Richmond Hill Animal Services Update

We were waiting for the minutes of the April 10, 2012 Council Meeting to be posted on the Town website before providing this update.

Although current services will remain for the time being, Council has approved the following:

Continue with the existing level of service from June 2012 to June 2015. Beginning in mid 2012, increase the level of service by adopting a responsible pet ownership philosophy, add a community outreach/public education component and that a committee be struck comprised of all stakeholders including Members of Council,  staff, members of the K-9 Klub and the community and that the committee report back to Council on the option of operating the service in a Town owned facility.  Staff will then be directed to report back to Council with an approach to implementation.

This is a huge and important step for our Town and we are looking forward to helping make this happen.

Full April 10, 2012 Council Meeting Minutes

Excerpt regarding Animal Services from Council Meeting minutes starting on Page 12:

DELEGATIONS

David Walker, Richmond Hill K9 Klub, addressed Council with respect to Animal Services Update and Options (SRCAO.12.01) noting that they support the recommendations set out in the staff report. He requested the formation of an animal services advisory committee which would be comprised of Council Members, Town staff and members of the community be included with the recommendation. He described the purposes of the committee and noted the Chair of the committee would report to Council with an implementation plan.

Adriana Pisano Beaumont,  Co-chair, Richmond Hill K9 Klub, addressed Council regarding the Animal Services Update and Options (SRCAO.12.01) noting the animal services program, the OSPCA contract and issues resulting in a need for change. She described the Calgary model and noted the benefits for Richmond Hill following this model. Ms. Pisano Beaumont recommended that Council support the current recommendations as well as include the creation of a Town owned facility for the community and to establish an animal services  advisory committee that would report to Council going forward. April 10, 2012 and April 11, 2012 C#14-12

Confirmatory By-law No. 28-12
1.0 Extracts – Council Meeting C#11-12 held on March 26, 2012
1.1 Budget Committee of the Whole meeting BCW#05-12 held on March  6, 2012
Animal Services Update and Options – (SRCAO.12.01)
Moved by: Councillor Perrelli
Seconded by: Councillor Beros

Rec. 1 a) That Option C as outlined in SRCAO.12.01 be approved to:  Continue with the existing level of service from June 2012 to June 2015. Beginning in mid 2012, increase the level of service by adopting a responsible pet ownership philosophy, add a community outreach/public education component and that a committee be struck comprised of all stakeholders including Members of Council,  staff, members of the K-9 Klub and the community and that the committee report back to Council on the option of operating the service in our own facility;

b) That staff report back on an approach to the implementation of Option C.

Carried Unanimously