Building a TNR Community

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Elfreda Benson
5 years ago
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Building a TNR Community THE UNLIKELY STORY OF AN

Background 15 years experience in the animal services

I ve worked in Dallas as an ACO, Field Supervisor and

Houston as the Administration Manager (3 years).

1 Building a TNR Community THE UNLIKELY STORY OF AN ANIMAL CARE ORGANIZATION IN SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS Background 15 years experience in the animal services industry. I started in I ve worked in Dallas as an ACO, Field Supervisor and Chief Animal Cruelty Investigator (6 years). Houston as the Administration Manager (3 years). ACS as the Assistant Director. (6 years)! Pictures of Dallas, Houston and San Antonio Downtown October 23 26,

2 For years our San Antonio impounded 40,000 to 50,000 animals a year Making us the national poster child for municipal shelters, without a clue October 23 26,

Agenda How we built the San Antonio program? The ACO Mentality. What is it? How to create a relationship that is mutually beneficial. Talk about the effectiveness and ineffectiveness of citations.

3 Agenda How we built the San Antonio program? The ACO Mentality. What is it? How to create a relationship that is mutually beneficial. Talk about the effectiveness and ineffectiveness of citations. Talk about why ACOs seem to prefer euthanasia over saving an animal s life. Human Investment we should all make. Gaining the confidence of public officials Building a Cat Intake/Outcome Program October 23 26,

Tools of our Trade Collaboration with Partners Staff Community Integration of Partners Staff Community Standardization of Process Policies

4 Tools of our Trade Collaboration with Partners Staff Community Integration of Partners Staff Community Standardization of Process Policies Training FFacilitation Citizen Action Shelter Space Proven Solution Building the program We started during the grant process. October 23 26,

5 Building the Program We made whatever changes we needed to make to get the grant because we wanted the program. Building the program Building our program was secondary to building relationships with key players. We have each other s back. We broadened our focus from TNR to our overall cat live release program. This created many exciting possibilities like using our coordinator s expertise to rearrange and reconstruct our cat housing areas, working hand in hand with our CCP on more complex cat issues in the community. October 23 26,

6 Ordinances Sec Animal nuisances. The owner or keeper of any animal in the city is responsible for the behavior and conduct of that animal at all times including the creation of a public nuisance. Violations of the following acts or omissions are public nuisances: (a)the owner or keeper shall keep the animal (except cats) restrained at all times and insure that the animal (except cats) does not roam or run at large at will; Sec Outdoor cats. All outdoor cats must be spayed or neutered. Addressing Public Concerns 1. Officers are trained on correct responses to citizen concerns 2. We created a standard letter for organizations and citizens describing our program. 3. Set the expectation with the community that they are responsible too. 4. Appeal to people common sense. We equate outdoor cats to other outdoor, free roaming animals living in our community. We ask them to practice peaceful coexistence. October 23 26,

7 Clearing a Path to Success 1. Moved the big rocks out of our coordinator s way. 2. Addressed staff naysayers issues issues. 3. Sweat equity (retrofitting the cat holding area and the van.) 4. Daily check ins. 5. Treating the BFAS staff members as coworkers and colleagues. 6. Relying on BFAS staff expertise to build a robust cat live release program. Penetrating the ACO Mentality Must be done from the inside out. You need an insider. Develop healthy relationships with the enforcement leadership. Take the time to listen, understand and the laws, policies and political constraint officers are working under. October 23 26,

8 ACO Mentality-Cat handling issues 1. The infamous pen/pencil test. The test equates the aggressive behavior of a scared, caged animal to one that is a danger to the public. The cat is only doing what any one of us would do. 2. Catchpoles are used as an expedient way to keep the animal at a distance. A net or transfer cage is safer for all parties, humane and reduces the stress of all parties. It requires training. 3. Most animal handling issues are a result of fear. We fear what we don t understand. They is why training staff in best animal handling practices is crucial. Penetrating the ACO Mentality Be transparent about what TNR is. 1. TNR is a tool to address most, not all, outdoor cat issues. 2. TNR/SNR only refers to those that are practicing it. Those allowing cats to procreate indiscriminately are not part of the club. 3. TNR does not protect hoarders or cats that are a public health or safety concern from enforcement. 4. TNR practitioners are responsible for leading the process of implementing alternative solutions. (Examples: Deterrents, surrendering biting cats, educating neighborhood associations) 5. TNR is not a zero sum solution. A robust program is one that balances both community concerns and live release possibilities. October 23 26,

9 Penetrating the ACO Mentality Response VS. Solution Citizens are conditioned to expect a response, when what they really want is a solution. The subject matter expert usually determines the solution. (Doctors, plumbers, Police, Fire etc ) Too often ACOs respond to citizen complaints and take actions that doesn t address the problem. For example Penetrating the ACO Mentality Case Studies No one is obligated to accept a solution, if they are not provided specific, credible information. Walk officers through how TNR is practiced and give specific examples. Find neighbors who have seen the cat population stabilize and nuisance complaints significantly decrease. October 23 26,

Brief Case Study of Vincent s Neighborhood This is a text message I received last week from one of my neighbors. My subdivision had approximately 30 cats/ kittens in 2011.

10 Brief Case Study of Vincent s Neighborhood This is a text message I received last week from one of my neighbors. My subdivision had approximately 30 cats/ kittens in I live in a BF zip code I decided to be the TNR coordinator for my neighbors because I love trapping and believe the cats are part of my community. I initially trapped 30 cats/kittens. I do periodic survey and receive text message from neighbors if a new cat comes into our subdivision. We now have a stable, mature community of cats that aren t dying of health and immaturity issues and know how where to hide from mean people and other predators Issuing Citations 1. A citation is a tool intended to compel compliance from the alleged violator. 2. For most animal code violations, a criminal citation is not appropriate because it often criminalizes non criminal behavior. 3. Some states, Texas included, have opted to grant ACOs the authority to issue civil citations. 4. In San Antonio, we have a process that directs citizens to use the dispute/mediation services and stay out of the court. October 23 26,

11 Citation Purgatory Citation is issued and sent to the court Officer reports to their chain of command The Chain of command considers the job done Case and issues are frozen in time until they are adjudicated. Why Do Officers Support Euthanasia? We ve been conditioned to believe we are protecting the public from vicious animals (Ex. The pen test, rabies vaccination laws, ignorance. The world of animal control is a different world, so we experience it like a child does for the first time. Euthanasia is easier to accept, because it seems like an accepted practice. Those presenting alternative are people we view as our most brutal and vulgar critics. (Be aware of how you are perceived) October 23 26,

12 ACOs Highest Calling Protecting the Public and Animals If an Animal Law Enforcement Agency received a report of someone killing animals, that organization would investigate, charge and prosecute that person. What is more basic and central to the duties of an Animal Control Officer than protecting animals from being killed? Our society and culture is in a constant state of progression (Clothes, shoes, music, cars, values). Why are Animal Control Officers defending and practicing antiquated, archaic practice? Bridging the Mentality Gap With ACOs Transparency. BFAS Coordinator and teamed up and took on all questions. We also met with and trained the officers on TNR. We thanked them constantly. We addressed their concerns immediately. With Animal Welfare groups 100% support and buy in. The BFAS Coordinator knew from day one that, the department had her back, professionally and personally. (van, cat area, other issues) We follow through on everything that we promised We allow our coordinator to teach and recommend process changes and vice versa. We strike a balance between what is best for the community and the cat. One without the other sets up one to be the loser October 23 26,

13 Building a person There once was a little boy Creating Lasting Relationships We are all shaped by our experience. October 23 26,

14 How was I built? I am the beneficiary of great mentors, friends and co workers. Who were these people? 1. Veterinarians 2. Fellow animal control officers 3. Private Animal welfare advocates 4. Citizens 5. Great bosses Who did I learn from and what did I learn? What were her skills? 1. Wildlife rehabor. 2. Worked independently 3. Independent thinker 4. Friend Nicole Connors, ACO What did I learn? 1. Be more than just an officer. 2. Become my own person as an ACO 3. Be a visionary 4. Make friends with interesting people October 23 26,

15 Who did I learn from and what did I learn? What were her skills? 1. Animal handling 2. Humane euthanasia 3. Holding shelter staff accountable, namely me. 4. Training staff in best practices Leslie Sinclair, DVM What did I learn? 1. No more poles. Use a net or protected hands. 2. Stop the needless suffering. 3. Staff must learn and held accountable for integrating these techniques in their work 4. Be an example and advocate for best practices Who did I learn from and what did I learn? Kent Robertson, Mentor/Boss What were her skills? 1. Highly evolved ACO. 2. Active nationally as an animal welfare advocate. 3. Crisis management. 4. Creating collaborative partnerships. What did I learn? 1. Open myself to industry evolution. 2. Be a global civil servant. 3. Whether or not they love animals, employee must behave as if they do. 4. Animal control and animal welfare are two sides of the same coin. October 23 26,

16 Who did I learn from and what did I learn? Rebecca Kornblum, TNR/Cat expert What were her skills? 1. Large unhealthy cat impoundments 2. TNR 3. Caring for large numbers of cats on property 4. Treating cats as individual 5. Socializing feral cats What did I learn? 1. How to handle hoarding cases without mass euthanasia. 2. The benefits of TNR, first hand. 3. I realized the error in my all cats, one solution mentality. 4. Truly connecting with an unsocialized cat. Who did I learn from and what did I learn? Bethany Heins, ACS cat expert What were her skills? 1. Holistic approach to cats. 2. Creating urgency. 3. Single minded courage. 4. Cluttered house acrobat. What did I learn? 1. TNR is only a part of a comprehensive cat program. 2. Government has one speed, saving lives has another. 3. The power of two. 4. How much our work inspires October 23 26,

17 A People Powered Progarm TNR is an effective strategy, but strategies don t execute themselves A People Powered Program People do October 23 26,

Know them in advance, if humanly possible. 4. Be transparent 5.

18 Gaining the Confidence of Public Officials Gaining the Confidence of Public Officials- Meet with them 1. Give the 35,000 ft view. Their time is limited. 2. Listen more than you talk. 3. Make sure they know you understand their concerns. Know them in advance, if humanly possible. 4. Be transparent 5. Be ultra responsive to their constituent and personal concerns and complaints. October 23 26,

Gaining the Confidence of Public Officials- Be Responsive to Constituents 1. Create a process and a policy to address citizens who complain to the council. 2.

Gaining the Confidence of Public Officials- Work Directly with Staff Members 1. Speak with and treat staff as a member of your team. 2.

19 Gaining the Confidence of Public Officials- Be Responsive to Constituents 1. Create a process and a policy to address citizens who complain to the council. 2. Handle every frequent flyer. 3. Appoint a staff member as a POC. 4. Work directly with the constituent 5. Report back to the council member and the constituent. Gaining the Confidence of Public Officials- Work Directly with Staff Members 1. Speak with and treat staff as a member of your team. 2. Once you have a process establish, hold them accountable for adhering to the process. 3. Visit the field office occasionally to meet veteran and new staff. 4. Invite staff to ride along with officers October 23 26,

Gaining the Confidence of Public Officials- Seek Advocates Amongst the Council 1. A council members support is worth its weight in platinum. 2.

20 Gaining the Confidence of Public Officials- Report Progress Regularly 1. The report should be simple and only contain the essentials. 2. Give council offices something positive to report to constituents. 3. Respond to follow up questions asap. Gaining the Confidence of Public Officials- Seek Advocates Amongst the Council 1. A council members support is worth its weight in platinum. 2. Make it a point to listen when they speak on the TV, radio and at council meetings. 3. If all are agreeable, set up a press conference and other media opportunities. 4. If they have outdoor cats around their field office, talk to them about TNR. October 23 26,

If you don t write your story, someone else will. 3. Public Officials like to be in control of how they are viewed publicly.

21 Gaining the Confidence of Public Officials- Avoid Negative Media 1. Negative media is like radiation to a public official. The more you have, the further away they ll want to get from you. 2. Initiate a positive PR campaign that highlights your agencies good works. If you don t write your story, someone else will. 3. Public Officials like to be in control of how they are viewed publicly. The degree to which your organization is publicly viable, is proportionate to how much support they give your organization. Program Benefits At one point our dog and cat problems rivaled each other in enforcement focus October 23 26,

challenges Stray Animal Control Live Release Controlling the Stray Population Trap, Neuter and Return (TNR)

22 Program Benefits Since we have implemented the TNR program ACS Strategic Priorities 44 Enforcement Enhanced Enforcement Faster response to priority calls Better enforcement of existing codes New codes to address current challenges Stray Animal Control Live Release Controlling the Stray Population Trap, Neuter and Return (TNR) Spay/Neuter Partners Increasing the Live Release Rate High Volume Pet Partner Adoption, Rescue, Return to Owner October 23 26,

23 Law Enforcement District Attorney (DA s) Federal burial of investigations (FBI) Bexar County Sheriffs Department (Bexar Co.) Department of Public Safety (DPS ) Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (Game Warden) October 23 26,

24 ACS Performance Measures for Enhanced Enforcement Enhanced Enforcement 31,000 Impoundments 6,000 Citations/Warnings Issued 95% of Bite Cases Investigated 80% of Dangerous Dog Designations Upheld 80% of Serious Bodily Injury petitions Upheld 85% of Service Level Agreements Met 100% success rate on animal cruelty seizures 90% (+) conviction rate for misdemeanor and felony criminal prosecution Contact information City of San Antonio 4710 State Hwy 151 San Antonio, Texas October 23 26,

Summary of Feral Cat Ordinance. Process

Summary of Feral Cat Ordinance Six Public Meetings November 29, 2011 December 10, 2011 December 15, 2011 January 12, 2012 January 19, 2012 Process Plus dissemination of e-mail address for citizen input: