DSAC Agenda 01/17/20233.A.2
Collier County
Board of County Commissioners
Domestic Animal Services Advisory Committee
Meeting
January 17, 2023
4:00 pm
NOTICE: PERSONS WISHING TO SPEAK ON ANY AGENDA ITEM WILL RECEIVE UP TO THREE (3)
MINUTES UNLESS THE CHAIRMAN ADJUSTS THE TIME. SPEAKERS ARE REQUIRED TO FILL OUT A
"SPEAKERS REQUEST FORM," LIST THE TOPIC THEY WISH TO ADDRESS AND HAND IT TO THE
STAFF MEMBER SEATED AT THE TABLE BEFORE THE MEETING BEGINS. PLEASE WAIT TO BE
RECOGNIZED BY THE CHAIRMAN AND APPROACH THE PODIUM PRIOR TO SPEAKING. STATE
YOUR NAME AND AFFILIATION BEFORE COMMENTING. ALL COMMENTS MUST BE DIRECTED TO
THE CHAIRMAN.
PLEASE SILENCE CELL PHONES AND DIGITAL DEVICES. PLEASE LEAVE THE ROOM TO CONDUCT
PERSONAL BUSINESS. ALL PARTIES PARTICIPATING IN THE PUBLIC MEETING ARE TO OBSERVE
THE ROBERTS RULES OF ORDER AND WAIT TO BE RECOGNIZED BY THE CHAIRMAN.
IF YOU ARE A PERSON WITH A DISABILITY WHO NEEDS ANY ACCOMMODATION IN ORDER TO
PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROCEEDING, YOU ARE ENTITLED, AT NO COST TO YOU, TO THE
PROVISION OF CERTAIN ASSISTANCE. PLEASE CONTACT THE COLLIER COUNTY FACILITIES
MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT LOCATED AT 3335 EAST TAMIAMI TRAIL, NAPLES, FLORIDA, 34112,
(239) 252-8380
I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call - Establish a Quorum
III. Approval of Agenda
IV. Approval of Minutes -- September 20, 2022
V. Leadership Report
VI. New Business
A. Expanded Position Request - Marcy Perry
B. TNR - Michele Antonia
C. Intake - Michele Antonia
D. Advisory Board Meeting Schedule - Jim Rich
E. Elect Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary - Jim Rich
VII. Public Comment
Vlll. Advisory Board Member Comments
IX. Adjourn
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Public Services Division,
Domestic Animal Services
Collier County Domestic
Animal Services
Animal Control Enforcement Staffing
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Expanded Position Request.>
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1 Animal Control Officer Assigned to Breeder E
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COLLIER COUNTY
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Current Field Enforcement Team y
1 Field Operations Manager
2 Animal Control Officer II (supervisor)
1 Dispatcher
8 Animal Control Officers
Current Field Coverage
2 ACOS
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2 ACOS
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1 ACO on call from 9:00 pm until 7:00 am daily
*Includes supervisors
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Public services Division
Domestic Animal Services
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COLLIER COUNTY
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
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0
2018
Stray Animal Intake
2019
■ Total Stray Intake
2020
2021
■ Golden Gate Estates and Immakalee
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Cote?- Count
Public Services Division V
Domestic Anima4 Services
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Breeders in Collier County 0
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67 Permitted Breeders in Collier County N
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Most are classified as Hobby Breeders
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268 Quarterly Inspections
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ACOs complete these inspections in between
responding to calls for assistance from the public
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ACO -Breeder Activities 0
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Investigate breeding
❖ As reported by ACOs
As reported by the public
As advertised on social media
Conduct quarterly inspections
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Public services DMsk)n
Domestic Animal Services
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COWER COUNTY
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ACO - Golden Gate Estates 0
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ACO - Immokalee
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Respond to calls for assistance from the public E
Proactively patrol
other violations
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for animals running -at -large and
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Educate the community on responsible
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pet ownershir
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Participate in local area microchip clinics
Easily identify strays to reunite them with their owners
Increased compliance (running at large, rabies vaccination, license) a
Coder Count
Public Services Division .2
Domestic Animal Services
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COLLIER
Results
" Reduction in unpermitted breeders
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•'• Increased compliance rates
•* Tethering
Rabies vaccines and county licenses
Breeder compliance
>• Other violations
` More animals reunited with their owners
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Collier Count
Public Services Division
Domestic Animal Services
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3.A.3
PerryMara
From: Bob March <bobmarch706@gmail_com>
Sent: Tuesday, January 17, 2023 1:10 PM
To: PerryMarcy
This email is from an external source. Confirm this is a trusted sender and use extreme caution when
opening attachments or clicking links.
Dear Ms. Perry,
I am very sorry that circumstances arose last minute which made me unable to attend this afternoons Advisory board
meeting. Please extend my apologies to the other board members and the public.
I would like to Offer my vote on the re-election of chair and vice chair and secretary. My vote for Chairperson is to have
Mr. Jim Rich continue on as Chair. For Vice- Chairperson, I would like to elect Meredith McLean. For secretary I would
vote to continue to have Sue Law act in that position.
Sincerely,
Dr. Bob March
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PerryMarcy
From: Bob March <bobmarch706@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, January 17, 2023 1:12 PM
To: PerryMarcy
EXTERNAL EMAIi This email is from an external source. Confirm this is a trusted sender and use extreme caution when
opening attachments or clicking links.
Dear. Ms Perry,
I would also like to add that I am in 100% support of the Expanded Position Request for more Animal Control
Officers. Please make that note for the meeting as well.
Dr. Bob March
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3.A.3
PerryMarcy
From: Bob March <bobmarch706@grnail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, January 17, 2023 1:18 PM
To: PerryMarcy
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Dear Ms. Perry,
I would also like to add my vote to continue with quarterly meetings moving forward. I believe that most of what we do
can be achieved in this time frame. i would like to add that if there is a need to schedule another Advisory Board
meeting outside of the quarterly timeframe that we should have the right to institute that as well.
Dr. Bob March CO
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September 19. 2022
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF COLLIER COUNTY
DOMESTIC ANIMAL SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD
Naples, Florida, September 20, 2022
LET IT BE REMEMBERED that the Collier County Domestic Animal
Services Advisory Board, in and for the County of Collier, having
conducted business herein, met on this date at 6 p.m. in REGULAR SESSION
in Administrative Building F, 3" Floor, Collier County Government Center,
Naples, Florida, with the following members present:
CHAIRMAN: Jim Rich
VICE CHAIRMAN: Kelly Hyland
SECRETARY: Sue Law
Dr. Robert March
Meredith McLean
Cpl. Sherry Rego
Michele Antonia
ALSO PRESENT: Marcy Perry, Director, Domestic Animal Services
Cindy Delgado, Administrative Assistant, DAS
Dan Rodriguez, Deputy County Manager
Tanya Williams, County Public Services Department Head
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September 19. 2022
Any persons in need of the verbatim record of the meeting may request a copy of the audio
recording from Domestic Animal Services
I. Call to Order
Chairman Rich called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m.
II. Roll Call — Establish a Quorum
A quorum of seven was established.
III. Approval of Agenda
A. DAS Agenda Procedures [Jim Rich]
Chairman Rich said that before we approve the agenda, there was a misunderstanding. He
offered to rewrite the agenda and it's similar to the first, with one exception.
[He handed out an updated agenda]
Dr. March made a motion to approve the agenda, with the above change. Cpl. Rego
seconded it The motion passed unanimously, 7-0.
IV. Approval of Minutes
A. July 19, 2022
Chairman Rich said there are changes involving board procedures. Our past few meetings
have progressively gotten out of hand and tonight, we will be returning to standard,
recommended procedures that are based on County rules and Robert's Rules, as well as rules
we've followed for the last several years, except for the past year. These are standard,
acceptable practice. Because of this, no motion or vote is required. He can answer questions
and the board must make sure we all agree on the language, so please read it:
1. Beginning today, we will no longer be conducting meetings as if they are an open forum
for the public to verbally interact with the board and DAS staff during our
discussions. Also, Board members will be respectful of other board members and DAS
staff while they are speaking and wait until they are done talking or raise their hand for
permission to speak.
2. Under no circumstances will yelling, screaming, harassing, verbally attacking or
bullying another board member or DAS staff member be tolerated.
3. Any board member with questions regarding DAS County procedures should speak or
meet with the DAS director prior to our regular meetings. if not satisfied with the
responses from the director, then the directors' immediate supervisor should be
contacted, and so forth, up the chain of command. Our advisory board meetings should
never be a platform for grandstanding or attempting to embarrass anyone to advance a
personal agenda.
4. There shall be an agenda for each meeting of the advisory board, which shall determine
the order of business conducted. The board shall not take action on any matter, proposal,
reports or item of business not listed upon the official agenda, unless a majority of the
board present consents. We can add things last minute if we want, but it has to be agreed
upon by a majority of votes. Any advisory board member may place an item on the
agenda by submitting it to the chairman through the staff liaison prior to the deadline for
publishing the notice of such meeting. The chairman shall determine whether the item
submitted by the board member is relevant to the purposes of the advisory board. Upon
his or her finding that the item is relevant, it shall be included in the agenda. Staff -
initiated agenda items are not subject to prior review by the chairman.
S. Regarding comments deemed not germane to an item, any board member may interrupt
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and/or stop any presentation that discusses matters that need not be considered in
deciding the matter then before the board for consideration. Also, at any board
proceeding, the chairman, unless overruled by a majority of the board members present,
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may restrict or terminate presentations that in the chairman's judgment, are frivolous,
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unduly repetitive or out of order.
6. Public comments have historically been just that, comments. Otherwise, it would be
called public debates or public Q&A. As in the past, each speaker will be allowed three
minutes (or more if they have relinquished time by someone else). Also, although not
required, during or after a speaker's presentation, the board shall have an opportunity to
comment or ask questions or seek clarification from such speaker. Anyone who is unruly
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and not respectful to the board or DAS staff will be asked to vacate the speaker stand or,
in extreme cases, leave the meeting. Also, the public shall not ask questions, make
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comments or otherwise participate in any board member conversation during board
member discussions. Their participation is limited to public comments, unless solicited
by the board.
7. And finally, advisory board members should be treated much the same way: Make
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comments regarding your assessment of the evening's meeting, and possible topics for
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future meetings. It should not be a rehash of previously discussed issues that you are not
personally satisfied with.
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[He handed out a copy of the rules]
Chairman Rich asked if there were any questions.
Vice Chair Hyland asked about No. 7, previously discussed issues. There are some things
that we do discuss that are not finalized or finished or we still have questions about. Are you
saying we cannot discuss previous items or make comments?
Chairman Rich said we have a tendency to beat an issue to death because we don't have
answers or the ability to do something under our current ordinance. Everyone will be pleased
with the new ordinance. We can revisit some of the things we have not been able to do under
the current ordinance, so that's a goad thing.
Vice Chair Hyland made a motion to approve the July 19, 2022, minutes Cpl. Rego
seconded it. The motion passed unanimously, 7 0.
B. August 16, 2022
Ms. McLean made a motion to approve the minutes for the August 16, 2022, workshop.
Vice Chair Hyland seconded it. The motion passed unanimously, 7-0.
V. Leadership Report [Marcy Perry, DAS Director]
Ms. Perry reported that:
• During the past 30 days we've made great progress. Effective tomorrow, we're
stopping the pre -approval process for adopters, which meant they needed to wait in
line at the front desk to get pre -approval to be able to visit with a shelter pet. Now,
anybody who wishes to view an adoptable pet, dog or cat can go straight to the back
and interact with them.
• If they decide they want to adopt, then they can immediately go to the front desk with
a volunteer, complete an application and proceed with the adoption process.
• Hearwworm positive dogs: Now that we've added an additional vet tech to our team
and partnered with several animal hospitals that are assisting us with heartworm
treatments, we are going to be starting in-house heartworm treatments for heartworm
positive dogs effective next week. They'll start with their 30 days of Doxycycline
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once they test positive, and then we'll continue that process.
• Reorganization in the DAS lobby. We have moved the cats into the conference room,
which is an amazing improvement for the cats. It's a quieter, stress -free M
environment. They are no longer in the lobby, where cats had to deal with pet owners o
bringing in dogs for licensing, barking dogs and customer interaction.
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• The lobby also has additional chairs and seating for the public, so they no longer have
to come to the front lobby and stand up with no place to sit as they complete an
adoption application or last -and -found forms.cc
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• Forms and clipboards are on the yellow table, with adoption applications and lost -
and -found forms in English and Spanish. They can sit down and fill them out.
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• The hallway that leads to the cat areas is also accessible now. There's an orange
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bench there and we removed the cat cages, so families can sit on the bench and
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discuss an adoption or fill out applications.
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• Cats have moved to the Conference Room (previously Animal Services Coordinator
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Grace's office) and Grace was relocated so she's more accessible to volunteers,
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customers and staff.
• We relocated the Volunteer Room to be where the cats are, so they can interact with
the cats better and play with them. If they're getting stressed out in that room, they
can move them from the Conference Room into Grace's old office and give them
some downtime_
• The public sometimes brings kids and it stresses out the cats, so we can immediately
segment a carrier and get them out of that situation.
• We're in the process of scheduling all our meetings off -site for the betterment of the
animals. Our Responsible Pet Ownership classes for the public also will be moved
off -site. We're looking at the library or the Parks Department hosting our animal
cruelty events. Any of the classes we were holding in the Conference Room, with the
exception of volunteer orientation and animal handling classes, are going to be moved
off site. We'll see if that process works.
• We've received nothing but positive comments about the new cat arrangements.
• As we continue to build new relationships and develop current ones, Purr Inc. came to
Domestic Animal Services and spent an entire day spaying and neutering 91 cats.
They will return again tomorrow and hopefully do 80 more cats.
• Purr Inc. comes to a state with its entire team — a veterinarian and veterinary
technicians — and they use our facility, so we bring in the cats and we provide rabies
vaccines, etc.
• The Bissell Foundation is returning October 10 through October 13 do high -volume
spay and neuter for us. (Purr Inc. focuses on cats and Bissell Foundation does dogs.)
• After those organizations finish, we may be almost completely caught up with the
backlog. We still have animals coming in every day, so spaying and neutering is a
priority and a continual process that we will continue to use outside vets for, as
well. The Bissell Foundation averages 75 animals a day.
• Thank you to the Humane Society Naples for coming to DAS this month and taking
40 kittens and five dogs. We appreciate Meredith and HSN's support.
Chairman Ric` asked those in the audience to raise their hands if they're volunteers, saying
he hopes they're as excited as he is about participating in helping people with the dogs and
the cats and helping them fill out forms_ He noted he was an HSN volunteer for 12-14 years
and Sue also was. No one knows these animals better than the volunteers. They're there
feeding and cleaning the cages and petting them. They know their personalities and when
you're talking to a potential adopter, they know what kind of animal those people should
have, whether it's playful or aggressive, and can make recommendations based on their
knowledge and help them fill out forms, talk to them about how to care for the animals and
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feed them, as well telling them to isolate a kitten in a bathroom for a few days, instead of
letting it run loose in a larger area, and the hazards of making sure the door doesn't
open. Volunteers do so much to help an adoption. It will increase DAS options and will
create a tremendous amount of goodwill.
VI. New Business
A. Retail Pet Store Information [Kelly Hyland]
Vice Chair Hyland said someone who could not be here tonight made her aware of
something and wanted her to give everyone a copy to ensure everyone was aware of what
happened in another state. It's a press release that pertains to a business that also operates
here. These are the same owners. We don't have to go into a major discussion, but she
wanted everyone to read and research it, considering they own a store here.
Chairman Rich said we review this for our next meeting.
He provided board members with the press release about the Maryland Attorney General's
settlement with online puppy retailer Maryland Puppies Online LLC and owners Sara and
Nathan Bazler, who must provide refunds to Maryland consumers. It also levies civil
penalties against them and bans them from operating in Maryland.
The press release is located here:
https://www.marylandattomeygeneral.gov/press/2022/080522.pdf I
B. Clarification of Advisory Board Member Role/Ordinance Update [Jim Rich]
Chairman Rich said he wanted to speak again about the advisory board member role
ordinance and the board's purview. He cited Tom Kepp (founder of SNIP) and their
differences of opinion. He spoke to a commissioner, who told him they're both right, so he
wanted to acknowledge that to Tom, that they tend to interpret things differently. He and Tom
have had several discussions since the last meeting and have come to an agreement on how to
accomplish what they want.
He had a long discussion with a commissioner about his (Chairman Rich's) frustration with
the written limitation of the board's purview versus the opportunities we have as a board in
helping the animal community. This board's function is to make recommendations to the
Board of Collier County Commissioners on programs, services, classes and special events
that assist DAS. However, this does not allow us to directly influence policy or
enforcement. This can be accomplished by indirect intervention.
If our board deems any issue worthy of discussing our findings and recommendations, it can
be presented to the Board of County Commissioners, which has the ability to establish or
change policy and direct enforcement. We've all seen and are troubled by the obvious
disregard for animal welfare countywide, as reported and depicted in pictures such as those
brought to this board by Torn. Although his tactics and animated behavior have caused
confrontation, including with me, no one can question his compassion for the animals whose
lives he's attempting to improve or save. He's never disagreed with Tom's frustrations over
not having a solid ordinance with clear policies to protect our animals and punish offenders.
It's just our approaches that differ.
He and Tom are finally in agreement about accomplishing expectations and he assured Tom
that's his personal goal, along with support. He's been told that because of constitutional
Seefetmy State Laws and the fact that animals are property and have no legal rights, there is
often a reason why a DAS officer or Sheriff's deputy can't go on a property to assess an
animal -cruelty situation.
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[audience applause]
Vice Chair Hyland said: So the ordinance isn't complete? M
Chairman Rich said it is not complete, which is why a lot of the things we're talking about o
are moot at this point. They are being acted upon and he's been invited to sit on the meetings
to see what's being done and to help ensure they're carried through. We'll make sure they're
doing it properly this time.
Vice Chair Hyland asked if the ordinance was back to square one.
Chairman Rich said it wasn't_
Vice Chair Hyland asked why they can't see the portion that's complete.
Chairman Rich said County Commissioners want a complete package that they can pass.
Otherwise, you're going back to the drawing board. He's fully behind what they're doing
now. We're always putting BandAids on things and we've done that for 12 years. It's about
time we have a complete ordinance. All officers will have the authority to do what they need
to do to get the job done. It's his goal to get this accomplished.
Vice Chair Hyland asked what the timeline was.
Chairman Rich estimated they were 50-801/o done and hoped it would be complete by
January l or as soon as possible. No one is dragging their feet.
C. October Options for Advisory Board Member Schedule
Chairman Rich said that he, Cindy and Marcy are not available for an October 18
meeting and BCC Chambers is not available. They can find a different time or location
or skip a month because no one has submitted a workshop topic to cover and the
ordinance won't be complete so they can't discuss it yet.
Secretary Law said she also will be gone that day.
Cpl. Rego said she also won't be here.
Chairman Rich made a motion to cancel the October workshop meeting. Second by
Dr. March. The motion passed 6-1; Vice Chair Hyland opposed the motion.
Vii. Public Comments
Chairman Rich asked speakers to be succinct and told them they have three minutes.
Patty Tule commended DAS on the updates and news about heartworm prevention. She's
speaking as a citizen, not a volunteer. Her comments have nothing to do with the
hardworking staff at DAS, but more to do with this being one of the wealthiest counties in
Florida, and enforcement, but she knows she can't speak about enforcement. She wants to
compliment Tom Kepp (SNIP founder) because she went on a tour with him and he goes
anywhere he's needed, early mornings, late nights, in the rain. He also makes connections
with good people who want to help him find abused and neglected dogs and cats and
backyard breeders.
Some of her ideas are:
• Officers could wear body cameras, like police do_ This would substantiate the
warning, citations or removal of animals and make sure ASOs are following the
proper protocol for each situation. Collier County can afford that and it will be very
useful.
• Some situations can be very dangerous, so bulletproof vests should be made
available. Some of the ACOs are in dangerous territories.
• They could use drones to find backyard breeders and dog fighting.
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There is constant finger pointing between organizations over who is and who isn't doing their
job. We've also seen members of the same organization interpret situations completely
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differently than their colleagues do. This boils down to a lack of understanding or consensus
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on our current ordinance's policies.
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Penalties and enforcement: Removal of an animal from an unfit environment does not prevent
someone from repeating their actions, unless a penalty from the first incident is severe
enough to discourage further incidents. A slap on the wrist and a series of meaningless
citations does not work.
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DAS is in need of tough, enforceable ordinances with meaningful penalties that discourage
the same offenders from constantly thumbing their noses at ACOs and sheriffs deputies. It
will serve no purpose now to look for those who are to blame for the past three revisions, 12
years of inadequate and unenforceable ordinances or the delay of the current revision, which
has dragged on for almost two years.
Let us instead move ahead with his promise to this board and the public that he's personally
working with the policy and decision makers to accomplish an ordinance we can all be proud
of. It may take a few more months to complete, but it is crucial that we get it right this
time. We are currently meeting to review updates and add new language on policy and
enforcement. Once we have agreed upon documents, we will then meet with our ACOs and
sheriff's deputies to make sure everyone is on the same page. There will then be a brief
review by our County Attorney and, finally, a review by our board for recommendation of
approval to the Board of County Commissioners.
Although enforcement is only part of the ordinance, it has by far become the most
contentious part of our discussions.
These are some of the questions many have asked that are being addressed:
• What can a DAS officer legally do when called to a complaint location? What can't
they do?
• Is there a training manual so that each officer responds the same? If not, who is
training the officers and how do they ensure consistency?
• What can a sheriff's officer do that a DAS officer cannot?
• Is there a training manual for the Sheriffs Office specifically related to dealing with
animal -abuse cases?
• Has the Sheriffs Office worked with DAS officers so that they understand the
ramifications of not acting and the outcome it can have with a delayed response?
• At what point does a DAS officer or sheriff's deputy have a right to confiscate in
animal? Where is a written Secretary Law that says they can't?
• When a citation is given, what happens when there is no response?
• How do we justify any law that says it's OK for a DAS officer to go to the same
complaint location eight to 10 times using taxpayers' money with no results?
• Where are the new ordinances that we approved in principle almost two years ago?
Will they still include stricter rules for hobby breeders and even more severe
penalties? Will they be enforceable?
He's addressed these with the powers to be and the cooperation and our work together has
been incredible. You're going to be seeing an entirely different, enforceable ordinance that
we have never seen since he's been chairman. He'll ensure this happens and that's all he can
do.
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Anonymous calls should be allowed. It's free help and would save time and expedite
matters.
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She asked about the status of the DAS vet. There's so much to be done and without one, it's c
dangerous to operate a facility of that size, with 120 dogs and more coming in daily, as well
as many cats and kittens. ~
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More information is needed about a new building and renovations. Did they meet with DAS c
staff, talk to volunteers or visit other shelters? She doubted it. The aluminum fence has been
chewed open. The locks don't work, creating dangerous situation with the dogs and '
volunteers, and no thought was given on how to feed or fill water bowls without
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difficulty. There is a lot involved, so we've been helping as much as we can, but something m
has to give or the shelter may have bigger problems. L
Lastly, can you find out if DAS will be building a new shelter. Improvements were made to
the current shelter and more can be made. The doubling up of dogs continues as every kennel
available is being used. New kennels could be built and they could find space on the existing
property.
She also read a letter from volunteer Lori Hams, whose concerns involve enforcement.
Chairman Rich told her she must skip anything involving enforcement (it's not the board's
purview).
Ms. Tulc (reading Lori Harris's letter) agrees that ACOs should be fitted with body cameras,
especially when going to Immokalee. The quality of equipment is poor in kennels. Repairs
are necessary. The kennel latches are mostly broken and we need to use a bungee cord to
keep them closed, but dogs have been able to bend the bars of one of the kennels, rendering it
unusable. There are also design flaws. She said dogs can flip the water bowls and five or six
volunteers were hit on the head by door latches.
Chairman Rich said the new shelter is on the books. The gates already have been addressed
and they're looking at improvements. They're aggressively working on correcting those
things.
Ms. Tule said replacing the gates would be good.
Ms. Perry said they met with County Risk Management and they've looked at potential
safety hazards. They put out three prototypes, but we were not satisfied with any. We took
two doors back yesterday to do an additional prototype, so we're continuing to work through
those processes to ensure the kennels are completed to our satisfaction.
Ms. Tulle said the locks are a real problem.
Chairman Rich said that's all been addressed and they've agreed to work on it.
Vice Chair Hyland asked to speak about bullet-proof vests, body cameras and drones.
Chairman Rich said it's hard to judge ACOs' actions if they're not getting clear direction
through our current ordinance. Once that's done, that's a possibility.
Lynn Crain (Graham?), a volunteer, said she still has safety concerns. Her biggest issue is
wih the doors_ All they have to do is reverse the doors so they open in, not out. They removed
some doors and put them back the same way. Dogs can't push it out if it opens in. She was
among the volunteers hit on the head by the latches.
The air conditioning units were supposed to be placed outside. They've got them inside the
building where we have to walk the dogs. We don't have enough space and there's no way
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September 19. 2022
you can safely walk a dog at your side if you've only got this much room. How much would
it cost to put air conditioners outside? Has anyone applied for the veterinarian job?
Chairman Rich said the County almost doubled the salary that they were they were offering M
and hired an outside headhunter, so the County is doing everything humanly possible to find o
a vet.
Ms. Crain said that's what she suggested, to offer more. She asked if volunteers could come r
in on Sundays.
c�
Chairman Rich said those are options we've been we've been discussing, but he doesn't
have answers now because DAS is short-staffed and can't expand hours yet until it has more
staff. That's what's prohibiting these things from happening.
Ms. Crain said she's glad to hear they're working on a new ordinance. That's important. She
wanted to make sure that if DAS is going to be doing heartworm treatments, they should
know dogs can't get excited because it could cause heart failure. That information should be
posted.
Al Schantzen, a volunteer, asked if they could come up with a way that volunteers could see
the progress of repairs. A lot of it seems like duct -tape repairs. He does many himself or they
wouldn't get done. The facility doesn't seem to be good because they seem to do the same
repairs over and over. Tthere are hurricane shutters being stored next to the AC units that
have razor-sharp aluminum edges where we walk the dogs. We have gates with bolts pulled
out of the cement that's cracked, dogs are fighting and they've drilling holes in the floor to
secure cages. Can we get feedback on what's being done and a timeline for the corrective
action? He was on an e-mail chain in January that provided a two -page report on actions
being taken.
We're also building a new building. It's disheartening to keep running across the same
repeated issues and not knowing if action was taken. We don't have time to do it right the
first time. Is there a way to find out what the priority is and what's being done with some of
these issues? Volunteers would appreciate it and they wouldn't be repeating the same
complaints because five volunteers repeat them.
Chairman Rich asked Ms. Perry if there are meetings with all the volunteers.
Ms. Perry said Grace has meetings and sends them emai Is.
Chairman Rich said he's sure it's frustrating for the volunteers.
Ms. Perry said she'd speak to Grace and have her send an email about the issues.
Mr. Schantzen said the County is really doing fantastic work, but we have an inter-
departmental problem in the County they need to focus on.
Vice Chair Hyland pointed out he spoke about the air-conditioning issue at the last meeting.
Mr. Schantzen said the AC units are not being installed in accordance with the
manufacturer's manual, so we doubled down and installed two more. It's frustrating. The fall
weather will cool it off. We're working with an interdepartmental problem and someone is
not reading the manual.
Chairman Rich said he doesn't know what the issue is.
Mr. Schantzen said he sent the information out and posted it, but did not give it to the
workers. He didn't feel that was proper, so he let them do what their bosses told them to do
and scratched his head the whole time. They moved three phases of electricity in the building
with no permits,
Vice Chair Hyland said Ms. Williams was supposed to look into that for us and can provide
an update.
Ms. Williams said they were onsite this morning looking at the AC units with Marcy,
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(Deputy County Manager) Dan Rodriguez and a risk management representative and they
looked at the placement of the two portable AC units. You need the proper climate in the
kennels for the dogs and a safe environment for volunteers to maneuver and get dogs in and M
out for playtime, walks and cleaning up. We spent more than 2% hours looking at it. We will c
get a full report from the Risk Management Division. if changes need to be made, they will
N
be done by staff. This is a concerted effort. We don't want to do things without following
r
proper protocol. The County has to address possible risk and liability for how the operation is
currently done. Once we get a report back from Risk Management, the Facilities Department
will get that done.
Vice Chair Hyland asked if it's the first time they'd been there since July.
'
Ms. Williams said yes.
Chairman Rich said that's the frustration, that it takes forever.
C
m
Mr. Schantzen said progress is being made. That's what counts and it will benefit
2_11
everybody. They will do it once and do it right.
0
Ms. Williams said not only were we looking at the placement of the portable AC units, but
a
we also were looking at the new kennel doors, latch placement and various other areas that
were brought up as possible safety concerns. We had the right person on property this
morning who can make calculated assessments and advise us accordingly.
y
Ms. McLean asked if she had a timeline for Risk Assessment's report.
70
E
Ms. Witliams said she'd received them anywhere from 24 hours to a week later. We got a
a
preliminary verbal assessment but will wait for a written report_
00
Dr. March noted that the new building keeps coming up in discussions. There are no plans or
le
14
property and this could take years. Shouldn't some of the comments made by volunteers be N
made a priority? If it's going to happen in three years, little things can be fixed or a new N
kennel can be put in for housing. Those are probably simple, quick things. Shouldn't they be N
prioritized? a_
Ms. Williams asked him to clarify if he wanted a new facility to be prioritized over small
fixes. [He said no.] The discussion has been escalated in the last month about renovating the
current facility.
Mr. Rodriguez said we're evaluating the best -value option. We were going to place a facility
on 7'/z acres at the sports complex. After Marcy, the team, our engineer and architect sat
down and did a needs assessment, we found the footprint was far too small. That was about a
year ago and we said we're going to move on it and build it. Construction prices have
increased over the last three years by at least 40%, so that's $4.9 million, less than half what
we intended. Sitting down with the new leadership, our new County Manager and Deputy
County Manager, who's in charge of facilities and capital construction, we're going to bring
back to you and the board a plan to maximize the existing space because it's a great location
because it's easily accessible, centrally located and everybody knows it's there.
But there is a demand out in the Estates and lmmokalee. There needs to be a facility. We
need more capacity because there are more animals out there. He and Marcy looked at calls
for strays and surrendered animals and a majority come from the Estates area. They don't
come all the way to Davis Boulevard. Some do, some don't. We've looked at the
demographics and calls for service and we plan to bring you a master plan on how to
refurbish this site to add additional space for cats and additional runs for dog kennels. We
have County property in lmmokalee and signed a lease with Tom Kepp.
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September 19. 2022
He's going to work out of a small clinic on Stockade Road. We have 80 acres and might need
4 %z to 5 acres for cattle because most of those animals come from the Estates. There also
needs to be a presence. We need officers who can work there every day, seven days a week
M
doing the great work that volunteers and Tom do, going out and spotting animals in need and
o
doing educational outreach.
N
r
The other Deputy County Manager, Ed Finn, recently developed a plan to utilize some of
those funds to evaluate the existing building and what needs to be fixed. The air-conditioning
systems need to be replaced, insulation throughout the buildings needs to be sealed and we
need more kennels. The architect and engineers have started that. We're going to start
'
bidding some of that work out, but we'll bring that plan to you and also hire an engineer once
we select a site. We need BCC approval. There are a few steps we have to take to get that
G
m
plan together, bring it to this committee, get your viewpoint and recommendation to help us
support it and take that plan to the Board of County Commissioners to fund the new
0
facility. The new County Manager, Amy Patterson, supports making sure we can serve the
public and provide the level of service this County deserves and requires.
a
Susie Mehas (Naples Cat Alliance) commended DAS on reorganizing the lobby and
suggested they place volunteer applications where visitors can see them. She asked where the
rest of the cats were_
Ms. Perry said the photo only shows half the room and there are two more banks of cat cages
there.
Ms. Mehas asked why they were asking for donations of newspapers.
Ms. Perry said they need newspapers to line cages.
Ms. Mehas thanked the Humane Society for helping. She suggested Ms. Perry get a storage
shed to store the sharp hurricane shutters. She questioned what they were supposed to do if
they saw someone, possibly backyard breeders, selling puppies on Facebook. Should they
notify DAS?
Chairman Rich asked if there was anything illegal about having puppies. But if she thought
they were breeding to sell, report it.
Ms. Mehas said she sees it a lot, mostly in the Estates.
Secretary Law said she's seen those on Facebook and has sent them to Ms. Perry. Try to get
an address or ask if they have a breeder's license or if they come with a veterinary certificate.
Chairman Rich said if it's an illegal vet certificate, they can send an officer over.
Tom Kepp (SNIP) noted that the current law doesn't require hobby breeders to have a
certificate_ They just have to keep them eight weeks and keep records for two years showing
who they gave the pet to. He didn't think they had any commercial breeders.
Chairman Rich said he wasn't certain that was true, but that will be in the new ordinance.
Mr. Kepp said hobby breeders are not a business. They don't have to have a health
certificate, they just have to keep them eight weeks and keep a list of who they sell it to.
That's what you're going to pass, but it's not the law now. Many cats are coming out of DAS
without ear tips cut, just a scab. There were two or three that way. The microchips show they
came from DAS.
Chairman Rich asked Ms. Perry whether there was a way to track who did the ear notch
incorrectly.
Ms. Perry said they're all traceable.
Mr. Kepp said he appreciated Chairman Rich acknowledging their differences and comings to
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September 19. 2022
an agreement. Enforcement is important and a huge part of DAS's budget. He acknowledged
getting excited at past meetings, but when you're being told something repeatedly, that the
advisory board can't talk about enforcement, he gets upset. He didn't know why they were in
BCC chambers now because it's costing more taxpayer money. Enforcement is part of your
c
job. He thanked the volunteer who went out with him to see his work. This isn't the proper
"'
behavior for an advisory board.
Chairman Rich said we interpret things differently. The commissioners said yes,
enforcement applies to DAS, but it's not what the advisory board does. Please be happy
we've had some great discussions and work together and don't bring up things we disagree
about.
A disagreement ensued over the interpretation of a conversation.
Chairman Rich said reiterated what he said, that the board has the ability to enforce things
through the BCC.
Mr. Kepp said there's only one group of people that can truly help these animals right now,
and that's you. You represent the public, the public sitting out here telling the problems.
Cpl. Rego agreed and said he does great work. The enforcement issues you brought up in the
last meeting, which got a little overheated, should not have happened. That already was
addressed with you by law enforcement and DAS. We can go to the BCC and try to help with
what you're passionate about. Without you Without the employees and Volunteers, DAS
couldn't operate. You guys are amazing. Enforcing different things is all how you read it. We
can't keep rehashing things that are old. We have to wove forward.
Mr. Kepp said DAS doesn't even have a policy manual.
Cpl. Rego said they're doing that now and it takes time.
Mr. Kepp said you wrote one in 2018. No one has bothered with it.
Cpl. Rego said we want you to come to us with things we can move forward on. We all have
to work together.
Mr. Kepp said he was on the DASAB.
Cpl. Rego said we need to move forward. Just because it wasn't done in 2013, doesn't mean
we can't do it now.
Mr. Kepp asked why the board can't tell the public what the CCSO can do. 1 sent them
videos. Let's see what happens. He called 911 once about a dead dog on the side of the road.
They didn't even check if it was dead.
Cpl. Rego asked how he wanted them to help.
Mr. Kepp cited the Booker Avenue report.
Cpl. Rego said she'd read it.
Mr. Kepp said the officer should have called a deputy.
Cpl. Rego said they can't keep talking about the Booker Avenue report.
Chairman Rich said they'd discussed that enough. Don't walk out. You obviously haven't
listened to anything I've said. We're obviously at an impasse.
[Mr. Kepp walked out.]
VIII. Advisory Board Member Comments
A discussion ensued and the following points were made:
• Mr. Kepp's frustration is understandable. What he's saying is true.
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• The board can't keep rehashing the same things from 10 years ago.
• Animals are getting the best help they can get.
• Obviously, people are frustrated and improvements take time.
• We should share updates about the meetings the chairman attends to show DAS is N
moving forward.
• Marketing can be improved.
• Current ordinances aren't enforceable, so they're working on a strong ordinance. 3
• DAS is using TV ads and Telemundo to educate the public about spaying and
neutering and the work DAS is doing and what the public can do to follow the law.
TV and radio ads will air in 30-45 days.
• DAS is performing outreach efforts to educate the public about animal cruelty. o
• Ms. Perry is trying to fill the vet position, but there's a labor shortage. o
• She's gotten salaries raised and hired new employees. o
• DAS now has solid leadership.
• DAS could market itself or educate the public with signs on CAT buses.
• DAS and volunteers are helping make animals adoptable.
• This is a big turnaround.
• Many animals are being dumped in Emmokalee.
• Work by Mr. Kepp, the Sheriff s Office and the Humane Society is appreciated.
• The Sheriffs Office needs to educate deputies that the County ordinance is stronger
than the state statute and is more informative about what deputies can do.
Ms. Antonia asked if they could see a copy of the draft ordinance they're working on.
Chairman Rich said they're revising the current ordinance and just had their first meeting.
As they get closer to completion, he can share a copy with the board. We've had ordinances
that weren't enforceable and were open to interpretation. There was a lot of finger -pointing.
We'll get the ACOs and CCSO together to see what's enforceable. We spent three hours and
barely scratched the surface of the ordinance.
Ms. Antonia asked what part they're working on.
Chairman Rich told her to look at the current ordinance and ask herself what's enforceable
That's what we're working on. When they get further, he'll share it with the board_ He
doesn't have enough information or a clean copy yet.
Ms. McLean asked who he was meeting with.
Chairman Rich said Ms. Perry and Mr. Rodriguez.
Vice Chair Hyland asked when the County Attorney's Office would get involved.
Chairman Rich said that's way down the line. He's reviewed the Lee County ordinance
because they've been doing things we've been told we can't do. When it goes before the
County Attorney, he'll ask why Lee County can do it. He's made it his goal to get this done.
Vice Chair Hyland asked if policies and procedures are also being worked on.
Chairman Rich said that's correct. They want a complete package.
Ms. Antonia asked if she could have a draft copy of what Lee County can do that Collier
can't.
Chairman Rich said all he did was Google it online, read it and spoke to a few people.
Ms. Antonia asked what they could do that Collier can't.
Chairman Rich said it involves enforcement, but he'd rather not discuss enforcement now
He can send the link to Lee County ordinance to the staff liaison to send her.
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September 19. 2022
Ix.
A discussion ensued and the following points were made:
• The volunteers are amazing and do a great job with meet and greets. M
• Volunteers know a lot about the animals they work with. c
N
• DAS has made incredible strides and has improved.
• Email updates would help volunteers and others learn what's going on.
• Adoptions will definitely increase. cc
Adjourn
Next meeting: November 15, 2022
Administrative Building F, 3' Floor, Collier County Government Center
Dr. March made a motion to adjourn. Ms. McLean seconded it. The motion passed
unanimously, 7-0.
There being no further business for the good of the County, the meeting was
concluded at 7:47 p.m.
ColliZV
o s 'c nimal Services
Janvokhairman Rich, Chairman
These minutes were approved by the Committee/Chairm on f t7i �3
(check one) as presented , or as amended .
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