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08-07-2018 Animal Welfare Committee Meeting MinutesAnimal Welfare Committee August 7, 2018 Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors Animal Welfare Committee Tuesday, August 7, 2018 Meeting VIRGINIA: The Animal Welfare Committee of the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors was held on Tuesday, August 7, 2018, in the Main Conference Room of the County Administration Building in Chatham, Virginia 24531. Elton W. Blackstock, Chair, called the Meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. The following Members were present: Dr. Charles H. Miller, Jr. Ben L. Farmer The following Board of Supervisors Members were also present: Ronald S. Scearce Board of Supervisor’s Chairman, Robert W. Warren, joined the meeting at 3:06 PM. Mr. David M. Smitherman, County Administrator and Clerk of the Board; Mr. J. Vaden Hunt Esq., County Attorney; Mr. Greg L. Sides, Assistant County Administrator for Planning & Administration; Mr. Richard N. Hicks, Assistant County Administrator for Operations; Mrs. Kaylyn M. McCluster, Deputy Clerk; Ms. Susan Dillon, Animal Control Officer; and Makenna Yarbrough, Executive Director, Lynchburg Humane Society, were also present. Approval of Agenda Motion was made by Dr. Miller, seconded by Mr. Farmer, to approve the Agenda, which was unanimously approved by the Committee. New Business Potential Operating Cost Reductions for Pet Center: Mr. Smitherman began by stating that the Board instructed Staff to look at making sure things are being run as efficiently as possible, how to possibly save money, and also how fundraising can be improved. One item Smitherman mentioned was whether or not the County should get out of the spay and neuter business, which cost $39,610 last year. The alternative to that, which is also a negative, is that the adopter will be responsible for the spay and neuter and it would fall back on Ms. Dillon with Animal Control, to go around the County to make sure the adopters have complied with that responsibility. Ms. Yarbrough mentioned a possibility that was discussed was to reduce the adoption fee and use a voucher system for spay and neuter, in hopes that the reduced cost would prompt the adopters to get the procedure done. Mr. Smitherman stated to do the voucher system, the County would have to enter into a relationship with every veterinarian in the County to buy into that system. Ms. Yarbrough even mentioned veterinarians in Danville and Campbell County as well. This would include a pre-negotiated fee to so the spay/neuter after being adopted. Ms. Yarbrough stated that she believed there were better ways to reduce costs and generate donations to help support the Pet Center. The Pet Center receives only five percent (5%) of its operating budget through donations, compared to the other centers which are thirty-six percent (36%) and the other is eighteen Animal Welfare Committee August 7, 2018 percent (18%). Mr. Smitherman stated that one possibility is to limit intake to County residents only, and reduce the days open at the Pet Center. One day open costs $13,500 annually. Right now, the Pet Center is closed on Mondays, and if they were to change that to being closed two (2) days per week, it would save $27,000 annually. Mr. Farmer asked about putting a limit on the animal amounts, and if that amount were reached, to do a reduced adoption rate. Ms. Yarbrough stated they are already doing that and they offer Free Cat Fridays often to try to reduce the number of animals at the Pet Center. Mr. Smitherman stated that inmates could come in at 8:00 am and clean for four (4) hours to reduce Pet Center staff costs. Ms. Yarbrough was open to this discussion. Mr. Smitherman also stated that the Pet Center could be able to reduce the phone costs and would save around $4,000 per year on phone service. Mr. Smitherman mentioned trying to reduce animal control intake. Ms. Yarbrough stated that from January 2018 - August 1, 2018, the ACO intake numbers were fifty-one (51) stray cats, two hundred fifty-three (253) stray dogs, seventy-seven (77) owned cats, which included sixty-three (63) from one (1) home alone, and eighty-one (81) owned dogs. The “owned animals” term refers to owner surrender. Ms. Yarbrough suggested a microchipping clinic as well, which would help the owners to have identification for their pets. There is a grant for microchipping that may be available. Mr. Smitherman stated that a big cost is in medical costs. There is $176,000 in medical costs at the Pet Center. Mr. Warren asked about the intake and asked if there were any data that would reflect which District has more animals coming in. Ms. Yarbrough stated that they can pull the addresses and look those Districts up by zip code and would help to narrow that down by District. Mr. Warren also stated that when looking at those numbers, it is possible that they are receiving animals from neighboring Counties, because the Pet Center is considered a “no kill” shelter. Mr. Blackstock asked why they were accepting animals from other Counties, and Ms. Yarbrough stated that they would always take the best interest of the animal into consideration and in the instances when they take in out of county animals, it is because they fear the animals are in danger. Mr. Farmer asked if out of County owner surrenders could be charged more, and Ms. Yarbrough felt that was a great suggestion. That way the Pet Center could still take the animal in, but the owner would have to pay. Ms. Yarbrough also stated that the veterinarian bills could be higher, but they work with their veterinarian in Lynchburg and transport a lot of their pets there for medical procedures, because they will do those procedures for free for the Pet Center. Mr. Blackstock stated that the cost for the County to run the shelter is around $740,000; so even with the Pet Center needing more money, it is still a lot less than the cost of the County having to operate the shelter on its own. Fundraising Opportunities: Ms. Yarbrough stated that they had a recent matching donation drive that started July 1. They raised $11,557 in one (1) months’ time in this community, which totaled $16,557, with the $5,000 match. Blackstock stated how easy the drive was being that you could just click and enter in debit card information and the donation was there. Some fundraising ideas include a thrift store, asking for corporate sponsorships, sponsorships for the Dog Park, a donation box at the Dog Park for travelers that may stop while passing through, dog training options, calendars, County licensing being sold at the Pet Center, golf tournaments, dinner with specific speakers, and possibly going out into the public and taking some of the puppies to adopt. Ms. Jordan Kee asked to speak and Mr. Blackstock granted her permission. Ms. Kee stated that the Pet Center is doing things well, but there is a lot of room for improvement. She began to address her concerns and Mr. Blackstock stated that he had spoken with her previously and he did not want to open the floor up to complaints, and he felt that everyone in the room only wants what is best for the pets. He stated the huge strides the County has made in two (2) years and suggested that everyone be open minded, put personalities aside, and work together to make the Pet Center the best that it can be. Mr. Blackstock also stated his appreciation to Ms. Kee for Animal Welfare Committee August 7, 2018 her time and efforts, and the time and efforts of all the volunteers. Mr. Warren echoed Mr. Blackstock’s comments, and stated that there is always room for improvement, but does not want the pro-pet groups to be divided and for all to keep the common goal in mind of what is best for the pets. Adjournment Mr. Blackstock adjourned the Meeting at 4:17 PM.