CITY OF COLUMBIA Blue Ribbon Animal Committee

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Candice Young
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1 CITY OF COLUMBIA Blue Ribbon Animal Committee December 30, 2015 Mayor Steve Benjamin Members of Columbia City Council PO Box 147 Columbia, SC Dear Mayor and Members of Columbia City Council: The members of the City of Columbia s Blue Ribbon Animal Committee appreciate your commitment to a no kill community. We are honored that City Council appointed us to prepare recommendations on how the City of Columbia and Richland County can become a no kill community. After much thought and deliberation, we present these recommendations to you. We hope that the City of Columbia will quickly move forward to truly demonstrate your commitment to make our community no kill. Thank you again for the opportunity to serve you in this capacity. Sincerely, Anne Sinclair, Chair Wayne Brennessel, Executive Director, Humane Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Carlynn Cary Donna Casamento, Board Member, SC Animal Care and Control Association Mary Denis Cauthen, Member, Columbia/Richland Animal Services Advisory Committee & Board Member, Humane Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Heather Clarkson Phil Dematteis Robin Ebert, Rescue Volunteer, Former HEART Director, Pawmetto Lifeline Nicole Howland, Co-founder, Heartworm Project Ann Jones, Animal Rescue Carolina Jim Mayfield, Humane Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Deloris Mungo, Board Member, Pawmetto Lifeline Pat Peters, Feral Cat Solutions of Chapin, Inc. Jon Sears, Board Member, Humane Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Animal Mission Jan Shaw, M.S., LMT Holly Wagner, Richland County Sheriff s Office Dr. Tracy Wales, Four Paws Animal Clinic Dr. Nori Warren, Four Paws Animal Clinic Denise Wilkinson, Executive Director, Pawmetto Lifeline

2 CITY OF COLUMBIA Recommendations from the Blue Ribbon Animal Committee December 30, 2015 Reducing the number of animals euthanized in our community depends on the collaboration of the City of Columbia, Richland County, not-for-profit organizations, veterinary community, and individuals who support the effort with their time, expertise and financial gifts. Each plays a significant role in establishing a no-kill community. To establish the framework of a plan, Columbia City Council appointed the Blue Ribbon Animal Committee (BRAC) on August 18, This group represented organizations and individuals committed to being part of the solution with the understanding that no one organization can respond to our community s needs. During the fall, this committee met three times to methodically explore approaches and to bring their unique perspective to the discussion. The goals and strategies outlined below have two major themes: reduce the number of animals placed in the City s shelter and increase the number of animals released alive. Several key statistics guided the work of the committee: While the number of animals placed in the shelter and the number euthanized has steadily decreased annually (euthanasia down 18% on average and intake down 7% on average), a review of ordinances and policies and procedures coupled with additional financial resources are needed to become a no-kill community % of the animals placed in the City shelter are from Richland County. For FY14-15, 52% of the animals placed in the shelter were dogs and 46% were cats. Pit bulls and pit bull mixes are 12% of the animals placed in the shelter but 84% of them are euthanized. Pit bulls and pit bull mixes are 18% of the total animals euthanized. Over the last five years, intake has decreased by 31% and euthanasia has decreased by 51% overall. Achieving the goal of becoming a no-kill community depends on two key factors: 1) Richland County authorizing mirror ordinances to the City of Columbia as approximately 70% of the animals are from the county and 2) funding for the City of Columbia Animal Shelter for the additional staff and resources outlined below. While animal-related groups will continue to be active toward this goal, the two governments are essential to eventual success. Highlights of the Recommendations 1

3 Format: The format for these recommendations is to outline the goal, the strategies and the objectives related to that strategy. After each goal, we have included the potential financial costs related to our recommendations. Additional staffing needs: Many of the recommendations include the need for additional staff for enhanced roles within the shelter. These recommendations are not intended to state that we are recommending one staff person per function as we recognize that one person can be responsible for more than one function. Increased collaboration with local private veterinarians: Within several of the goals, we suggest strengthening the relationship with private veterinarians to expand the reach of key programs of spay/neutering, microchipping and licensing. We recommend an approach that will compensate veterinarians for their providing low-cost services and the administration of the licensing program. Mandatory spay/neutering of pit bulls and pit bull mixes: The Staffordshire Terrier and the resulting mixed breeds are the most loved and unfortunately, the most reviled animals in our community and in our country. While they are clearly wonderful pets, in many situations, they have been trained to be vicious and to fight other dogs (consequently the name pit bulls). People who care deeply about these dogs recognize that shelters across our nation and in our own community struggle to find homes for these wonderful pets. While the number of dog bites by a pit bull is far less than the Dachshund, the damage the pit bulls/pit bull mixes can do is much greater and often times results in negative media coverage. The negative press on the few that do bite has harmed the reputation of the majority and make it very difficult to adopt this breed. Insurance companies are also requiring special policies for these breeds and many apartment complexes will not even allow them as residents. Sadly, 84% of the pit bulls and pit bull mixes are euthanized in our shelter for lack of a home. Both the City of Columbia Shelter, Pawmetto Lifeline, other shelters and rescue groups struggle to find homes for these unwanted dogs with limited success. Across the country, there is a growing movement to reduce reproduction through mandatory spay/neutering in an effort to protect the breed. This breed is dying at a rate 600 times higher than any other breed. The wisest approach is to create a balance between the supply and demand for pit bulls/pit bull mixes. We recommend this approach so that these wonderful dogs are able to find homes with caring companions instead of being routinely killed in our shelter. On average 12% of the dogs in our local shelters are pit bulls/pit bull mixes. If the City s goal is to limit spending on animal control and care, then proven programs must be funded and implemented that get to the root of the problem. Here are two recent local examples of the impact of a pit bull that is not altered. In 2015, a woman that owned a pit bull in Charleston had her arm ripped off by her pit bull and a 26 year old woman in the Upstate was killed by her pit bull this summer. Neither dog was altered. Unaltered dogs are more aggressive and territorial. Pit bulls/pit bull mixes are powerful animals and they should never be tethered, but should always be altered and licensed. This will deter the irresponsible dog owner from having them for the wrong reasons. Dog fighters and breeders do not want altered dogs. T-N-R (Trap-Neuter-Release): The only way to create a balance with community cats is to institute a community-wide cat ordinance based on best practices. Community cat programs have proven to reduce cat euthanasia through the stabilization of cat colonies. Currently in our local municipal shelter, 73% of all cats are being euthanized; the only way to combat this issue and drive down cost in our shelters is to implement Trap Neuter Release. TNR is the only humane and effective way to control community cat populations. Each time cats are removed from a colony, the population will rebound through a natural phenomenon known as the vacuum effect, drawing the community into a costly, endless cycle of trapping and killing (source: Alley Cat Allies). Locally, the City of Spartanburg worked with their local 2

4 cat rescue groups and individuals who were providing T-N-R. In late 2012, they began this organized program and the number of cats placed in the shelter and the number of cats euthanized dramatically decreased. Currently, the City Animal Shelter has an informal TNR program when people approach the City. However, formalizing this process with an ordinance will result in fewer cats euthanized. Increasing the limit of the number of dogs allowed in each household: While the City of Columbia has had a two-dog limit for decades, most cities and counties in our state and in our neighboring states either have a much higher limit or no limit at all. The concerns of barking, unclean yards, etc. are not borne out in these communities. Clearly, even having one dog may create a barking nuisance for a neighborhood! We are recommending that the city increase the number of dogs per household to five. Currently, Richland County and Lexington County do not have a dog limit. By increasing the limit, more people will be able to serve as foster homes, more animals can be adopted, and fewer animals will be needlessly euthanized. Most families that have a multitude of pets are responsible pet owners. Their pets are altered so they are not reproducing. Many City residents have more than 2 pets but they are registering their pets in other zip codes with family and friends or NOT registering them at all. By allowing them to have five dogs, they will be more likely to register them and take them to annual wellness visits with local veterinarians. In return more funds will be generated for the City through the pet licensing program to help support the low income families who have pets that need to be altered, micro-chipped and vaccinated. Banning unattended tethering: It is a proven fact that tethered dogs are more aggressive dogs. The chaining of an animal creates a natural territorial tendency and is not a healthy or safe way for an animal to live. Many communities are outlawing tethering altogether as the compromise to limit tethering to a certain amount of hours in a day is difficult to manage and enforce. Dogs that are tethered also lack proper socialization leading to more and more behavioral problems. This creates a cyclical effect as people are more likely to chain or tether a problematic dog versus one who is well-behaved. The only way to address this issue is by banning the use of chains and tethers as a means of unattended containment. Alternatives such as fencing (electric, chain-link, privacy, etc.) and encouraging owners to keep their dogs inside when possible should be strongly encouraged and supported. Regular review of the City of Columbia Shelter s policies and procedures: While there is no one-sizefits-all approach to public shelter policies and procedures, there are best practices that can enhance the well-being of animals and increase the likelihood of their adoption. Currently, the City Shelter follows policies and procedures based on city ordinances and best practices from nationally recognized organizations and veterinary schools. However, we recommend a small committee in conjunction with a nationally recognized expert to review these policies and procedures and make recommendations. After this process, we recommend that these policies and procedures be review annually in conjunction with the City-County Animal Committee. We believe that regular review and modification will enhance the ability to care for, and ultimately adopt, animals to homes. Overall Committee Objective: 3

5 Generate a plan to establish a No-Kill community in the Columbia area three years after the City of Columbia and Richland County have passed ordinances outlined below. Note: the definition of No-Kill is avoiding euthanasia of adoptable animals because of time/space, treatable medical issues, and other conditions that would otherwise be preventable. Goal One: 90% of animals that are not designated as legitimate breeding show animals, hunting field trial dogs or medically unable will be spayed or neutered. Strategy One: Increase access to affordable or no-cost spay/neuter services Increase voucher programs for low or no-cost spay/neuter Increase access to spay/neuter through additional locations Increase financial support for the existing mobile spay/neuter clinic to ensure access for areas of greatest need. Expand network of veterinary providers who will provide low- or no-cost spay/neuter surgeries Develop resources and a system to provide reimbursements to veterinary providers in the network. Establish an agreed upon amount that is comparable to low cost providers. Strategy Two: Strengthen city and county ordinances to increase the incentive to spay/neuter pets and to microchip pets Increase license fees for animals that are not spayed/neutered to $50 annually. Increase the number of dogs allowed per household to five if all dogs are spayed/neutered, licensed and microchipped. Establish a penalty for pet owners who exceed the maximum number of dogs. Eliminate the kennel requirement for pet owners who have more than the maximum number of dogs. Increase cost of license fees annually based on the Consumer Price Index. Explore a mechanism for local veterinarians to provide the license function. Include compensation to the veterinarians for providing this service Strategy Three: Mandate spay/neuter for all pit bull and pit bull mixes as they are difficult to adopt and are the largest percentage of dogs that are euthanized Increase marketing program to raise awareness of the results of overpopulation of pit bulls and pit bull mixes, the result of this overpopulation, and the benefits of spay/neutering. Heavily market the change of policy to mandatory spay/neuter for pit bulls and pit bulls including Staffordshire Terrier Provide easy access to no-cost spay/neutering for owners of pit bulls and pit bull mixes Strategy Four: Build a collaborative T-N-R (Trap-Neuter-Release) Program for community cat colonies 4

6 Modify city and county ordinances to provide for a T-N-R Program. Consider modeling ordinance based on the City of Charleston s. Ensure all cat groups have easy access to spay/neuter at no cost to them Purchase equipment needed for T-N-R and provide to groups and individuals Financial Cost for Goal One: 1) Increased funds for spay/neuter vouchers (consider public match for private funds raised), 2) mobile spay/neuter clinic, 3) humane traps for non-domesticated cats, 4) reimbursement for private veterinary providers in network, 5) additional veterinary staff to support spay/neuter program in the shelter, 6) resources to respond to possible increased number of nuisance calls, 7) cost for additional microchips and insertion. Note: income from license fees will be reduced Goal Two: Reduce by 50% the number of non-emergency animals surrendered by their owners Strategy One: Establish a managed admission process Schedule non-emergency admissions by appointment Eliminate all owner-surrender pickups by city and county animal control officers except in the case of an emergency Request owners who are surrendering pets bring medical records to the appointment or ask owners to sign a waiver allowing shelter staff to contact the animal s veterinarian Inform owners that the animal(s) may be euthanized if adoption does not occur Determine reason for admission request and provide solutions (training, food, medical care, etc.) if possible to avoid surrendering of the animal Strategy Two: Establish a small surrender fee Amend city and county ordinances to institute a surrender fee for non-emergency surrenders. Consult with other local governments on the amount of the fee for individual animals and litters. Ensure awareness to pet owner that there is a public cost to the surrender of the pet Encourage the pet owner to keep the pet Financial Cost for Goal Two: Additional staff members to manage the surrender process and to assist pet owners by providing solutions to their reasons for surrender, access to resources needed by the pet owner Goal Three: Increase by 50% the number of animals that are adopted to homes or released to rescue organizations Strategy One: Strengthen the adoption program Increase marketing for adoptable animals such as color photo of the animal outside its crate and use of Facebook to show animals playing, being cute, etc. Expand hours of operation for the municipal adoption center to evenings and weekends (for example, 11-7 six days a week; 1-5 on Sundays) Train volunteers to provide consistent obedience approaches to decrease behavior problems and increase adoption options. Monitor use of these approaches to ensure compliance 5

7 Enhance medical care to ensure animals are healthy and/or any illness is known to the adopting individual or rescue organization Expand role of rescue organizations to place pets that are difficult to place or require special screening for placement Strategy Two: Strengthen the foster program Expand the number of foster homes available to avoid placing animals in the shelter through marketing and education of the benefit to animals Establish a training program for new foster homes providers including a mentor for the foster home Establish a process to share foster needs among groups that provide this service Provide on-call resources for people who provide foster homes Provide support to foster homes (food, veterinary care, pet-sitters, etc.) Strategy Three: Enhance relationship with organizations that place animals in permanent homes Maintain regular communication with groups about adoptable animals that are in the shelter Coordinate with rescue groups working on adoption to minimize duplication of efforts Establish simple letter of agreement between organizations that place animals and the city shelter Re-establish the City-County Animal Committee to oversee implementation of these BRAC recommendations, review ordinance and policy changes prior to submission to city and county councils, annually review shelter protocols and conduct annual quality assurance surveys. Financial Cost for Goal Three: Additional staff to: 1) expand and support foster homes and work directly with rescue groups and other organizations that place animals in homes; 2) provide medical care for the intake team and on-going medical care; and 3) operate the adoption center for expanded hours. Also, resources for people providing foster homes for animals will be needed. Goal Four: Ensure responsible pet ownership and humane care of animals in the community and within the municipal shelter by following best practices Strategy One: Review city and county animal ordinances to insure best practices based on the Animal Welfare Act and the American Veterinary Association Review model animal-related ordinances Modify ordinances to eliminate the practice of tethering unattended animals Strategy Two: Review and modify, if needed, current policies and procedures of municipal shelter Appoint a small committee to 1) review current shelter practices and policies and procedures and 2) recommend any changes with a focus on the health and well-being of the animals Consult with a representative from a national organization for guidance in these areas and to advise the work of this committee. Committee members to include: 1) one representative from the City-County Committee; 2) one representative from the Humane Society; 3) one representative from Richland County 6

8 Government; 4) one veterinarian from the community; 5) one representative from Pawmetto Lifeline; 6) one representative from the Animal Mission and 7) one representative from a local rescue group. Committee to be staffed by the City of Columbia. Strategy Three: Establish a No Kill Council to encourage collaboration and identify gaps in the process of implementation of these recommendations Recognize that it takes a collaborative effort to establish a no-kill community. Invite local groups to send one representative to the no-kill council meetings Participants will focus on collaboration, innovative programs, and coordinated advocacy to encourage steps toward a no-kill community City staff would provide administrative support Financial Costs for Goal Four: Modification of ordinances and policies and procedures may result in additional costs. Goal Five: Educate the Midlands community on the importance of reducing the number of unwanted animals Strategy One: Design a community-wide education campaign (or utilize an existing campaign) explaining the benefit of spay/neuter, adopting animals from shelters and rescue organizations and responsible pet ownership Establish a coordinated campaign with consistent, simple language and visuals Create a mascot for a clever memorable campaign Utilize print, electronic, social and broadcast media Target young people and minorities Target areas in the city and county that account for the greatest percentage of shelter intakes Include in the campaign about the illegal sale of animals. Strategy Two: Create or utilize an existing collaborative curriculum for use in local schools, after-school programs, and youth serving groups Remove the scary factor from spay/neuter process for children Include interactive programs for children Financial Cost for Goal Five: 1) Cost to design and implement education/marketing campaign; 2) annual costs for staffing and purchase of advertising space to maintain the program 7

MANDATORY SPAY/NEUTER ORDINANCE FOR CATS AND DOGS OVER 4 MONTHS

d DATE: TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council THROUGH: Public Safety Committee (June 17, 2013) FROM: SUBJECT: Public Health Department MANDATORY SPAY/NEUTER ORDINANCE FOR CATS AND DOGS OVER 4 MONTHS RECOMMENDATION: