04-15-96 Health & Public Safety - Laserfiche WebLink

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Health and Public Safety Committee April 15, 1996 Page 2 Dr. Ecker noted that the elderly citizens whose dogs get out on rare occasions are the exception to the rule. Kathy Dempsey noted that 40 dogs were killed in the March 1996. Dr.Ecker also voiced concern with regard to the Free Ride Home Program. She stated that animals should be vaccinated and reported that a dog who was recently hit by an automobile was taken to her hospital and there was no requirement as far a check up with regard to rabies and vaccinations.Dr.Ecker then provided copies of rabies information to the Committee. Mary Wadsworth stated that she had been in contact with Balinda Lewis of Ft.Wayne and that the City of Ft. Wayne does not have a Free Ride Home Program. She stated that she does not believe that such a program should be instituted since there is not proper verification of information and that if this was done that it would be cost prohibitive by the City. She stated that she would prefer that the City consider a waver of the RTO Fee and gave a hand-out(copy attached). Dr. Ecker also voiced concern with regard to the fact that there was not a micro-chipping provision and that there was an inconsistency on micro-chipping within the Ordinance. Council Member Coleman suggested that micro-chipping be required at the time of adoption and that the six month provision be deleted from the Ordinance.He stated that he believes that his proposed amendment would be a better policy overall. Following further discussion, Council Member Luecke made a motion, seconded by Council Member Washington that micro-chipping be done at the time of adoption. The motion died. In response to questions raised by Council Member Zakrzewski,Kathy Dempsey indicated that the cost of micro-chipping would be$20.00 in addition to the adoption fee.Dr.Ecker stated that she believes that the$20.00 is to high since most private Veterinarians include micro-chipping as a part of the adoption fee which is a$6.00 cost. Sue Hodgsen stated that as a citizen and a Member of the Humane Society that she believes that if people can not pay for micro-chipping at the time of adoption that pet ownership should be reconsidered. She stated that ownership is a commitment to a pet. Council Member Washington then made a motion to include Council Member Pfeifer's request that a Citizen Member be added to the composition of the Animal Control Commission.Their was no second to this motion. In light of the time and that another Committee meeting was to have started a 5:00, the meeting was adjourned at 5:45 p.m. With all amendment to be made on the floor of the regular Council Meeting. Respectfully submitted, Council Member Cleo Washington Chairperson,Health and Public Safety Committee Attachments