Animal Services Advisory Board

Wichita Animal Control Advisory Board Minutes – Wednesday 3/2/16 Call to order by Stephanie Fisk McCurdy at 4:01pm. Board Members present: Stephanie Fisk McCurdy, Sarah Guengerich, Teresa Burks, John Stevens, Judy Handley, Chris Hageman, Danelle Brewer. Board Members not present: Traci Gehrke City of Wichita: Deputy Chief Russell Leeds, Jan Jarman, Drew Bessey, Steve Kenney, Robin Bradley, Branden Hall, Rob Raine. 1. Rob Raine with the Finance Dept. presented new online dog licensing project. 2. Board discussed pros and cons of mandatory spay and neuter laws. After some discussion it was recommended the discussion be tabled till they heard from the public. It was opened up for public comment, 6 citizens spoke. All were in favor of no mandatory spay/neuter laws. The reasons for opposing a mandatory requirement included: altered animals would be ineligible for dog shows and other competitions; enforcement would be difficult; responsible owners feel punished by additional restrictions; concern that spay and neuter may be harmful to a pet’s health. The public comments were appreciated and the chair assured the speakers that their comments would be considered by the board. The discussion came back the Board. After further discussion the Board voted to “Consider other options which will encourage voluntary spay-neuter. This will lead the board to consider types of public education or partnerships that will help to achieve the goals of: fewer pets who must be euthanized, fewer strays and running at large, possibly fewer bites”. Passed 6-0. 3. Since there wasn’t enough time to begin discussion on the next topic the meeting was adjourned by Stephanie Fisk McCurdy at 5:00PM. The next meeting is set for April 6th, 2016 at 4:00pm at the Kansas Humane Society.