09/12/1983 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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In the ensuing discussion, Councilor Hansen questioned if the City's need to be e in the spay/neuter business had changed since its involvement in 1978, and suggested a current evaluation be made. He stated that if the private sector could provide this service, the City should consider this alternative and work with the veterinarians on a proposal. Mr. Gleason explained that the City became involved in animal control because of excessive citizen complaints. He said that these complaints have dropped off phenomenally in the last few years as a result of the spay/neuter program, and, therefore, he was in favor of keeping the current system intact. Councilor Lindberg expressed a need to develop a reliable data system to measure the positive effects of animal control. Councilor Ball raised a question regarding what public health concerns had motivated the City to become involved in the vaccination business, and noted the significantly large amount of $52,000 generated from vaccinations. There was extensive discussion regarding this income, with Dr. Penfold asserting that most of the vaccinations, with the exception of rabies, were for animal health rather than public health. Dr. Samsell clarified that the majority of vaccinations were for rabies, a major public health concern, (approximately $30,000). In addition, she felt that it would be medically unprofessional not to offer vaccines to maintain healthy animals for adoption. Dr. Penfold agreed that the health of adoptive animals was important, but disagreed strongly with the open clinic that offered vaccines for non-adoptive animals at a lower rate than veterinarians could offer. Councilor Lindberg observed that if a comparison were made of declining Eugene businesses because of the poor economy, there would be several in addition to e those in the animal health care business. He cited evidence from a recent journal of the American Veterinary Association that inferred' that a community the size of Eugene could only support six and one-half veterinary businesses. Extensive discussion took place regarding a change in City policy on spay/neuter services, with the decision reached that there was not enough information to make a recommendation at this point. It was suggested that a data base be developed to determine what impact the current program was having on the pet population, ascertain the number of veterinarians going out of business, and determine the effects of the City's program on local veterinary businesses. This information would help formulate a decision on what role the public or private sector should play in animal control and health care. In summary, Councilor Smith recommended another opportunity be provided for the council to review this issue and make a decision. With new information, the council would be in a better position to recommend maintaining or changing the current program. Councilor Wooten clarified that the information needed should include: 1) data to tie the public spay/neuter program into the enforce- ment program, 2) more specific information on vaccination and cost comparisons of those vaccinations, and 3) a survey of the income levels of clientele using the clinic. Councilor Ball asked that the statistics in a letter from Dr. Cochrane, provided in the packet by Dr. Penfold, be checked for accuracy. - MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 12, 1983 Page 3