REGULAR MEETING OF THE ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION October 13, 2025, 6:00 p.m. Austin City Hall, Room 1101 301 West 2nd St Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Animal Advisory Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely or in person, contact Nekaybaw Watson at nekaybaw.watson@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-2562. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Dr. Paige Nilson, Chair, D4 Koby Ahmed, Mayor Ryan Clinton, Travis County Beatriz Dulzaides, D2 Jennifer Daniel, D6 Erin Ferguson, D8 Ann Linder, Vice Chair, D3 Whitney Holt, D5 Sarah Huddleston, D9 David Loignon, D10 Nancy Nemer, Travis County Jo Anne Norton, Parliamentarian, D7 AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on September 8, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding monthly reports provided by Rolando Fernandez, Interim Chief Animal Services Officer, Austin Animal Services. 3. Staff briefing on updates to safety protocols, programmatic needs, emergency veterinary services and orthopedic contracts by Rolando Fernandez, Interim Chief Animal Services Officer, Austin Animal Services. 4. Staff briefing regarding Good Fix marketing strategies, outreach efforts, and spay/neuter backlogs by Rolando Fernandez, Interim Chief Animal Services Officer, Austin Animal Services. DISCUSSION ITEMS 5. Presentation by Austin Pets Alive! regarding license agreement reports. 6. Update on Bond Election Process to improve shelter operations. 7. Presentation regarding Staff’s response to Council Resolution 20241121-073 related to Bird-Friendly design by Leslie Lilly, Environmental Conservation Program Manager, Watershed Protection Department. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 8. Approve a Recommendation to Council related to Bird-Friendly design. 9. Approve the formation of a working group that advocates for renter’s policies for large breed dog owners. 10. Approve the Animal Advisory Commission’s 2026 Regular Meeting Schedule. 11. Approve an update to the membership of the Strategic Plan Working Group. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 12. Update from the Strategic Plan Working Group on the …
Animal Advisory Commission Minutes September 8, 2025 Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting Minutes Monday, September 8, 2025 The Animal Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, September 8, 2025, at Austin City Hall, 301 W 2nd St, Room 1101 in Austin, Texas. Chair Nilson called the Animal Advisory Commission meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Dr. Paige Nilson, Chair, D4 Erin Ferguson, D8 Jo Anne Norton, Parliamentarian, D7 Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Ann Linder, Vice Chair, D3 Koby Ahmed, Mayor Ryan Clinton, Travis County Whitney Holt, D5 David Loignon, D10 Nancy Nemer, Travis County Commissioners Absent: Beatriz Dulzaides, D2 Sarah Huddleston, D9 PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Julie Oliver – Safety failure at AAC Rochelle Vickery – Behavioral support for dogs at AAC APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on August 11, 2025. The motion to approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on August 11, 2025, was approved on Commissioner Norton’s motion, Commissioner Ferguson’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Dulzaides and Huddleston were absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 1 Animal Advisory Commission Minutes September 8, 2025 2. 3. Staff briefing regarding monthly reports provided by Jason Garza, Deputy Chief Animal Services Officer and Rolando Fernandez, Interim Chief Animal Services Officer, Austin Animal Services. The presentation was made by Jason Garza, Deputy Chief Animal Services Officer and Rolando Fernandez, Interim Chief Animal Services Officer, Austin Animal Services. Staff briefing on Updated Process for Euthanasia Notification provided by Rebekha Montie, Program Manager II, Jason Garza, Deputy Chief Animal Services Officer, and Rolando Fernandez, Interim Chief Animal Services Officer, Austin Animal Services. The presentation was made by Rebekha Montie, Program Manager II, Austin Animal Services, Jason Garza, Deputy Chief Animal Services Officer, Austin Animal Services, and Rolando Fernandez, Interim Chief Animal Services Officer, Austin Animal Services. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Update on the implementation of the prohibition of the purchase of and usage of all glue traps at City-owned and/or City-managed facilities based on the Animal Advisory Commission’s Recommendation 20241014-007. Discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. 6. Approve the Animal Advisory Commission Annual Internal Review. The motion to approve the Animal Advisory Commission Annual Internal Review as amended below was approved on Commissioner Norton’s motion, Commissioner Ferguson’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Dulzaides and Huddleston were absent. The amendment was to insert “from the public” to the sixth bullet …
1 City Staff Watershed Protection Building Services Liz Johnston, Leslie Lilly, Elizabeth Funk Matt Hollon, Sean Watson Austin Energy Green Building Garret Jaynes, Heidi Kasper Development Services Department Farhana Biswas Kit Johnson, Nate Jackson Animal Services Emery Sadkin Planning Jordan Feldman 2 Resolution 20241121-073 ▪ Came out of a recommendation from a working group and Resolution 20210902-050 on Lights Out Austin ▪ Directs staff to: ▪ Update on Light’s Out Austin ▪ Explore integration of bird-friendly building techniques for new low-rise, mid-rise and high-rise buildings ▪ Conduct a feasibility analysis on the potential impacts of these standards ▪ Seek input from stakeholders, including developers, environmental organizations, and the public. 3 Migration and Habitat ▪ Austin was designated a Bird City in 2023 ▪ Austin within North America’s Central Flyway ▪ Over 400 species of birds ▪ Edwards Plateau and the Blackland Prairies habitat ▪ Premier destination for birdwatchers throughout most of the year. ▪ Birding generates more than $5 billion in annual ecotourism revenue in Texas ($279 billion nationwide) 4 The Problem ▪ Birds do not perceive glass as a barrier. ▪ In daytime, birds encounter reflective or translucent glass. ▪ At night, birds encounter artificial sources of light. ▪ Birds fly to these confusing features without seeing the glass barriers. ▪ The collision is deadly. An estimated 1 billion birds die every year. 5 Solutions Glass Strategies Bird-friendly design includes: ▪ Reducing the use of glass ▪ Reducing glass exposure (using solar shading, external insect/solar screens, louvers, etc.) ▪ Incorporating bird-friendly signals (markers) in or on the glass ▪ UV coating, glazing, and etched or fritted glass patterns that follow the "2x2 rule” 7 Design Strategies ▪ Incorporate physical barriers and architectural design that improve glass visibility ▪ Options include: ▪ Exterior screens ▪ Shutters ▪ Awnings ▪ Facades ▪ Structural shading systems Tracy Aviary, Salt Lake City, Utah 8 Lighting Exterior ▪ Eliminate uplighting, use fully shielded fixtures that direct light downward, and avoid event searchlights ▪ Use lighting management systems that can automatically reduce non-essential lighting during peak migration ▪ Also beneficial to bats and lightning bugs year-round ▪ Use warmer lightbulbs (as white/blue light can disorient birds) Interior ▪ Program automatic controls with timers and occupancy sensors ▪ Use window treatments to reduce light spillage ▪ Schedule janitorial services during daylight hours 9 Benchmarking What have other cities done? New York City (2021) Arlington County, VA …
September 2025 AUSTIN ANIMAL SERVICES REPORT 1 On May 5, 2025, Animal Services transitioned to a new database for shelter management. This transition is ongoing and has potentially impacted data reporting. Austin Animal Center Data is partially incomplete due to systems transfer. • The live outcome rate for September was 94.57%. • A total of 957 animals were brought to the shelter which included 551 cats and 393 dogs. • A total of 541 animals were adopted which included 314 cats and 223 dogs. • A total of 81 dogs and cats were returned to their owners (RTOs and RTO-Adopt). • On September 1, there were 1241 animals within the ASO inventory. • On October 1, there were 1253 animals within the ASO inventory. Animal Protection Data is partially incomplete due to systems transfer. • Animal Protection Officers (APOs) returned 7 animals to their owners in the field. • Officers handed out 3 fencing assistance applications and implanted 0 microchip(s). • Officers impounded 19 injured animals and 108 regular or sick animals. • Officers submitted 38 specimens for rabies testing. We had 12 positive bats, 6 decomposed bats, and 1 destroyed raccoon. Wildlife Data is partially incomplete and does not include non-coyote wildlife. • There were 38 total coyote related activities (Behavior types include Sighting, Encounter, Incident, and Observation. “Observation” is defined as hearing coyotes howling and finding scat or footprints.) o 16 sightings, 14 wild sick, 1 encounter, 3 incidents, 2 wild speaks, 2 observations • Out of 38 coyote related activities, 22 (58%) reports fell within the reported behavior types (sighting, encounter, incident, and observation) o Encounters: Pets were a factor in 1/1 (100%) of encounters reported 1/1 encounters (100%) involved a coyote with mange sleeping in fenced backyard and o encountered dog without incident Incidents: Pets were a factor in 3/3 (100%) of incidents reported 1/3 incidents (33%) involved a coyote chasing after a dog. No contact was made. 1/3 incidents (33%) involved a coyote killing an outside unsupervised cat 1/3 incidents (33%) involved a coyote injuring a dog Volunteer Data is partially incomplete due to systems transfer. • 521 volunteers contributed 6,642.05 hours in September. • • The Volunteer Program held 4 orientations, introducing 137 potential volunteers to shelter operations. The Volunteer Program scheduled 15 Community Service Restitution individuals to perform 224.5 hours of laundry, dishes and other duties as assigned. • …
Board/Commission Recommendation Animal Advisory Commission Draft Recommendation 20251013-008 – Bird Friendly Design WHEREAS, the Animal Advisory Commission passed and sent Recommendation 20221010-008 to Council regarding the adoption of bird friendly design; and WHEREAS, the Animal Advisory Commission recognizes the City of Austin was named a Bird City in Feb. 2023; and WHEREAS, the Animal Advisory Commission recognizes that over 400 species of birds reside or migrate through Travis County every spring and fall, with endangered species and species of concern utilizing the Central Flyway and geological way finders of the Balcones Escarpment, Colorado River and Blackland Prairie during migration, as well as during nesting and wintering seasons; and WHEREAS, the Animal Advisory Commission recognizes the City of Austin benefits from the annual $5.5 billion generated from bird watching and bird tourism in Texas; and WHEREAS, the Animal Advisory Commission recognizes city staff has met with stakeholders, reviewed the policies and codes implemented in other cities, and studied how bird-friendly design standards can best fit within the City’s code; and THEREFORE, the Animal Advisory Commission recommends Council initiate the findings and recommendations of staff as listed with the following addition. 1. In addition to commercial and multifamily buildings, the Animal Advisory Commission recommends all City buildings be required to follow the guidelines and set an example for non-public buildings.
Reports and Updates Austin Animal Services | October 13, 2025 Monthly Reporting September 2025 Austin Animal Center The live outcome rate for September was 94.57%. 541 animals were adopted 81 dogs and cats were returned to their owners September 1, 2025 1241 animals in the AAS inventory October 1, 2025 1253 animals in the AAS inventory 3 Animal Protection Field Data Field Return to Owner (RTO) Fencing Applications Impounded Injured Impounded Regular or Sick Rabies Specimens In-Field Owner Surrenders 7 3 19 108 38 1 Wildlife Coyotes Coyote Related Activities 38 Activities Breakdown 14 wild sick 3 incidents 16 sightings 1 encounter 2 wild speaks 2 observations 4 Volunteering Hours Overview 521 volunteers contributed 6,642.05 hours 4 orientations, introducing 137 potential volunteers 15 Community Service Restitution individuals to perform 224.5 hours 28 individuals donated 56 hours toward group volunteer service, through dog-walking and cat care Social Media Facebook • 1.4 million page views • 438,000 unique individuals • 44,000 content interactions Instagram • 823,000 page views • 115,000 unique individuals • 31,000 content interactions 5 Foster and Rescue In September, 20 different rescue partners pulled a total of 212 animals from the Austin Animal Center. ▪ 384 different people/families fostered. ▪ As of October 2, there are 348 animals in foster care. ▪ 35 animals were a part of Finder to Foster ▪ More than 100 animals were adopted directly from foster care. ▪ 190 new foster applications were processed. ▪ There are currently 1098 approved foster care providers 6 Vet Services ▪ 565 spay/neuter surgeries were performed in September. ▪ 1614 animals were vaccinated. ▪ 38 animals were euthanized in July. ▪ 35 for severe injury, neurological, congenital, cardiac, suffering, toxicity, or agonal reasons. ▪ 1 for court ordered euthanasia, 2 for aggression/public safety risk. 7 GoodFix Free Spay/Neuter Clinic Update from Elizabeth Ferrer FREE SPAY/NEUTER CLINICS PROGRESS AND IMPACT Shared Goal: Reduce unplanned litters and fully utilize clinic capacity through accessible, community-based services. Upcoming Clinic: November 13 – 17, 2025 | 11580 Stonehollow Dr., Suite 160 ( Council District 7) AAS is facilitating special appointments for shelter fosters and Community Cats Recent Success: July 2025 clinic at Circuit of The Americas drew strong participation Contributing factors: increased awareness, convenient location, strong partner collaboration Marketing in Action: Cross-promotion with clinic hosts Expanded social media and media coverage Flyers distributed in targeted neighborhoods 9 NEXT STEPS AND CONTINUED EFFORTS Implementing …
RESPONSE TO COUNCIL RESOLUTION 20241121-073 BIRD-FRIENDLYDESIGN REPORT 10/6/2025 Response to 20241121-073 Table of Contents Executive Summary .............................................................................................................................. 4 Overview of Bird Friendly Design .......................................................................................................... 5 Migration and Habitat in Austin............................................................................................................ 5 Glass and Building Design Elements ..................................................................................................... 6 Lighting Standards to Minimize Light Pollution .................................................................................... 9 Behavioral practices ............................................................................................................................ 10 Benchmarking Report on Bird Friendly Design in North America ....................................................... 11 New York City, NY ............................................................................................................................... 11 Madison, WI ........................................................................................................................................ 12 Portland, ME ....................................................................................................................................... 12 Berkeley, CA ........................................................................................................................................ 13 Toronto, ON ........................................................................................................................................ 13 Arlington County, VA........................................................................................................................... 14 Bird Friendly Design in Austin ............................................................................................................. 15 Austin Energy Green Building ............................................................................................................. 15 Lights Out Austin! ................................................................................................................................ 16 Site Specific Regulations ..................................................................................................................... 16 Glass and Lighting Requirements in Code ........................................................................................... 17 Case Studies of Bird Friendly Projects in Austin.................................................................................. 17 Considerations for New Construction ................................................................................................. 19 Co-Benefits of Bird Friendly Design .................................................................................................... 19 The 100/100/100 rule ......................................................................................................................... 21 Best Practices for Low-, Mid-, and High-Rise Buildings ...................................................................... 21 Feasibility of Bird Friendly Building in Austin ....................................................................................... 23 Cost Estimates ..................................................................................................................................... 23 Building Plan Review ........................................................................................................................... 25 Inspection and Compliance ................................................................................................................. 26 Education ............................................................................................................................................ 26 Stakeholder Engagement .................................................................................................................... 26 Boards and Commissions ................................................................................................................... 28 Staff Recommendations ..................................................................................................................... 29 1. Land Development Code Amendment ............................................................................................ 29 10/6/2025 Response to 20241121-073 2. Austin Energy Green Building Program and Policy Updates ........................................................... 29 3. Residential Educational Campaign .................................................................................................. 30 Contributors: ..................................................................................................................................... 31 References:........................................................................................................................................ 32 Appendix A: Benchmarking Data and Regulations ............................................................................... 33 Appendix B: Austin Energy Green Building Program Requirements ..................................................... 34 Appendix C: Stakeholder Engagement Plan ........................................................................................ 36 Appendix D: Bird Friendly Design for Residential ................................................................................. 37 10/6/2025 Response to 20241121-073 Executive Summary implementation, In response to City Council Resolution 20241121-073, staff conducted comprehensive research on bird- friendly building design including stakeholder engagement with developers, environmental organizations, and the public through virtual sessions, public tours of the Austin Airport IT building, and professional roundtable discussions in collaboration with the American Institute of Architects (AIA). The following analysis provides an overview of the impact that building collisions have on bird populations and how Austin can address the problem through assessing local case studies, cost feasibility, and regulatory frameworks from peer cities including New York, Madison, Portland, Toronto, Berkeley, and Arlington County, VA. The report explores how Austin's built environment and land development regulations present many opportunities for bird-friendly design implementation, including already existing regulatory mechanisms and programs like Planned Unit Development (PUD) Zoning and the Austin Energy …
Animal Advisory Commission Recommendation 20251013-008 – Bird Friendly Design WHEREAS, the Animal Advisory Commission passed and sent Recommendation 20221010-008 to Council regarding the adoption of bird friendly design; and WHEREAS, the Animal Advisory Commission recognizes the City of Austin was named a Bird City in Feb. 2023; and WHEREAS, the Animal Advisory Commission recognizes that over 400 species of birds reside or migrate through Travis County every spring and fall, with endangered species and species of concern utilizing the Central Flyway and geological way finders of the Balcones Escarpment, Colorado River and Blackland Prairie during migration, as well as during nesting and wintering seasons; and WHEREAS, the Animal Advisory Commission recognizes the City of Austin benefits from the annual $5.5 billion generated from bird watching and bird tourism in Texas; and WHEREAS, the Animal Advisory Commission recognizes that biodiversity has benefits to our community in its own right, beyond economic benefit. WHEREAS, the Animal Advisory Commission recognizes city staff has met with stakeholders, reviewed the policies and codes implemented in other cities, and studied how bird-friendly design standards can best fit within the City’s code; and THEREFORE, the Animal Advisory Commission recommends Council initiate the findings and recommendations of staff as listed with the following addition. 1. In addition to commercial and multifamily buildings, the Animal Advisory Commission recommends all City buildings be required to follow the guidelines and set an example for non-public buildings. Motion: Commissioner Dulzaides Second: Commissioner Huddleston Vote: 10-0 For: Chair Nilson, Vice Chair Linder, Parliamentarian Norton, Commissioners: Dulzaides, Daniel, Ferguson, Holt, Huddleston, Loignon, Nemer Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: Commissioner Ahmed Attest: Nekaybaw Watson Nekaybaw Watson
REGULAR MEETING OF THE ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION September 8, 2025, 6:00 p.m. Austin City Hall, Room 1101 301 West 2nd St Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Animal Advisory Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely or in person, contact Nekaybaw Watson at nekaybaw.watson@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-2562. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Dr. Paige Nilson, Chair, D4 Koby Ahmed, Mayor Ryan Clinton, Travis County Beatriz Dulzaides, D2 Erin Ferguson, D8 Whitney Holt, D5 Ann Linder, Vice Chair, D3 Sarah Huddleston, D9 David Loignon, D10 Nancy Nemer, Travis County Jo Anne Norton, Parliamentarian, D7 AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on August 11, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding monthly reports provided by Rolando Fernandez, Interim Chief Animal Services Officer, Austin Animal Services. 3. Staff briefing on Updated Process for Euthanasia Notification by Rolando Fernandez, Interim Chief Animal Services Officer, Austin Animal Services. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Update on the implementation of the prohibition of the purchase of and usage of all glue traps at City-owned and/or City-managed facilities based on the Animal Advisory Commission’s Recommendation 20241014-007. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve the Animal Advisory Commission Annual Internal Review. 6. Approve an update to the membership of the Strategic Plan Working Group. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please contact Nekaybaw Watson at nekaybaw.watson@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-2562 for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Animal Advisory Commission, please contact …
Animal Advisory Commission Minutes August 11, 2025 Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting Minutes Monday, August 11, 2025 The Animal Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, August 11, 2025, at Austin City Hall, 301 W 2nd St, Room 1101 in Austin, Texas. Commissioner Clinton called the Animal Advisory Commission meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Ryan Clinton, Travis County Erin Ferguson, D8 Whitney Holt, D5 David Loignon, D10 Dr. Paige Nilson, D4 Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Ann Linder, Vice Chair, D3 Koby Ahmed, Mayor Beatriz Dulzaides, D2 Sarah Huddleston, D9 Nancy Nemer, Travis County Jo Anne Norton, Parliamentarian, D7 Commissioners Absent: PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Heather Meyer - AAC Operations Comments Rochelle Vickery - Cat Trapping and Shelter Needs Shelly Leibham - Restore emergency vet funding Julie Oliver - AAC Operations Comments Max Oliver - Restore emergency vet funding Suzie Chase - Austin Pets Alive! Update 1 Animal Advisory Commission Minutes August 11, 2025 APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on July 14, 2025. The motion to approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on July 14, 2025 was approved on Commissioner Nilson’s motion, Commissioner Holt’s second on an 11-0 vote. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. 3. Staff briefing regarding monthly reports provided by Jason Garza, Deputy Chief Animal Services Officer and Rolando Fernandez, Interim Chief Animal Services Officer, Animal Services Office. The presentation was made by Jason Garza, Deputy Chief Animal Services Officer and Rolando Fernandez, Interim Chief Animal Services Officer, Animal Services Office. Staff briefing on Close Out Report on Goodfix Spay and Neuter Clinics and current Spay and Neuter count provided by Jason Garza, Deputy Chief Animal Services Officer and Rolando Fernandez, Interim Chief Animal Services Officer, Animal Services Office. The presentation was made by Jason Garza, Deputy Chief Animal Services Officer, Animal Services Office and Rolando Fernandez, Interim Chief Animal Services Officer, Animal Services Office. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. 5. Discussion of the Bond Election priorities as it relates to the delivery of animal services. Discussed. Discussion of heart worm testing and monthly preventative for animals at the Austin Animal Center. Discussed. WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS 6. Good Fix Working Group recommendation regarding animal welfare policies and marketing priorities. Item taken up with Item 7. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 7. Approve a Recommendation to Council regarding animal welfare policies and marketing priorities. The motion to …
Annual Internal Review This report covers the time period of 7/1/2024 to 6/30/2025 __ Austin Animal Advisory Commission__ (Official Name of Board or Commission) The Board/Commission mission statement (per City Code Section 2-1-102) is: Advise the city council and the Travis County Commissioners Court on compliance with Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 823 (Animal Shelters), city code, and council objectives. Advise council and Travis County Commissioners Court on animal welfare policies and on budget priorities identified by the Commission and the community, except on issues related to the administration of the Animal Services Division. Promote collaboration between the City and interested parties relating to animal welfare in the city. Identify proactive, creative approaches to engage and facilitate communication within animal welfare community, and foster and assist the development of animal welfare programs in the community. Promote collaboration between the City and private citizens, institutions, and agencies interested in or conducting activities relating to animal welfare in the City. The commission may study, advise, and report on policy recommendations it deems effective to promote animal welfare outcomes consistent with City goals and objectives as outlined by City Council and the City Manager. 1. Describe the board’s actions supporting their mission during the previous calendar year. Address all elements of the board’s mission statement as provided in the relevant sections of the City Code. (Reference all reports, recommendations, letters or resolutions presented to the City Council on mission-specific issues. If some of the elements of the mission statement were not acted on by the board in the past year, the report should explain why no action was taken.) Annual Review and Work Plan Year Page # In FY 2024, the Austin Animal Advisory Commission: • Held monthly public meetings other than a planned lack of meeting in November 2024 and the May 2025 meeting being cancelled due to lack of quorum • Received public comment on animal issues • Provided a public forum for monthly reports on Animal Services and operations at the Austin Animal Center • Received quarterly briefings from Austin Pets Alive • Received briefings from City staff regarding the Animal Services Office Strategic Planning Process • Received feedback and conducted discussion regarding the draft Animal Services Office Strategic Plan 2025-2030 • Received briefings from City staff regarding the implementation of Animal Services Office Strategic Plan 2025-2030 • Received briefings and presentations from City staff regarding: Bond Election Advisory …
August 2025 AUSTIN ANIMAL SERVICES REPORT 1 On May 5, 2025, Animal Services transitioned to a new database for shelter management. This transition is ongoing and has potentially impacted data reporting. Austin Animal Center Data is partially incomplete due to systems transfer. • The live outcome rate for August was 95.70%. • A total of 964 animals were brought to the shelter which included 544 cats, 411 dogs, 4 rabbits, 2 reptiles, a bird and a guinea pig. • A total of 604 animals were adopted (147 adult dogs, 68 puppies, 260 kittens, 120 adult cats, 4 rabbits, 4 guinea pigs, and a rodent). • A total of 64 dogs and cats were returned to their owners (RTOs and RTO-Adopt). • On August 1, there were 1306 animals within the ASO inventory. • On September 1, there were 1241 animals within the ASO inventory. Animal Protection Data is partially incomplete due to systems transfer. • Animal Protection Officers (APOs) returned 7 animals to their owners in the field. • Officers handed out 6 fencing assistance applications and implanted 1 microchip(s). • Officers impounded 32 injured animals and 114 regular or sick animals. • Officers submitted 35 specimens for rabies testing. We had 7 positive bats, 3 decomposed bats, and 1 destroyed skunk. Wildlife Data is partially incomplete and does not include non-coyote wildlife. • There were 30 total coyote related activities (Behavior types include Sighting, Encounter, Incident, and Observation. “Observation” is defined as hearing coyotes howling and finding scat or footprints.) o 12 sightings, 9 wild sick, 6 encounters, 2 incidents, 1 wild speak • Out of 30 coyote related activities, 20 (67%) reports fell within the reported behavior types (sighting, encounter, incident, and observation) o Encounters: Pets were a factor in 4/6 (67%) of encounters reported 1/6 encounters (17%) involved a coyote barking at the caller 1/6 encounters (17%) involved a coyote chasing after a dog in off-leash dog trail 1/6 encounters (17%) involved two coyotes following caller and off leash dog 2/6 encounters (33%) involved dogs chasing after coyotes with mange 1/6 encounters (17%) coyote followed caller o Incidents: Pets were a factor in 2/2 (100%) of incidents reported 1/2 incidents (50%) involved a coyote killing two outside unsupervised feral cats 1/2 incidents (50%) did not have anything stated in the memo and could not make contact with caller. Volunteer Data …
