Appointed Committees

ANIMAL ORDINANCE COMMITTEE November 15, 2017 Page 1 Committee Members Present: Shannon Straight, Sara Bloom, Randy McDonald, Marshal Platz, Richard Sabol, Rob White Members Absent None Chairman Straight called the meeting to order at 3:30 pm. Introduction Alderman Straight thanked everyone who attended the meeting the previous night. He said, this meeting will provide the Committee an opportunity to ask more questions in a less emotional format. He stressed the importance of learning facts and accurate information rather than spreading rumors and focusing on personal emotions. Discussion on Prohibited Breed Regulations Mr. McDonald began by saying, when they train new people at the animal shelter, they do not teach them based on breed. They train them to understand animal behavior and physical signs exhibited by the animals. Upon questioning, he explained, they have had about 16 bully-type dogs since 2016 and the background of the dog makes a big difference in how it behaves. The group discussed other breeds that could have been categorized as “vicious” and Mr. Platz described the origin of the English bulldog. Some in attendance wondered why pit bulls are singled out when there are other breeds such as Rottweilers and German shepherds, who could be considered dangerous. Natalie Davy, a Veterinary Technician for a local clinic, said every dog is different and they will bite out of fear or aggression. Tanya Mendelsohn explained the process that happens when a bite occurs. She said, the officer fills out a report and confirms whether or not the animal has been vaccinated against rabies. If they have not been vaccinated, the animal is quarantined for 10 days to ensure they do not show signs of rabies that could be passed onto the person who was bitten. The owner is then given a citation and the case is prosecuted in Municipal Court. She added, the report does not document what breed the animal is. Upon further questioning Ms. Mendelsohn said, if the animal appears to be a pit bull it is required to be removed from the city limits within 24 hours. A DNA test can be used to prove the dog’s breed, if the owner disagrees with the Animal Control Officer’s opinion, in which case, the animal can return to the city. She listed options for placing a pit bull including, impounding, boarding, being held at the shelter, or the owner can make their own arrangements outside of city limits. Alderman Straight said the public perception is to be fearful of pit bulls and that is challenging to overcome. He said that is why data and statistics will make a difference. Mr. McDonald said, one of the problems with the breed specific ban in Minot is that residents still own them regardless of the ordinance. He has seen animals brought to the shelter who have not had proper vet visits, have not been given the opportunity to socialize with others and are not exercised appropriately because the owner is afraid to expose the dog. In those situations the breed specific legislation intensifies the behaviors they are trying to prevent. ANIMAL ORDINANCE COMMITTEE November 15, 2017 Page 2 Alderman Straight emphasized, he is not trying to grow government but wants to find a way to help staff be more efficient and maintain a safe community. He mentioned including a requirement to register pets annually and require cats and dogs to be chipped. The committee also discussed the need for stronger enforcement if there was a change made. The current ordinance requires pet owners to register their cat or dog with the City in conjunction with their rabies vaccination. Ms. Mendelsohn said however, the process is paper based and does not have a high rate of participation. Captain White stated, the Breed Specific Legislation is a proactive way to prevent accidents from happening. Despite the number of good pet owners, some animals are raised in bad environments and the community needs to be protected from them. He explained, there are two separate issues though; there can be a change in the vicious animal ordinance regardless of whether or not the ban on pit bulls is lifted. Mr. Platz said, there is a misconception that repealing the ban means there is no concern for public safety. He clarified that those in favor of repealing BSL are concerned with all dangerous animals, not specific breeds. Gina Manley, a Minot resident, suggested the committee look at the list of the top 14 dangerous breeds and require those animals to be registered with the City as being dangerous. Mr. McDonald said, the Souris Valley Animal Shelter has a program for tracking feral cat colonies which could be shared with the City to track potentially dangerous dogs. It is a cloud based system called Shelter Manager, which registers animals on a map. A resident at the meeting described a statement from the Obama Administration stating that Breed Specific Legislation does not work and is a waste of resources. She also listed other dog breeds that are considered potentially dangerous. Lianne Zeltinger, a Minot resident, said the BSL gives the impression that Minot is not a welcoming community. People may be deterred from living here because of the restrictions and she believes the ordinance should address all animals and not just specific breeds. Sam Gores agreed and said there are other more beneficial areas the City could focus resources. Upon questioning as to whether or not the vicious animal law is effective, Ms. Mendelsohn said, not all cases receive a citation but those that do are determined by a judge and not by City staff. Mr. McDonald moved the Committee propose changes to Chapter 7 of the City of Minot Code of Ordinances regarding vicious animals, as well as Section 7-34 relating to the prohibition of pit bull dogs. Motion seconded by Mr. Platz. Chris Heth provided information from a 2009 study of 95 dog skulls which concluded there is no evidence that physical bite strength is greater in pit bulls compared to other breeds of dogs. Whereupon a vote was taken on the motion by Mr. McDonald, seconded by Mr. Platz and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Straight, Bloom, McDonald, Platz, Sabol, White nays: none. ANIMAL ORDINANCE COMMITTEE November 15, 2017 Page 3 Adjournment The Committee decided to meet again on November 27th at 3:30 pm in the Council Chambers. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:03 pm. Respectfully Submitted, Kelly Matalka City Clerk