06-10-74 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING JUNE 10, 1974 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING (CONTINUED) Councilman Parent stated that the Public Safety Committee had considered the problem and found it a very difficult one. He indicated that the committee had been expanded to include various individuals with knowledge about dogs. He stated that it was the consensus of the committee that the city could not do the job on $24,000 a year. He commended the Humane Society on their work and: he talked about the license fee of $2.00, stating that he felt it was not adequate. He stated that a control program was needed within the city and that the Public Safety Committee was concerned abo the appropriation ordinance dealing with animal control. He felt that the committee had not spent enough time studying the proposed ordinance amending the code in an effort to make a recommendation concerning that ordinance. Councilman Miller stated that, if this was a county program, the county should pick up the cost, and the city should not have to subsidize the program. Councilman Kopczyn stated that many people were dissatisfied with the responses they had received from the Humane Society. He felt that many of the dog problems that take place occur at night. He stated that he would demand to know what the administration has contracted with the Humane Society and what action the city would receive. He stated that steps must be taken to correct the dissatisfaction of the citizens. He felt drastic steps should be taken to correct the problem. Councilman Szymkowiak asked about how many dogs were taken to the veterinary clinics that had dog tags. Dr. Davis indicated that that was a small percentage. Councilman Szymkowiak felt that, with the cooperation of the veterinarians, more dog tags would be purchased. Dr. Davis stated that the owners of the animals are instructed by the clinics to purchase dog tags after the immunization of the animals. Councilman Szymkowiak suggested that the clinics handle the necessary forms and help in the licensi of the dogs. Councilman Horvath felt the ordinance was good; however, he did not approve of the $10 impoundment fee for a dog that was licensed. He stated that for this reason, he would vote against the ordinance. Councilman Kopczynski talked about the charge for spaying female dogs. He mentioned a $50 cost, and Dr. Davis stated that that amount included a couple days stay at the clin He stated that the cost to the vet was about $31 and a charge of about $35 was to cover the cost of the operation. Councilman Kopczynski wondered if people were inclined to have their dogs spayed at that price, and Dr. Davis felt that the spaying of the female dogs was on the rise. Councilman Kopczynski talked about the city ordinance that prohibits using a firearm in the city and the state statute that provides a citizen can shoot a vicious dog running at large. He asked for a clarifi- cation on which law would prevail. Police Chief Urban stated that the Police Department would assist the citizens; however, it.was not recommended that the citizens shoot the animals themselves He talked about other city laws and federal and state regulations pertaining to guns and shooting within the city. Councilman Kopczynski made a motion that the ordinance go to the Council as favorable, seconded by Councilman Szymkowiak. The motion carried. ORDINANCE AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $23,920.00 FROM THE FEDERAL ASSISTANCE GRANT COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS GENERAL REVENUE SHARING, FOR VARIOUS PUBLIC SAFETY PROGRAMS, TO BE ADMINISTERED BY THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND THROUGH ITS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY. This being the time heretofore set for public hearing on the above ordinance, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. Mr. Patrick Gallagher, Director of the Department of Public Safety, made the presentation for the ordinance. He referred to Section 5 -18 of the Municipal Code which states that a vicious dog may be slain by any police officer. Then he pro- ceeded to explain the request for funds for an animal control program. He stated that the city was faced with a dog problem and he felt that further action could not be postponed. He read a statement from the National League of Cities regarding the problem. He stated that, through the organization of the Model Cities dog control program, some action was taken to correct the problem; however, funds were not now available and the program had been discontinued. He stated that effec- tive dog control was based on a practical ordinance, an educational program and a program to reduce unnecessary breeding. He mentioned the contract entered into with the Humane Society in an effort to control the dog problem. He talked about the killings of the deer at the zoo involving vicious dogs, the number of children and mailmen bitten each year and the harrassment to the citizens cause by loose dogs. He stated that the Model Cities van would be utilized and five persons employed for the dog program. Mr. Gallagher explained that one of the dog wardens would be sent to a training school at the Palmer Research Facility in Douglasville, Georgia, for instruction in the use of the tranquilizer and dart gun. This person then would train the other wardens in the use of the gun. It was anticipated that a base station and antenna hookup would be necessary in the County -City Building to be located in the present Bureau of Substandard Buildings in order to have communica- tion between the office and the vans. Telephone calls and radio communications would be handled through the Environmental Protection Bureau during office hours and would be referred to the Humane Society after office hours. Mr. Gallagher explained that each dog warden would receive a Special Police Commission and would be required to wear a uniform. The amount anticipated for the uniforms was $1,250. Three additional vans would be purchased at an estimated cost of $3,900 each, and the Model Cities van would be returned by the Humane Society. Mr. Gallagher requested various types of equipment for each van at a cost of $1,300 per truck. The equipment included the dart guns, gas packs, syringes, silicon lubricant, poles, cages, ropes, muzzles, gloves, etc. The drugs for the dart guns would cost approximately $450. Mr. Gallagher then explained that the dog wardens would be authorized to sell dog licenses, and it was anticipated that 20,000 dog tags be purchased at a cost of $1,320 to be used for the balance of 1974 and 1975. He stated that he hoped to have the dog wardens on duty in the evenings and on weekends in order to try and correct the problem. He indicated that the department was committed to using a tranquilizer gun, and he felt it was a human method of capturing the animals. He stated that the dog wardens would be selling the licenses whil on patrol. Miss Fanny Grunwald, 227 South Frances Street, wondered why the dog warden would have to be sent t Georgia to learn about the handling of the animals. Mr. Gallagher stated that he was talking abou tranquilizing an animal at a distance with a gun similar to a shotgun. He felt the training was necessary, and he stated that, if at all possible, perhaps arrangements could be made to have the trainers come to South Bend. Mr. Gene Evans, Executive Secretary of the Civic Planning Associatio was concerned about the base station for the radio. Mr. Gallagher stated that the existing radio communication was the Police Department and Street Department. He stated that there was a need an necessity for instantaneous response for action and thus the reason for the base station. Mr. Eva stated that while Model Cities operated a similar program, 400 dogs were captured. He stated that if many more dogs were captured with four trucks rather than just one truck, the Humane Society 1would not be able to handle the problem. Mr. Roman Kowalski, 802 Birchwood, felt the city should .t ki c.