HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-15-96 Health & Public Safety 1Committss Zsport:
Health and Public Safety Committee
to ifs Common Council of this Cftg of foutb Osub:
The April 15, 1996 meeting of the Health and Public Safety Committee was called
to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Cleo Washington at 4:34 P.M. in the
Council informal meeting room.
Persons in attendance included Council Members Coleman, Zakrzewski, Kelly,
Luecke,Pfeifer, Broden, Washington, and Varner, Kathy Dempsey, Gene Oakley, Sue
Hodgson,Ann-Carol Simons, Mary Wadsworth,Douglas Bradley,Dr. Carol Ecker, Don
Porter,and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand.
Council Member Washington noted that the purpose of the meeting was to continue
discussion of substitute Bill No.2-96 addressing Animal Regulations.
Ann Carol-Simons then reviewed the proposed amendments which were requested by
various Council Members,namely Council Member Varner and Broden. (copy attached).
She noted that the Council Attorney had been in contact with her last week to discuss these
possible proposed amendments and suggested this format as apposed to bringing a new
substitute Bill.
Mr. Douglas Bradley talked with regard to the 3 times at-large provision. He relayed a
story regarding "Bismark" a German Shepherd who has run at-large, has bitten his
daughter, has bitten other animals, has cornered people and has been a menace to the
neighborhood. He noted that a Court Hearing before Judge Means took place in April of
1995 against the owners of the dog namely Mr. and Mrs. Voll. Although there is a
permanent injunction the parties were not held in content for failure to put up a fence. He
noted that"Bismark"has a eluded 3 Police Officers and a Code Enforcement Officer all at
he same time. He stated that he does not believe that a $50.00 fine would curb such
activity.
Council Member Luecke stated that if a dog bites that it meets one of the qualifications set
forth in the proposed Ordinance and the vicious or dangerous nature of the dog would also
be considered under the definition. Kathy Dempsey noted that the incident involving Mr.
Bradleys daughter took place in 1994.
Council Member Broden discussed the proposals for Section 5-1(r) (7)regarding 3 times
at-large.Mary Wadsworth noted that repeat offenders are common with regard to nuisance
dogs in the area.
Council Member Pfeifer stated that she believes that the issue is"neglected animal"and that
to declare a dog at-large 3 times to be dangerous and require a five-sided before the animal
goes back to the owner would be prohibitive cost wise for the elderly. She does find a
animal neglected perhaps and perhaps dangerous but is not menacing like the example of
"Bismark".
Council Member Coleman noted that the example given by Council Member Pfeifer could
be appealed however it was indicated that if the dog was 3 times at-large and met the
definition that it would be declared to be dangerous.
Council Member Pfeifer also voiced concern with regard to that composition of the
Commission and again requested that a Citizen Member be on the Commission.
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