REGULAR MEETING of the ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION October 14, 2024, 6 p.m. Austin City Hall, Room 1101 301 W. 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, contact Eric Anderson at eric.anderson@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-2562. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Ryan Clinton, Chair, Travis County Nancy Nemer, Parliamentarian, Travis County Lotta Smagula, D1 Beatriz Dulzaides, D2 Ann Linder, Vice Chair, D3 Dr. Paige Nilson, D4 Whitney Holt, D5 Luis Herrera, D6 Larry Tucker, D7 Sarah Huddleston, D9 Dr. Amanda Bruce, D10 Laura Hoke, Mayor CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA 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 12, 2024. Approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on September 9, 2024. 2. STAFF BRIEFING 3. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. 5. 6. Staff briefing regarding monthly reports provided by the Animal Service Center. Presentation by Austin Pets Alive! regarding license agreement reports Discussion of the Animal Services strategic plan and planning process. Discussion of the first Austin Animal Center/Good Fix spay and neuter clinic held at the Travis County Expo Center from 9/24 to 9/28. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 7. 8. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Approve a recommendation to Council to ban glue traps at City of Austin owned and/or managed facilities. Approve the Animal Advisory Commission 2025 meeting schedule. 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. (512) 974-2562 or Please contact Eric Anderson, Office of eric.anderson@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For …
Information is from October 1, 2023 – September 30, 2024 Information compiled via ASO Power BI dashboards. Difference of outcomes - intakes Outcome Year (fiscal) Intake Year (fiscal) Dog totals Cat totals Totals Dog totals Cat totals Totals Dog totals Cat totals Totals Cats Adoption Transfer Euthanasia Died Missing Total Dog Adoption Transfer Euthanasia Died Missing Total RTO/RTO Adopt SNR (former SCRP) RTO/RTO Adopt 2024 5211 5859 11070 2024 5205 5727 10932 2024 -6 -132 -138 2024 3362 139 1146 100 67 4 415 5727 2024 3210 715 763 81 26 3 5205
September 2024 AUSTIN ANIMAL SERVICES REPORT 1 Animal Services News • The live outcome rate for September was 97.59%. • A total of 1,002 animals were brought to the shelter which included 568 cats, 399 dogs, 27 wild animals, 3 chickens, 2 guinea pigs, 2 pigeons, and 1 pig. • A total of 578 animals were adopted (142 adult dogs, 111 puppies, 1 neonatal puppy, 252 kittens, and 72 adult cats). • A total of 97 dogs and cats were returned to their owners (RTOs and RTO-Adopt). • On September 1, there were 892 dogs and cats within the ASO inventory (524 onsite, 364 in foster, 1 at a vet clinic, and 2 at TLAC). • On October 1, there were 936 dogs and cats within the ASO inventory (550 onsite, 384 in foster, 1 at a vet clinic, and 1 at TLAC). Animal Protection • Animal Protection Officers (APOs) returned 55 animals to their owners in the field. • Officers handed out 24 fencing assistance applications and implanted 8 microchip(s). • Officers impounded 136 injured animals and delivered approximately 74 wildlife animals to • Officers entered 196 rabies exposure reports and submitted specimens for rabies testing. We had Austin Wildlife Rescue. 12 positive bats and 4 decomposed bats. • From September 1 to September 191, there were 53 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 31 Wild Sick o 18 Sightings o 2 o 2 Encounters Incidents • Out of 53 coyote related activities, 22 (42%) reports fell within the reported behavior types (sighting, encounter, incident, and observation) o Encounters: Pets were a factor in 2/2 (100%) of encounters reported. ▪ An encounter involved a coyote with mange “trying to go after dog” ▪ An encounter involved 3 coyotes following resident and dog o Incidents: Pets were a factor in 2/2 (100%) of incidents reported ▪ An incident involved a coyote killing an outside unsupervised cat ▪ An incident involved two coyotes injuring an outside unsupervised cat 1 Dataset incomplete for the month of September due to reporting staff on personal leave. Data will be added to next month’s report. • Out of 53 coyote related reports, 33 (62%) reports were updated to the correct behavior types. 2 o 14 sightings updated to wild sick (Due to mange) o Residents are …
Recommendation The Animal Advisory Commission recommends that City of Austin ban the purchase of and usage of all glue traps at City owned and/or managed facilities. Description of Recommendation to Council The Austin Animal Advisory Commission recommends that the Austin City Council and the Austin City Manager’s Office update City building management practices to ban the purchase and usage of all glue traps at City owned and/or managed facilities due to the ineffective, unsanitary, and gruesome outcomes of glue traps. Basis for Recommendation killed in these traps. 1. Glue traps are indiscriminate. As a result, wildlife and pets can and do get caught, maimed, and 2. Glue traps are inefficient and are not a long-term solution for pest control. When rodents are killed, the survivors and newcomers breed faster, which causes an increase in the population. Proper facilities maintained to plug holes, cut grass, and usage of more humane traps are significantly more effective in the short and long term. The only long-term way to control rodent populations is to eliminate the conditions that attract and sustain them. Without addressing the underlying factors and humanely removing and preventing animals from returning, infestations will persist. Identifying and sealing entry points, removing food and water sources, maintaining clean environments, and usage of more humane traps are the most effective in the short and long term. 3. Glue traps are a health hazard. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns the public not to use glue traps because they increase people’s exposure to disease. Animals stuck in the glue continue to produce urine and feces, through which pathogens, including hantavirus, salmonella, and the bacteria that cause leptospirosis, are transmitted. 4. Glue Traps are inhumane and cause prolonged suffering. Animal trapped in the glue panic and struggle, which causes them to become even more ensnarled. Often, the glue tears off their fur, feathers, or skin. Some break bones or even chew off their own limbs in a desperate attempt to escape. The screaming of ensnared wildlife is extremely upsetting to people who don’t know how to “dispose” of these sentient beings. Left alone, the terrified, injured animals die, sometimes days later, of blood loss, shock, suffocation, or thirst. Or they die from being crushed in the garbage, which is where the instructions on the traps advise consumers to put them.
ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES AUGUST 12, 2024 The Animal Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on August 12, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd St in Austin, Texas. Chair Clinton called the Animal Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Ryan Clinton, Chair, Travis County Sarah Huddleston, D9 Larry Tucker, D7 Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Ann Linder, Vice Chair, D3 Nancy Nemer, Parliamentarian, Travis County Luis Herrera, D6 Laura Hoke, Mayor’s Appointee Whitney Holt, D5 Lotta Smagula, D1 Commissioners Absent: Amanda Bruce, D10 Beatriz Dulzaides, D2 Paige Nilson, D4 PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Tracey B – Foster/TNR Rochelle Vickery – Spay and Neuter Kristyn Williams – TNR/Rescue/Medical Vouchers APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on July 8, 2024. 1 The minutes from the meeting of July 8, 2024, were approved on Commissioner Nemer’s motion, Vice Chair Linder’s second on a 7-0 vote. Chair Clinton and Commissioner Holt abstained. Commissioners Bruce, Dulzaides, and Nilson were absent. STAFF BRIEFING 2. Staff briefing regarding monthly reports provided by the Animal Service Center. The presentation was made by Don Bland, Chief Animal Services Officer, Austin Animal Services. Commissioner Smagula requested that Animal Services staff provide additional information related to the July 2024 Animal Deaths at AAC/Foster charts in the Austin Animal Center July 2024 Data Report. Vice Chair Linder requested that Animal Services staff provide information on the number of clinics accepting medical vouchers and the average wait times for intake of sick/injured and healthy animals. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Discussion of the Animal Services strategic plan and planning process. A presentation was made by Stephanie Hayden-Howard, Assistant City Manager; Audrey Muntz, Budget and Performance Manager, Financial Services; Dr. Larry Schooler, Consultant. Commissioner Holt recused herself from the discussion. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS None. A motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:51 p.m. was approved on Commissioner Huddleston’s motion, Commissioner Hoke’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Bruce, Dulzaides, and Nilson were absent. The minutes were approved at the XX, meeting on Commissioner XX’s motion, Commissioner XX’s second on a X-X vote. 2
ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 9, 2024 The Animal Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on September 9, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd St in Austin, Texas. Chair Clinton called the Animal Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 6:07 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Ryan Clinton, Chair, Travis County Whitney Holt, D5 Sarah Huddleston, D9 Dr. Paige Nilson, D4 Lotta Smagula, D1 Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Ann Linder, Vice Chair, D3 Beatriz Dulzaides, D2 Commissioners Absent: Nancy Nemer, Parliamentarian, Travis County Dr. Amanda Bruce, D10 Luis Herrera, D6 Laura Hoke, Mayor’s Appointee Larry Tucker, D7 PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Catherine Chamblee - Exacerbation and strain caused on Austin’s own stray and shelter animal population by transportation of more out of area shelter animals into Austin Remington Johnson – Enforcement of Kennel Size Pat Valls-Trelles – Process, Policy, Progress, etc. Sandra Muller – Dog Bite Scale, Live Release Rate, Austin Pets Alive! Repairs APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1 1. STAFF BRIEFING 2. Approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on August 12, 2024. The motion to approve the minutes from the meeting of July 8, 2024, failed on Commissioner Smagula’s motion, Commissioner Holt’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner Nilson abstained. Parliamentarian Nemer, Commissioners Bruce, Herrera, Hoke, and Tucker were absent. Staff briefing regarding monthly reports provided by the Animal Service Center. The presentation was made by Don Bland, Chief Animal Services Officer, Austin Animal Services and Jason Garza, Deputy Chief Animal Services Officer, Austin Animal Services. Commissioner Smagula requested that Animal Services staff provide information on which category the animals listed in the “Lost, Stolen, or Missing” fall under. Commissioner Dulzaides requested that Animal Services staff provide information on how many animals are microchipped each month. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Discussion of the Animal Services strategic plan and planning process. A presentation was made by Stephanie Hayden-Howard, Assistant City Manager; Samantha Eaton Moncayo, Business Process Consultant, Senior, Financial Services; Dr. Larry Schooler, Consultant. Commissioner Holt recused herself from the discussion. Discussion of City of Austin use of glue traps for pest control. Discussed. 4. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS None. A motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:21 p.m. was approved on Commissioner Nilson’s motion, Commissioner Huddleston’s second on a 7-0 vote. Parliamentarian Nemer, Commissioners Bruce, Herrera, Hoke, and Tucker were absent. The minutes were approved at the XX, meeting on Commissioner XX’s motion, Commissioner XX’s second on a X-X …
Strategic Planning Update to Animal Advisory Commission Audrey Muntz, Budget and Performance Manager Dr. Larry Schooler, Consultant October 14, 2024 Working Group Progress Third and fourth working group meetings on September 12th and 17th • Report/analysis of community + staff engagement • Development of goals and consolidation in categories • Discussion of overall vision • Recommended operational changes 2 Working Group Next Steps • Work on strategic plan framework • Focus areas • Goals • Objectives • Revisit (and offer potential revision of) ASO mission statement • Craft consensus direction on • No Kill Intake • • Spay/Neuter 3 Assessment Phase Stakeholder Engagement Reports Community Survey Report • A community survey was available from July 17 to August 14, 2024 • A detailed report on survey results can be found on the ASO Strategic Plan PublicInput page under the Share Your Thoughts tab • ASO Strategic Plan Community Survey Report 2024.pdf Staff and Volunteer Interview and Listening Session Report • Interviews and listening sessions were conducted with staff and volunteers from July 9 to August 20, 2024 • A report on the process and the results of these engagements can be found on the PublicInput page under the Share Your Thoughts tab • ASO Strategic Plan Staff & Volunteer Interview & Listening Session Report 2024.pdf Strategic Plan Updates Stay informed on ASO strategic planning and find Community Survey and Listening Session reports at www.publicinput.com/ASOplan2024
Recommendation The Animal Advisory Commission recommends that City of Austin prohibit the purchase of and usage of all glue traps at City-owned and/or City-managed facilities. Description of Recommendation to Council The Austin Animal Advisory Commission recommends that the Austin City Council and the Austin City Manager’s Office update City building management practices to prohibit the purchase and use of all glue traps at City owned and/or managed facilities due to the unsanitary and inhumane outcomes of using these traps. Basis for Recommendation 1. Glue traps are a public health hazard. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns the public not to use glue traps because they increase people’s exposure to disease. Animals stuck in the glue may carry harmful pathogens. In addition, while trapped, these animals continue to produce urine and feces. Pathogens, including hantavirus, salmonella, and the bacteria that cause leptospirosis, can be transmitted from these animals and through their waste. 2. Glue traps are indiscriminate. As a result, species of wildlife, including birds, bats, and other species of native wildlife are unintentionally caught and killed in these traps. Pets can also be caught and harmed by glue traps. 3. Glue traps are inhumane and cause prolonged and unnecessary suffering. Animals caught in glue traps often panic and struggle, which leads to them becoming even more entangled. This struggle can result in the glue pulling off their fur, feathers, or skin. Some animals may break their bones or even gnaw off their own limbs as they struggle to free themselves. The distressing sounds made by trapped wildlife can be unsettling for many, and workers who encounter these animals may be unsure of how to humanely handle the situation. If left alone, these frightened and injured creatures can suffer and die over several days from blood loss, shock, suffocation, or dehydration. In some instances, they perish after being crushed in the trash, as the instructions on the traps suggest disposing of them in this manner. This poses further health risks to City sanitation workers who may come into contact with dead or dying animals. 4. Better alternatives exist. Glue traps are not effective and do not provide a long-term solution for pest control. To manage rodent populations sustainably, it is essential to secure buildings and eliminate the conditions that attract them. Without addressing these underlying issues and humanely removing animals while preventing their return, infestations will continue. The …
ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20241014-007 Date: October 14, 2024 Subject: Banning glue traps at City of Austin owned and/or managed facilities Motioned By: Commissioner Holt Recommendation Seconded By: Commissioner Herrera The Animal Advisory Commission recommends that City of Austin prohibit the purchase of and usage of all glue traps at City-owned and/or City-managed facilities. Description of Recommendation to Council The Austin Animal Advisory Commission recommends that the Austin City Council, the Austin City Manager’s Office, and Travis County Commissioners Court update City building management practices to prohibit the purchase and use of all glue traps at City owned and/or managed facilities due to the unsanitary and inhumane outcomes of using these traps. Basis for Recommendation 1. Glue traps are a public health hazard. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns the public not to use glue traps because they increase people’s exposure to disease. Animals stuck in the glue may carry harmful pathogens. In addition, while trapped, these animals continue to produce urine and feces. Pathogens, including hantavirus, salmonella, and the bacteria that cause leptospirosis, can be transmitted from these animals and through their waste. 2. Glue traps are indiscriminate. As a result, species of wildlife, including birds, bats, and other species of native wildlife are unintentionally caught and killed in these traps. Pets can also be caught and harmed by glue traps. 3. Glue traps are inhumane and cause prolonged and unnecessary suffering. Animals caught in glue traps often panic and struggle, which leads to them becoming even more entangled. This struggle can result in the glue pulling off their fur, feathers, or skin. Some animals may break their bones or even gnaw off their own limbs as they struggle to free themselves. The distressing sounds made by trapped wildlife can be unsettling for many, and workers who encounter these animals may be unsure of how to humanely handle the situation. If left alone, these frightened and injured creatures can suffer and die over several days from blood loss, shock, suffocation, or dehydration. In some instances, they perish after being crushed in the trash, as the instructions on the traps suggest disposing of them in this manner. This poses further health risks to City sanitation workers who may come into contact with dead or dying animals. 4. Better alternatives exist. Glue traps are not effective and do not provide a long-term solution for pest control. To manage …
ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OCTOBER 14, 2024 The Animal Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on October 14, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd St in Austin, Texas. Chair Clinton called the Animal Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Ryan Clinton, Chair, Travis County Luis Herrera, D6 Whitney Holt, D5 Dr. Paige Nilson, D4 Lotta Smagula, D1 Larry Tucker, D7 Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Ann Linder, Vice Chair, D3 Dr. Amanda Bruce, D10 Laura Hoke, Mayor’s Appointee Sarah Huddleston, D9 Commissioners Absent: Beatriz Dulzaides, D2 PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Rochelle Vickery – Spay & neuter event, community cats program Laura Nesmith – Behind the misunderstood work behind TNR Deborah Ro – TNR’s positive impact on our community Jacobi Alvarez – TNR needs Diane Odegaard – Glue trap ban and bats Pat Valls Trelles – Community Cats Program 1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on August 12, 2024. The motion to approve the minutes from the meeting of August 12, 2024, was approved on Commissioner Holt’s motion, Commissioner Smagula’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Nilson abstained. Commissioner Dulzaides was absent. Approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on September 9, 2024. The motion to approve the minutes from the meeting of September 9, 2024, with the following correction was approved on Commissioner Nilson’s motion, Commissioner Holt’s second on a 10-0 vote. Commissioner Dulzaides was absent. The correction was to revise the action for Item 1 to read: “The motion to approve the minutes from the meeting of August 12, 2024, failed on Commissioner Smagula’s motion, Commissioner Holt’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner Nilson abstained. Parliamentarian Nemer, Commissioners Bruce, Herrera, Hoke, and Tucker were absent. STAFF BRIEFING 3. Staff briefing regarding monthly reports provided by the Animal Service Center. The presentation was made by Don Bland, Chief Animal Services Officer, Austin Animal Services and Jason Garza, Deputy Chief Animal Services Officer, Austin Animal Services. A motion to take up Item 7 next was made by Commissioner Holt, seconded by Commissioner Herrera, and approved on a 10-0 vote. Commissioner Dulzaides was absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 7. Approve a recommendation to Council to ban glue traps at City of Austin owned and/or managed facilities. A motion to approve the recommendation was made by Commissioner Holt and seconded by Commissioner Herrera. A motion to …
