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Item G1 On January 11, 2000, County staff met with the Florida Keys Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (FKSPCA) to discuss recent complaints, plans for corrective action to prevent reoccurrence, and documentation of the following items as per the contract: ~ List of staff by name, tide, and shelter they are assigned to. This information was provided on 2/11/00. ~ Copies of all animal control officer and euthanasia certificates. This information was provided on 2/11/00. Presendy Dr. Gwen lIawtof, President of the FKSPCA, and Acting Director, is a Certified Animal Control Officer (ACO) and is certified to perform Euthanasia; one other staff member is a Certified ACO and approximately four (4) staff members are in training to become A CO's. ~ Copies of all business and shelter licenses and permits obtained to date. The SPCA has obtained all required licenses in their name with the exception of the DEA Drug license which is expected in about two (2) weeks. ~ Copy of training manual as provided in Sec. I(a) of contract. A draft copy was provided on 2/11/00. ~ Copies of vehicle maintenance reports/receipts as provided in Sec. XI of contract. Receipts for repairs and maintenance items were provided on 2/11/00. ~ Big Pine Shelter. The FKSPCA continues to patrol the area encompassing Big Pine, and have stated that they intend to reopen the Big Pine Shelter as a holding facility on a seasonal basis, continually working with the Key Deer Refuge to assess the situation in this area. ~ Ilman case. See attached letter dated 2/13/00. ~ Kozmer case. See attached letter dated 2/13/00. ~ Becky Knight case. See attached letter dated 2/13/00. l-Gl(a) Dent Pierce, Director, Public Works Division Monroe County , ' 5100 College Road' Key West, FL 33040 ,,' .;. .' FLORIDA KEYS SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENnON OF CRUELlY TO ANIMALS, INC, MIll: 1901 So. Roosevelt Boulevard - 403N, Key West, FL 33040 PhonelFAX; (305) 292-1091 em..: keys spca@aoI.com ......: Key West - 5230 College Rd. (Stock Island) - (305) 29oH857 FAX:(305)295-8387 MttIitdlUII - 10550 Aviation Boulevard - (305) 743-3779 FAX:(305)743-5660 "." february 10, 2000 . SPCA Dear Dent: As requested, in our 'meeting on 'January 11, 2000, and your letter dated January 27, 2000, attached pl~as~ find the following information: ~.~, ,". . list of staff by name, title and assigned shelter · Copies of all animal control officer and euthanasia certificates . ,- OJ' - '- · Copies of all business and shelter licenses and permits obtained to date · Copy of training manual,~s prov!deq in Sec. I(a) of contract · Copies of v:ehicl~ maintenance reports/receipts as provided in Section Xl of contract '/,:.:,". . - ,", .' . Big Pine Key'shelter statu~ ' : ''-,' . .~... ~ ." The Florida Keys S.P.C.A. has met with representatives of the Key peer Refuge. As'a result' of the meeting, we have inCreased the number of patrols at various times during the day. This will assist in locating and' capturing at-~arge dogs in the Refuge. We will be meeting with Park Rangers to further discuss the capture and identification of dogs that are picked up in the Refuge. They feel that the Big Pine Shelter should be open sea'sonally ~s a holding fac.i1ity since there is an increase in the . number of people and animals ,in the Big Pine area during the winter. We are looking forward to working Closely with them to ensure the safety of the key deer as welJ as the control of at-large dogs in the area. ~-. '. U you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact. Attachments Gw Hawtof, M. President . SPCA FLORIDA KEYS SOCIETY FOR THE PREVEtrnON OF CRUEL TYTO ANIMALS, INC, Mall: 1901 So. Roosevelt Boulevard - 403N. Key West, FL 33040 PhoneIFAX: (305) 292-1091 em"': keys spca@aol.com ......: Key west - 5230 College Rd. (Stock Island) - (305) 29+4857 FAX:(305)295-6387 Maratlu'l - 10550 Aviation Boulevard - (305) 743-3779 FAX:(305)743-5660 February 13, 2000 Mr. Dent Pierce Director, Monroe County Public Wqcks 5100 College Road Key West, FL 33040 Dear Dent, Regarding the permits required for the Animal Shelters Os described in the contract '-." . . package: ,- f' t ; !- City of Key West Occupational License Per Ms. Carolyn Walker: as a nonprofit organization, we are not required to have a license for the Key West facility. Monroe County Occupational License copies enclosed Board of Pharmacy License, State of Florida copy of Key West and Marathon licenses enclosed Controlled Substance Registration Certificate issued upon receipt of State Board of Pharmacy License. Spoke with Gina in the Miami office last week and faxed her the necessary-copies of paperwork. She expected the certificate to be issued within two weeks. Permit for vehicles used to transport animal carcasses Per Ms. Frances Arnold: as we are presently transporting carcasses only as it pertains to removing dead animals from roadways, and are not in the business of transporting for fees (e.g. hauling carcasses for veterinary practices for cremation), we are not required to have this permit. Our application is on file with their office and if our circumstances change, we can let her office know. Wildlife permit with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission letter requesting permit enclosed. No fee required. This is to pick up nuisance raccoons. Biomedical Waste Permit with Florida Department of Environmental Health Per Ms. Donna Lopez: the permit exemption remains in effect while we are under contract to the county. A new application under the FKSPCA name is not necessary. Enclosed is letter/copy of exemption. Any updates will be forwarded to your office as received. e call me with any questions. truly yours . SPCA FLORIDA KEYS SOCIETY FOR THE PREVEtrnON OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS, INC. tWI: 1901 So. Roosevelt Boulevard - 403N, Key West, FL 33040 Phone/FAX: (305) 292-1091 emeI: keys spcsQ8OI.com .......: Key West - 5230 College Rd. (Stock Island) - (305) 294-4857 FAX:(305)295-8387 Ma.iftllUl1 - 10550 AYIation Boulevard - (305) 743-3719 FAX:(305)743-5660 , ~-,. February 13,.2000 '.'",,' Mr. Dent Pierce '" Monroe County Department of Public Works 5100 College Road '. Key West, FL 33040 : .' ~.."~~'~ l':;.-~ .~ :!7'. " " " "r. t tl' I ~ I I I 1,- I' Dec1r Dent, ,-. . '::"i_:_: ',;. -:">'11 ~io~ ~;,\t.,. ~ ""-'~;-~-:", 1''''H.'':''-''~,',:,,,,:,:, ...,;,;,;.::,......:.~...<<;v.';...lJo~~;'_.~~t"":*""~.~w..,.;~Jr.l.-.e~.~T.Q:!, .;'~~..',_,.ob We appreciate the opportunity to present the following information to you and the Board of County Co~missioners.'I hope this will help in understanding our commitment to the animals of Mon~o.e.~~u~tY and the people who love them. We appreciate your support during this initial phase. Takirlgover Animal Control and running the Animal Shelters has . ~. ' , been an enormous undertaking, especially as we are committed to improving the conditions for the animals at the shelter and reaching out to the community to assist where needed. We feel we h,ave made t~e. bi99es~ impact. in the way the animals are cared for at. . the Shelters. They are receiving great care from employees and volunteers who really want to make a difference. We've impr'ovecJ'the physical facility with the roofs for the 'kennels, _ '- ,,-",." '.., .:'," ,jI/:.- . . " '. '. -' - . . ' . lighting for the cages, .hot. water heat~r~,A/C for the cattery ,plantings for the grounds,.",.." new cat cages, as well as the comput~rs and cell phones. The dogs are out of their kennels for cleaning, and a good portion of their day is spent taking turns in the playyard. The cats get a lot of extra attention from dedicat'ect individuals. The animals receive medical attention to a greater degree the;,. ev~r before: as we have vets who come out to visit the facility as well as help us tr~ton site or in their offices. We've had individuals step forward to cover the cost so -Heartworm positive" isn't alwaYs a death sentence. We've helped dozens of cit'izw" reun'itewith their pets by taking -lost reports" and improve their pet's lives with obediencet,raining and sPay/neuter assistance. And we've been rewarded with a wonderful community response: more adoptions in six months than the previous entire year (560 vs. 506) '" . ........",."'. There is a tendency of people ,to avoid personal responsibility and deny any accountability to their community. People in the Keys are -carelessly passionate" about their animals, letting them run -free" Ca.k.a. -running at large") to harass the children getting off the bus or jump on the older couple walking their small dog, heedless of the fear and anger generated by these actions. But should that dog get hit by a car, and we at the SPCA not be prompt in getting there to rush the animal to the vet asking him to do every thing for that animal, not knowing if that animal has an owner or not, we get to hear the passion of how much that animal was loved and cherished. No one ever asks why the dog was in the street in the first place, without identification. No one asks why if the animal, was so valued and valuable, that it is left outside in a pen that children open easily to let the animal roam. No one ever asks about the owner's choices that were made long before we at the SPCA get a phone call. , I. I I l a SPCA FLORIDA KEYS SOCIElY FOR THE PREVEN'OON OF CRua TYTO ANIMALS, INC. MIlO: 1901 So. Roosevelt Boulevard - 403N, Key West, FL 33040 PhonelFAX: (305) 292-1091 em.: keys spca@aol.com ......: Key West - 5230 College Rd. (Stock Island) - (305) 29+4857 FAX:(305)295-6387 Marathon - 10550 AYIation Boulevard - (305) 743-3779 FAX:(305)743-5660 There have been several instances of community interaction, which has generated negative publicity for us. All of these instances began with the actions or choices made by the animal owner. Our response to these actions may not have been what the animal owner wanted but all were made with the animal's best interests at heart. Mistakes have been made -and lessons learned. We expect more mistakes as we strive to improve and try new programs to better the lives of Keys animals and their owners. We have improved our intake and animal surrender protocol. We have organized our lost/found reporting. We have upgraded our record keeping and expanded our computer use for day to day input and retrieval. Training is a priority. We are committed to making a difference. The microchip program is coming; the spay/neuter trailer that will move up and down the Keys is becoming a reality. We are still working on promoting the Shelters, particularly Marathon, to increase adoptions. The Pet Stores in Marathon and Key West are featuring our kittens and puppies. Newspapers, radio, and cable TV are all helping with advertising. We are partnering with the domestic abuse shelters in Key West and Marathon to house people's pets while they seek help. We continue to work with our area vets with a free first office visit after adoption designed to encourage responsible pet ownership. We are continually challenged to keep spay/neuter costs down for the would-be pet owner as costs rise for the veterinary practices. We recently received price increases from two vet practices that make the adoption of a 60 pound lab, for example, cost $100 and the adoption of a kitten more than $60 plus a rabies vaccination. . Since the Commissioners and the public supported our bid to run the Shelters, we knew changes were necessary. We have learned to slow down on some changes, consult with others before proposing other changes, and practice patience with those we cannot change. We appreciate your patience and support, as well as your encouragement to the citizens of Monroe County to come be involved in what we do, and make a difference. V truly yours, \. G D. Hawtof, M.D. President, Florida Keys SPCA Ms. Kathy Ilman and Subar: Ms. Kathy Ilman's dog, Subar, was picked up in the street by her house without collar or tags. The shelter employees did not know the dog, its owner, or its history prior to picking the dog up in the street. The dog was paralyzed and got around by dragging its hindquarters. When the dog was brought to the shelter, the director assessed the dog's condition, felt the dog was suffering, and euthanized the dog. Ms. Ilman had been issued"a courtesy warning on the same day regarding a complaint of too many birds and cats. She arrived at the shelter in response to the warning, looking also for her dog. The dog had unfortunately already been euthanized. She stated that her dog was 11 years old and had apparently been paralyzed for ten years. We do already involve the veterinarians in decisions such as this, either by bringing the animal to the vet or consulting over the phone. The vets have as a whole been very helpful but they will not always answer a call from us particularly after hours in a timely fashion and we may have to make a judgement call ourselves. Also, we have had to pledge to the veterinarians personally that all emergency vet treatment will be paid for by FKSPCA whether or not an owner is ever found. We have done this on a number of occasions but if the County would like to hold us to this standard that all injured/sick animals are taken to the vet for assessment and treatment, we will need more than the $2600 presently budgeted for veterinary care in one year. (We have already spent $8000 on vet care outside of spay/neuter fees) Ideally, the person making the call for the animal is the owner. If an animal can be positively identified, we can contact the owner for them to take possession of an animal and be responsible for its care. Unfortunately, the vast majority of animals come to us without collars or tags. We are therefore instituting a microchip program which will be used on all the animals adopted from the shelter and be offered to the public for small fee ($5 if ID'd locally, $10 for national protection as an initial offering). Using a needle to insert a tiny microchip encoded with a number, we can tag any animal and be able to trace that animal to an owner, even a backup person (neighbor, friend) in case of emergency. The chips are ordered. When they arrive, we'll plan a .CHIP DAY' at the shelter for the public. We also will hold an animal a reasonable amount of time, even if hurt/injured to try to find an owner. If necessary, medication will be given by the vets or us to attempt to keep an animal comfortable while waiting. This is a tough standard to adhere to as we have so many animals that come to us as strays and healthy that are never claimed by an owner, but we will do our best. If in the vet's/our judgement, the animal is suffering with a catastrophic injury, we will euthanize the animal. We will involve more than one person whenever possible. (At two am, it's tough to get anyone else to come to your aid!) Ms. Bonnie Kozmer and -Dusty" Ms. Bonnie Kozmer's dog came to the Marathon shelter via a local groomer who found the dog outside her shop on US 1 on Tuesday, December 7,1999. The dog was picked up by Animal Control the next morning. The condition of the dog made it appear that it had been away from home for a while, and we had had no lost reports of a small dog. The dog was transferred to Key West as we have often done because of space. There are only 14 kennels in the Marathon facility and the shelter does not have near the number of adoptions as does the Key West facility. If we do not move dogs out of the Marathon shelter, we would be euthanizing more dogs. We frequently move dogs and cats between the shelters depending on space and requests. On December 9th, the dog was inadvertently taken to be neutered in the place of another small dog that had been at the shelter for 5 days already. While at the vet, they noticed other signs of anemia and malnourishment. This is not uncommon for many of our shelter dogs but the vet was concerned about the degree. We brought the dog back on Monday, December 13th for further tests, including erlichia titers. The tests confirmed significant anemia. Meanwhile, we did receive a call from Ms. Kozmer regarding her lost dog. She appeared at the Marathon shelter after hours on Thursday, December 9th, and called the Key West shelter at 5:50 p.m. Friday night. We confirmed we might have a dog fitting her description but that the dog was very malnourished. She maintained her dog was not sick, and she took good care of her dog, but that the neighbor children frequently let the dog out of its dog pen to play and let it run at large. Ms. Kozmer came to the Key West shelter Saturday morning, December 11th and made a positive identification of the dog. We were concerned that she still maintained there was nothing wrong with her dog, when we saw signs of neglect with malnourishment and further weight loss. She asked me to call her vet, which I did. They confirmed that when they had last seen the dog in October, the dog did show signs of anemia and flea/tick infestation with tapeworms. We were reluctant to release the dog to her, with her strong denial of anything wrong with the dog, and at that point issued a citation of possible animal neglect, refusing to release the dog. The dog was placed in foster care for the next 10 days where he was treated with a worming medication, iron supplements, vitamins, and puppy chow for calories. He gained a full pound in that time, which is significant for a small dog weighing 13.3 pounds on arrival. The dog was returned to Ms. Kozmer the last week of December per Mr. Pierce's request. We appeared in traffic/animal control court January 12th in Marathon regarding possible neglect charges. Due to a clerical error with how the citation was written and amended, the case was dismissed. We have improved our intake procedures to accurately identify dogs that have been in the shelter for the 5-day waiting period, including kennel cards and color-coded collars. We also leave all dogs at the shelter they are turned into for those days, even if it means moving other dogs or euthanizing adoptable animals to make room for the strays. Animals are not scheduled for spay/neuter surgery until the 5 days are up unless the animal is surrendered to us. Again, a microchip program would have identified this dog's owner when the dog was picked up and perhaps we could have worked with Ms. Kozmer regarding improving her pet ownership skills. We have been taking lost reports since our contract started in July. This was not done previously. We have reunited a significant number of pets and owners by taking descriptions and pictures of lost animals to our stray area for comparison. Ms. Becky Knight and -Dona" Ms. Becky Knight's dog ended up at the shelter after we responded to a bite case. This was the second time Mr. John Ford's Jack Russell had bitten someone, and the Monroe County Sheriff Department on September 29th called us as the officer responding had also been attacked by the dog. I arrived straight from home in my personal vehicle as the call came at "'7:15 am. I discussed with Mr. Ford that the second bite was unacceptable and he acknowledged he had let the dog ran at large. He could not fence his property and refused to chain or leash his dog. He also had a second dog, which appeared to be a small Manchester terrier mix. He said he was keeping the dog for a friend, Becky, but did not know her last name, phone number or address. He had had the dog for 6 weeks at that point and did not know where she was or how to contact her. I told him that County Ordinance defines an owner as someone feeding/caring for an animal for 30 days. (Sec 3.2 s: Owner means any person or corporation owning an animal or any person who feeds or shelters an animal or permits it to remain on the person's property for thirty (30) days or more). At that point, he told me to take both his dogs as they were too much trouble for him to deal with. He got me a leash for the second dog and helped me put the dogs in my car. Meanwhile, the deputy wrote him a notice to appear. Mr. Ford did not sign a surrender form as I was in my personal vehicle without paperwork. Several days later, Mr. Ford came in to try to get his Jack Russell back. He at no time expressed any interest in the other dog, and indeed, we had the small terrier spayed and adopted out within 3 days. It was several days after that that we first heard from Ms. Knight. She had come to the shelter and talked with the staff who explained the events above. At present, she would like to get her dog back and we have been unable to make that happen. We have tried to contact the new owner who lives in another state but have not yet been successful. Again, some kind of identification would have helped find the true owner. Though it would have helped, it cannot always prevent this type of event, as we have a significant number of animals surrendered to us by familylfriend/roommates who state the owner has left the animal with them and now left town, is in jail, etc. Many of these stories are true but there is the occasional tale of a vindictive individual turning in a pet caught in the middle of a domestic dispute, or a roommate who uses the opportunity of a roomie's vacation to get rid of that dog or cat they can't stand. I'm not sure how I can make sure that all owner surrenders are really true and hold animals for an indefinite time period to make sure the real owner doesn't show up days or weeks later demanding their pet back. The county intake form states -I hereby agree that the above animal shall be disposed of at the discretion of the County Animal Shelter: to the best of my knowledge it has not bitten anyone in the past 15 days. After release is signed, animal belongs to the Animal Shelter." We emphasize to people that though we will do our best to find their pet a new, loving home there aren't enough homes. We feel we've worked very hard to become a low-kill shelter. With increased spay/neuter programs, we can lower the numbers even more.