressive >> would need to have the same the same constant monitor. >> Okay. So that we would like to have that added. >> Okay. So supervised if they're in their backyard but we're not necessarily
muzzled or >> on a leash in the back. If your dog did jump the fence >> and it wasn't supervised, then >> sorry, you know, I mean, after that, it's >> that's on the that's on the person. >> And if the dog that's a dog problem, that's a personal problem. >> Euthanized because of it, unfortunately. I mean, it's
>> okay. So, >> did we get all that? >> Yeah. So, supervised in the backyard and if they're in the front yard, they're going to be on a leash anyways and they have to be muzzled public area. Yes. >> Does your need? >> Yeah. >> What the address? >> Yes, we already do that. Yes.
>> Okay. So we are >> dogs dogs have to be on leashes regardless in Simino County. So that we have a leash law. So >> okay. >> So we we are going to approve the current changes to the
animal services chapter 20 with the addition of dogs that show a propensity towards being dangerous should also be constantly supervised within their own enclosed yards. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> That's the motion. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> All in favor? I >> opposed.
>> Motion carries. >> Okay. So, um so animal services is asking the board to review possible fee changes. Uh the copy of the fee changes are in your pocket this evening. I'll go over the fee changes uh with you. The first fee change is for the registration
of dangerous dogs. We propose uh going from $300 to $500. Uh registration of aggressive dog. Uh we propose going from $150 to $200. Uh propensity for a dangerous dog. Uh we
didn't have that as an ordin or as a a fee. We'd like to add that as a fee to $300 um owner. So, uh, for owner surrender, so this is for animals
that are coming into the shelter. We currently charge $15. Uh, we'd like to up that to $25. And if an individual, I just went blank. It was individual and not a a resident. It was individual.
Yes. So, if the indiv if an individual uh owner surrenders four or more animals, uh we would require them to pay $50 per animal. So, if an individual brought in five
animals, uh the first three would be 25 and then the next two would be 50 per animal. Does that make sense? Okay. >> Yes. Uh we propose uh changing adoption fees. Uh dog fees we propose going from
20 to 25. Cat fees we propose going 10 to 25. Livestock uh of over 45 pounds uh we suggest going 35 to 50. Uh small animals which this was uh one of the concerns on
the uh for the individuals that were related to the rabbit rescue. Uh we suggest going from five to 15. It's a huge change but um it's change. Uh the pet pal program, this is a program where
we help uh individuals that with disabilities. We propose going from $5 an animal to zero. Those are all the proposed changes that we have. Any questions, comments?
I think these are reasonable. Um I make a motion to accept the fee changes as is. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I opposed. >> Okay. Thank you so much. These >> Thank you for the work on that. Oh yes,
>> if this is not the right place to throw this in, let me know. I'll shut up. Um the the reason that I All right, let me start over. You know, the board of county commissioners,
they change chairman every year. They have a different person. >> Yes. Not because somebody's not doing a good job, but just because they bring a new person brings new energy, new ideas, and they get experience. Sure.
>> And so my thought is we have you have done a great job. I've watched you, Brian, for 20 years and you've made some excellent changes in this community. >> Um, and you've been a good leader. But my thought was that John's been here a
long time. U Sergeant Monk's been here a long time. That if we had a limit on how many years that you could stay chairman Sure. >> You know, then we'd give other people a chance to step up >> and see how it feels.
>> I Yeah, that sounds good. >> Um and that that was my thought and I would like for the board to think about it. I'd like to ask if we could if people wanted to, you know, I don't know how to go about doing it, but I would like you to think about it. All of us.
>> That's a good point. I I know um >> Steve was it for a few years. >> Yes. Brown was Yeah. For a long time. Um >> the the board of county commissioners are elected officials and so you the people who do vote them in that's I think that's one of the reasons they have gone to this rotating uh chairmanship. They you know you you you
and I have both been involved in public. you we've seen multiple iterations of animal services, multiple iterations of both the employees at animal services and um the county commissioners come through. So I think they've kind of come up with this rotating role so that they
can each show leadership for their voting for the voting populations. We're an appointed board and so we are here as a as a reflection of our individual appointee. So it's a little a little bit different thing. We're we are responsible to a different group of people. Um I I do understand what you're saying. You know, having having new
people and new ideas is is is not a bad thing, but that's also why we we do the votes internally. You we make our own decision. We're we're a different kind of board. We're and actually all the boards are like this. I'm not any other board, so I can't speak to whether they they do or don't do annual elections, but that's why we have the annual elections. I I appreciate the idea that
that's it's got some merit. Everyone has ideas on how to be doing things and a new perspective or a new leadership. Um, you know, you you and I have both been here long enough that that we know, you know, I mean, I've been a resident of Sino County for more than 30 years. We have seen where this room would be full and it would not be nearly this polite
in the either of >> whom we've had deputies. >> There were Yes, there were people in dangerous dog hearings for 3 hours and escorted out to the parking lot. >> So, so yes. Um
>> so this is an ordinance so we can certainly uh adjust the ordinance uh accordingly. So it would be I if so right now the control the the uh animal control board you serve for uh two
years. So you have two years left um and um and can be reinstated for an additional two years. Each year we elect the chair and vice chair. There's nothing in here that says that there
needs to be a spirit of rotation. We could certainly add that. That would be an ordinance change. We would need to change that in ordinance, but we can do that. We're talking about ordinance changes right now. If that's something that's the will of the group, we could say every two years. It's really up to,
you know, do you have a two-year term? Do you have a three-year term? whatever that is. So, you can decide that uh and that would be then listed into ordinance to answer the question. >> And could it say like if we decided on every nobody could be chair for more
than two consecutive years? >> Yes. >> But that doesn't mean that three years down the road that they could be reelected chair. >> That's correct. >> Yeah, that would make sense. >> No. So, do you make a motion to have that added to the So, this is So, you're
looking for a motion to add term limits of two consecutive chairmanships to the to our as part of our role. >> I don't know the number, but I I would make a motion for that for two. I I
don't even know you, BRIAN. >> There's nothing personal about that. >> You're very dedicated. Yeah, I I've heard a lot of great things about you, but I'm one of those people who, you know, if you've served so long, I believe that it's really great to rotate people in and out. That's how I was
raised in business and it's, you know, it just brings people into leadership roles. So, I would make a motion to do it two times, have two chairmanships and then let somebody else have a vote and nominate. >> Sounds good to me. >> And then you can come back in. >> Yeah. Yeah, if if if the new guy doesn't
do or guy or girl doesn't do a new a new a good job then yeah >> or even if they did a great job then that other people have the option to come in. So >> okay so then we need a motion to amend >> and I'm sorry I don't I would amend that
to >> Jen make 20.04 >> J made a motion to amend the chapter to >> 20 20.04 04. >> Yes, sir. >> To be two consecutive chairmanships, but allowed for non-consecutive
reappoint or reelection. >> Yes. >> Do we have a second? >> All in favor? >> Okay, it passes. So, we will add that to the to your laundry list. >> Thanks everybody.
>> We want to make sure you keep your job. >> Please do. We give him plenty of work. But this Okay, we we'll make that change. >> Okay. Was there any other any other new businesses someone would like to mention? >> Okay. So,
events. >> Well, good good afternoon, good evening everybody. Um, as you can see, we have been quite busy um here at the shelter. So, what you see here is a lot of the past events that we've done. Um, I'm not
going to do all of them, but I'm going to highlight a few of them. Um, as you can see, we did the National Night Out. We, um, paused for a call, the Halloween Safety Spooktacular. If you did not make it out there, that was >> crazy. Um, but they did a great job. Um,
we also participated in Dogtoberfest. Um, and which we got quite a few dogs. I mean, we got them out, got them on the road, got them adopted. So, which was great. And then, of course, Paws and Claws. That was an amazing event. if you
didn't make it out there. Um, it was a lot of people, a lot of vendors, a lot of adoptions. Um, it was just an overall great day. Santa was great, the pictures were great, the team was great. Um, and the thing is, and we loved it very much. So, if you didn't make it out there,
please try to make it out of this year because that's our biggest event of the year that we host. Um, and it's just an amazing turnout and and please just come out and just hang out with us. That had a significant social media response too, right? That was probably one of the highest social media responses you had.
Unfortunately, we did not make it out there, but that it definitely seemed to be having a good time. >> Oh, we had a a great time. >> And then of course we also, you know, we do a lot of resource things and educational things like amazing sport academy. Went to a daycare um and just
hung out with some kids and taught them some stuff about animal services. We participated with pet alliance with paws in the park which was an amazing event where we also got some animals out which was I mean it was it was a great time. Um and then we also did the farm bash
which that was put on by tractor supply which was was a good event. didn't the veterans stand down um where we went out as a resource to the veterans office our resources to them um which was like I say I think it was a great turnout as well which leads us up to upcoming
events um one of the cool things I see that we have here is the cat cafe that we're going to be doing u we're going to take our cats on the road to the library for a little cat cafe and council you >> give us the dates of these up >> May 16th will be the cat cafe day. Um,
that's coming up. We We're going to take all the cats we got, take them to the library, have a good time, hang out with the kids, come out and adopt. Um, it's going to be set up really cool. I'm I'm excited about our first one. I'm excited and nervous at the same time, but I think it's going to be a
great thing. Then we're also going to do Pups at the Plex. As you can see, there's a at a UCF softball game that we're going to take some dogs on the road. Um, which I think is going to be cool. >> That's cool. What's the date, Judy? >> Oh, I'm sorry. That That one's going to be ne actually next Friday.
>> That one's going to be next Friday. We're doing that um at 6 PM. >> And then pints and paws, which is actually going to be this Saturday, that we're going to be doing as well. Um so that's come out, hang out in Sanford,
and just have a good time as well. And we're also doing I don't see it on there, but we're also doing our protect your pet. We're still doing that monthly. Um, which we're hosting that this weekend as well on Saturday from 10:00 to 2. So, >> when's Pits and Paws? >> Ps and Paws is Saturday 28.
>> This Saturday. Okay. >> Yeah. >> What time, Al? >> Well, Pis and Paws is from 12 to 4. I'm sorry. I didn't tell you time. I apologize. And then we're doing Red Bug Lake 50th
anniversary run walk. We're going to take dogs out as well, too. Um, that's going to be April 11th and that's going to be from 11 to 1. It's not very long, but but it's it's going to be good. And then we're doing some number that's going to be really cool. We're going to
host a volunteer appreciation breakfast. We can't leave them out because they they help us make the shelter run. So, we want to really appreciate them on in April, which that week is April, it's April 18th. Um, that we're going to do that. And then we we're continuing our
check the chips that we're going to do. We go to different parks and we just set up shop scan almost for microchip and we offer microchips at no cost to the person if they don't have it. So that's something we're doing. So for right now that's it. But stay tuned.
>> So that's all I have for now. >> That is that is more than more than enough. And thank you so much for for all the great stuff y'all have done at the end of last year and and what you got coming up. Yeah. Uh You guys still pretty busy. Hounds around town. >> Oh, absolutely.
>> Good. Okay. Good. Good. Oh, it's that is still thriving. >> Okay. The next item on the agenda is the reports. Um, anyone have any questions on the reports? Comments? Um in addition to um sorry any comments
on all this >> remember also go to our website at any time sinocountypets.com and there is a dashboard there you can click on anything in the dashboard to get length of stay uh how many animals we currently have what our occupancy levels are uh
all kinds of stat statistics are available on our dashboard. You can even get down into months, uh, individual months or over a period of time. You can break down into any kind of statistic you want. And I, um, had reached out to Andrea
Hubs, who does the Sim County TNBR, the nonprofit group that that prior to Simon County adopting the T their own TNBR program. Um, and I apologize. I got the information from her late yesterday, and I will share it electronically with the board um, and send it to Al to be put
into the public record. Um they've been doing awesome stuff outside of animal services and they continue to get phone calls um about the the you know feral cat population and working towards keeping keeping feral cats >> community cats >> community cats sorry I got I got slapped
one time so you are correct they are they are not >> we did we did launch uh the uh workers cap program you want to talk about that Al since we're talking about TMBR real popular. >> Oh, absolutely. The working cat program,
I'm pretty sure most people have heard about it. Just more of those in between cats that that are not quite adoptable but not quite feral. Um, we've come up with the working cat program where they can go into like warehouses, green houses, nurseries, um um and just let
them live out their life that way. >> It's called the barn cat program a while back, but >> yeah, we changed it to a pork and cat. >> Little bit more flexible in activities. than just the barn. >> I I have a question because we're interested in maybe a
couple of cats at our barn where we keep the horses. Are they you successful in the cats staying there, not leaving? We've tried young cats and we keep them in the tack room for six weeks and feed them and make them our best friend and
then they're gone. Well, so far we haven't had anybody say anything negative about the cats running away or um long as you do what's required. I think you know get them acclimated to the area first. So just don't let them go as soon as you get to the property. Of course you just get them acclimated. >> Um so we haven't had any negative
negative feedback since we've started >> which we haven't been doing that long. >> Quite a bit of positive feedback in fact that the cats have stayed. In fact we've even we have a a couple staff members that have taken cats home. Yes. I learned a little bit more about cats and
the working cat program. And apparently, um, female cats, uh, handle your mice population a little bit better. I guess we're lazy than men cats. I don't know. But so I've learned quite a bit about working cats. So depending on what you
want the cats for, you may want to look at the specific type of >> cats to take care of the rats. And we think we'd like two >> so they have a friend. >> You don't have the thing very long. Just call us. >> We got four. >> We do them in pairs.
>> Yeah. Okay. Any other comments? All right. Um non-aggenda part public participation. >> Yes, we do have a public commentary for the non-aggenda item. So, um, our
speaker is Carla Wilson and she is representing the humane world for animals. So, good evening. Um, I'm here today representing Humane World for Animals, formerly the Humane Society of the United States. And I'd like to talk to you about cat declawing.
Imagine for a moment that to prevent you from typing too loudly or scratching on a piece of furniture, that a surgeon amputated your fingers at the last knuckle. Every time you walked, grabbed a door handle, or tried to balance, you felt
the jagged edge of bone against your nerve endings. This is not a scene from a horror movie. This is what happens to cats in our community every day under the guise of a simple nail trim. Decline is not a manicure. It's a series
of 10 to 18 painful, unnecessary amputations. Um, and I'm here tonight because um I would like to see um this humane procedure um banned within Simol County.
It's time to treat our feline residents with compassion and prioritize their welfare over human convenience. Many people are under the misconception that declawing only removes the nail. The reality is veterinarians surgically
remove the last bone of each toe. According to the main society, this is the equivalent of cutting off a human finger at the knuckle. This surgery has high rates of complications including excruciating acute pain, chronic pain, infection, and
tissue necrosis. Necrosis where the tissue dies because the cats um because the cats are diggrades, meaning they walk on their toes. Removing these bones fundamentally
change how they walk, often leading to chronic back pain and arthritis as they compensate for their missing digits. When a cat is declawed, they they lose their primary defense mechanism, leaving them vulnerable if they were to escape
outdoors. Furthermore, the pain and trauma often lead to severe behavioral issues. Studies show that delawed cats are more likely to develop litter box aversion because the litter hurts their amputated paws, leading them to soil homes,
furniture, and furniture, the very thing the guardians were trying to avoid. Additionally, because they can no longer scratch or defend themselves, they may become nervous biters out of fear. Ironically, these behavioral issues, the
biting and litter box accidents are among the top reasons cats are surrendered to shelters. By allowing declawing, we are actually creating more unadoptable pets. We are not alone in this fight. The world is recognizing that declawing is
inhumane. It is already banned in over 40 countries, including Australia, New Zealand, and most of Europe. In the United States, momentum is growing and as of 25 and 26, several states including New York, Maryland,
Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Virginia, and California have passed statewide bans on decline along with Washington and DC. Uh including furthermore, major cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Pittsburgh, and Austin have
their own bands and our neighboring Valuchia County. And other big um another big pet operator, the NVA general practice um which is kind of like the VCA um that governs governs over vet clinics uh
banned the procedure most recently and they operate uh several vets throughout the country. So, I called every veterinarian office in Semino County and 23 um vets did not declaw. Six of them did.
And when I made these phone calls, it was uh somewhat it was like I was bringing up something taboo, their response to me almost like I was asking um does your clinic participate in dog
fighting? you know, it was um the response was one of them even said to me um you're going to find it difficult to find anyone in the state who does the procedure because of cruelty. Um
so I think it's time um for our community, Simol County has done so many great things for animals to join this civilized and compassionate movement. Let us uh be the place um that continues on with the great animal welfare practices um and procedures that we put
into place um and choose the welfare and safety um of our cats over a sofa. And I'd like to see this added as an agenda item uh for the June meeting
um for discussion and um to maybe look into how other cities um including Valuchia County um have adopted the ban on declaw. >> I'm sorry. >> And that's my ask. I just had one side note
that has nothing to do with this for Miss Laney. >> Yeah. Hi. >> Hi. You had said you had ties to Toyota. >> I do. Well, I did. >> Is that Mr. Toyota, >> the Bull Terrier? >> Uh, no. That So, I I have a background
with JM Family. Okay. So, JM Family is Southeast Toyota. Southeast Toyota distributes all the new Toyotas to all of the dealers in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Alabama. >> Okay. >> Mr. Toyota is Toyota of Orlando and
Toyota of Claremont's dog that used to be used in their advertising. Okay. >> So, >> it's six degrees of separation that I would know about. >> Awesome. >> Bull terriers met that bull terrier. >> Yeah. I've met the dealer who uses him.
So, >> he's like trooper. >> Oh, yeah. >> The dog troopers the past. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> And welcome. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. So I would like to see this added to an would we have enough time to get this into the current revision of the ordinance if we bring it?
>> Yes. So we're not bringing these ordin we'll bring these ordinances back with the adjustments that were recommended >> um at the next meeting which is in June. Uh we plan to based on the decisions of
that animal control board meeting plan to bring a public hearing to the board of county commissioners in July. It probably will be the second meeting in July. Uh just be because um we we were slated for July 14th, but we may need a
little additional time. But um >> would that allow you enough time before the June meeting to to bring forward the language to >> if you all there's been no motion yet. So y'all need to make a motion and tell us what to do. >> Do do we have does this board have the
authority to to say to a clinic you cannot do that? Uh we >> the board can pass. May I? No, the board could certainly >> Well, this board is an advisory board. So, you can certainly um make a motion
and and have me do the work and vote on something and then Allan would then take it to the board of county commissioners. >> They have the >> they could pass an ordinance that bans decline in the county. Yes, there is no state statute that prohibits that and
there are other jurisdictions that currently have that. Um, and they're still pending laws. They haven't been challenged and overturned yet. >> Okay. >> So, yes, the the board of county commissioners could do that. Um, and and you guys are a part of that process. >> Okay.
>> So, do we have a motion to ask? >> I have a question about decline and maybe you would know more about this. Aren't there two way and I don't know a whole lot about declawing um but are there two ways to decline? I know that there's a surgical knuckle way and then
I was under the impression that there was a laser. >> So there's two method and unfortunately Dr. Vince is not here. Um >> I just so before we pass a motion like we >> so it's it's all the same thing. Um yeah I get it. the the the cat claw is like
physically attached to the bone and they they they basically deto them, you know, that that that that digit gets removed. Whether it's done with a a scalper or a laser is the methodology. It's still both the same. The digit is is is removed and it it still >> So that's the only way that they can
declaw a cat is by removing. >> Yeah. It's it's it's it's like a fingernail where you can pull it off and just have this I know people had fingernails lost where you went up your skin. >> You can't do that. their their physiology is not there from what I understand.
>> I'm not I'm not a vet so I can't >> Well, you'll know I know you'll know Declaw at the at the vet clinic. So, >> no, we don't. You're highly up against it. >> Spain safe. >> Oh, okay. >> Pet alliance does not decl.
>> Yeah, most most veterinaries medicine doesn't do that anymore. >> Well, yeah. Like Carlo said, six, only six out of 23 would >> and I really, you know, don't see that being a a suggested. >> It's almost like it's getting further further away. >> Yeah.
>> And my my if I could interpose my understanding of um a big chunk of these types of ordinances is there is a exception for if the vet thinks it's medically necessary, >> whatever that would be, I don't know. But >> yeah, if if an animal has a a toe cancer or something where they need to have a medical Yes. And that's usually
exclusions are put in there that says if if a veterary determines it is medically necessary for the the welfare of the cat. Yes, that would be so >> and sorry we already ran long. Um >> so I would like to make a motion that we
>> Oh, sorry. I'll make a motion that we ask our legal representative and >> so as the chairman again, you're looking for a motion. >> I'm looking for I'm sorry. I'm looking for a motion to ask animal services. >> I'm trying to make a determent. I don't try my hardest. >> No, I I I appreciate you.
>> I can't I can't make a motion. We have to ask for permission. Yes. Thank you. Keep keeping it Yeah. Keeping it legal and honest. >> Let's try it. Try it. >> So, I would like to make a motion. So, we have a motion. Second. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Thank you all so much. >> All right. So I just want to make sure that we uh understand very clearly then
the this will be prohibit prohibiting elective declawing uh unless medically necessary procedures are required by the veterinarian. >> Correct. >> Perfect. >> All right. So our next item
uh the meeting agenda has everyone had opportunity to look at the the dates. Do they work for everyone? I know we don't all calendar in front of us, but can we accept those as the next potential meeting dates and if needed be we can realign it like we had to do here today because of room availability or people availability
>> right June that should be >> so it looks like we've shifted to the first Thursday of the month is that >> wow so so just so everyone is aware of what has happened is um code enforcement has shifted their meeting date meeting
times not their date but their meeting times they always met on the same that we did, but they have shifted their meeting time back an hour. So, it was either we shift our dates to a different week or our meetings are shifted back to
at the earliest 7:00 p.m. >> And code enforcement could easily blow through 700 p.m. Correct. Go even further into that. >> Correct. So, as an added precaution, we just shifted the date out to the first Thursday of every month.
>> Thank you for catching that. I didn't I didn't even acknowledge that. So, do those dates work tentatively for everyone and we can adjust them as needed for quorum and or scheduling opportunities? >> Yes. >> All in fa uh make a motion to accept. >> I second. >> All in favor?
>> I motion to adjurnn. >> Second. All in favor. Have a great night everyone. Thank you so much.