PSM197706134
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PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE - CITY OF MUSKEGO
MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING HELD JUNE 13, 1977
The joint committee meeting between Muskego, Big Bend, Vernon and
New Berlin was called to order by Chairman Schaumberg at 8:25 P.M.
Also present were Mayor Gottfried, Aldermen Pienkos, Wallner, Dumke
and Van Lanen from Muskego; Mr Gary Gresch representing Vernon,
Lt Bob Mendyk representing New Berlin, Mr. Herb"Trapp representing
• Big Bend Representatives from HAWS were also present, led by Mrs.
Ruth Hough. Other people in attendance were named on the attached sheet
Mayor Gottfried explained that the purpose of this joint meeting was
to discuss the possibility of a combined effort for the caring of
animals in the communities.
The various representatives discussed their present procedures in
regard to the taking care of stray animals. Vernon and New Berlin
use Avalice while Big Bend and Muskego utilize the services of the
Muskego Humane Officer, Duane Whitehouse.
In regard to whether there would be volunteer support in the various
communities, Vernon's representative said he thoughtit would be
difficult since they have had problems enlisting volunteers in the
past. New Berlin and Big Bend have not determined whether or not there
would be interest in volunteering assistance.
• Kathleen Merkel, President of HAWS, gave her views from experience in
working in this field. She indicated that volunteerswould be fine,
however, they are very difficult to rely on. Paid help is essential.
Also, if a structure is planned it should be a durable, otherwise
constant repairs would be necessary. Mrs. Merkel submitted a report
(attached) on the "Establishing An Animal Shelter And/Or Dog Pound,"
which she summarized.
Mrs. Merkel stated that the operating expenses from HAWS was slightly
over $50,000.00. In answer to a question as to how much she thought
the four communities would expect to pay for beginning their own four
community shelters, Mrs. Merkel stated this would vary depending on
what procedures and what the responsibilities of a dog warden would
be in this combined effort
The representatives of the four communites were asked how much they
budget each year for the taking care of stray animals Muskego
budgets $3,400.00 per years, however, the other representatives did
not know how much was being spent on their program. It appeared that
the representatives were in agreement that building a facility was
unfeasible due to cost, however, discussion then followed as to the
possibility of utilizing the services of HAWS after confining the
animals at a centralized location.
• The committee agreed that injection is the preferred way to dispose
of 'unwanted animals. The persons present felt that the present method
of disposal (use of a gun) is inhumane and that there was a need to
modernize the means by which animals are disposed Mayor Gottfried
stated that this was the responsibility of the individual municipality
It was also agreed that the meeting should end without agreement as to
the immediate need for a combined effort for the caring of animals in
the communities.
Respectfully submitted,
Mark E. Pienkos, Sec'y_
Public Safety Committee
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HUMANE ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY
OF WAUKESHA COUNTY, Inc.
• P.O. Box 834
S1 W24343 Northview Road
WAUKESHA, WISCONSIN 53186
Phone: 542-8851
ESTABLISHING AN), ANIMAL SHLLTEER AND/OR DOG POUND
• Economics
1. The cost of an adequate and permanent facility for
the impounding of dogs -- one which will endure for
some time and accommodate future growth -- is a
considerable investment.
2. The cost of operation must be estimated and budgeted
as an annual expense. One of the largest items in
the operation of a shelter or pound is salary expense.
Dependence on volunteers is usually unsatisfactory
because it can become unreliable as to time spent,
quality of work done, and efficiency. Volunteers
are hard to fire and hard to replace.
3. Cost of euthanasia will depend on the mtthod used.
_ A euthanasia chamber is expensive, amounting to several
thousand dollars. The high altitude chamber is
frowned upon by many experts, and is even illegal in
some states. Using veterinarians on a per animal fee
can be very expensive.
4. Disposal of dead animals is a problem. Incinerators are
very expensive. Rendering pick-up is not too expensive,
but not always easy to obtain on a regular basis.
Permanence
1. A small, makeshift facility will require continous
repairs, plus futurd additions. Rental of private facil-
ities is not a long-time arrangement because private
parties can withdraw on short notice.
2. Dependence on volunteers for pick-ups, management and
disposal, can be very temporary.
Public image
An#yfacility that is unkempt, crowded, smelly, or
inhumane will provoke public criticism --even possible
• lawsuits.
ANIMAL SHELTER -- DOG POUND???
An Animal Shelter operated by a Humane Society receives
animals from owners of pets, such as litters of kittens or
_z
puppies or pets that can no longer be kept, and places
• as many as possible through adoptions and euthanises the
rest. This work is funded by monies donated to the Society
for welfare work.
A Dog Pound is a facility provided by a municipality for
the impounding of doggy (or cats or other animals) that
are at large in violation of municipal ordinances. State
statute regdires that dogs must be impounded for at least
7 days before being disposed of. A municipality facility
• may own its own pound or it may contract with someone possess-
ing a facility where animals may be impounded. Sometimes it
is a private kennel, a veterinary hospital, or a humane society.
Contracting with a reputable, well established humane society
for impounding is most desirable for many reasons.
1. The municipality does not need to invest in its own
building and provide maintenance, utilities, other
operational expenses, or emAoy personnel.
2. Because State statutes require accurate records on
strays -- description, where and whenfound, how dis-
posed of, etc. -- the humane society is experienced
and capable of meeting this requirement.
3. It is difficult to find a location where zoning will-
• permit the operation of a Pound.
4. One humane society known throughout the county acts as
a clearing house for lost and found pets. This means
that many more stray impounded animals will be redeemed
by the owners, who pay the costs -- and usually a -fine --
instead of the municipality having to pay for an
unredeemed animal for 7 days.
5. Because it would not be the responsibility of a munici-
pal dog pound to receive "unwanted" animals, many persons
being turned down at the pound with an "unwanted" pet
or litter ofpups or kittens, would simply abandon or
dump them, adding to the stray animal problem.
6. The Veterinary Association in a countyfrequently provides
much assistance to a reputable humane society. This
assistance may not be offered to more than one shelter,
and likely not at all to a municipa4 pound. Such
veterinary assistance can be in the way of scheduled -
Visits on a rotating basis to administer euthanasia
injections, inspect conditions, diagnose and control
disease, give first aid, and supervise the quarantining
of bite cases.
• Summary: Contracting with a reputable humane society shelter
for impounding will be less costly, more permanent, and more
acceptable to the public.
Animal Control: See next sheet
-3-
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The confiscating of animals at large should be done
by a law enforcement officer: rolice, Justice of the
Peace, or deputized animal warden. This work is enforcement
of local ordinances, and is a civil matter.
In many cases, where one municipality doesn't have
enough work to warrant hiring an animal warden, the
municipality can make arrangements to share the services
with another municipality. In some counties, the county
employs one or more animal wardens, and each municipality
is charged per dog pick-up.
000
• _$umane Animal Welfare Society
of Waukesha County
June 13, 1977