HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0091.016 2022-2024 p/COAC,
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From: Michael Foley
Sent: Sunday, February 05, 2023 4:02 PM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Communication Re: Bill 22: Creating An Animal Control Protection Agency:':=
Thank you for your concern for Hawaii Island's pets. 1 very much appreciate the effort that has already been:_
'ut into
creating this Bill and getting it approved.
1 have only lived on this beautiful island since 2022, so 1 do not claim to know everything about this, or any other subject
here. However, 1 do understand that you are trying to better the current system, and 1 truly appreciate than because we
have witnessed first hand that the current system is ineffective.
I have a variety of thoughts on this subject:
I agree with the fact that there would need to be numerous satellite locations for the agency, spread throughout the
island. Whatever office hours would exist,there would need to be an after-hours number provided,where an
individual who has come across a stray pet and cannot hold that pet,would be able to call and have an Animal Control
Officer respond to secure it.
1 believe that every dog/cat should be required to be chipped. Also,every Police Department should have a scanner
available,so that if a dog/cat is chipped,the owner could be easily located-assuming the data is up to date. Perhaps
that could be a yearly requirement with licensing-to update address and phone information. If a pet is,in fact,
chipped, and the owner contacted,that could save an unnecessary trip to the Animal Control Officer on call. For pets
with no chip,a call would need to be placed to the Animal Control Protection Agency,as the draft Bill already states.
I believe that the Agency should provide,or sub-contract to provide,free spaying and neutering. We all realize that
we have an overpopulation of unwanted animals here.
I believe that individuals that do not follow the laws related to pet ownership should be held responsible. Perhaps
fines could be progressive for each successive event.
I appreciate that as the Bill stands now,there would be a minimum 48-hour holding period. While it seems to make
sense that someone who lost a pet that they want to keep should be able to locate it within that time frame, I believe
that a 7-day maximum holding time is too short a time period. I do not claim to know the'magic answer' here, but 7
days would be a problematic time frame in getting all abandoned pets fostered/adopted. We know that there are
many residents who, out of the goodness of their hearts,take in abandoned pets when they are aware of them. I would
love for the shelters to adopt an "anti-kill"approach. Again, if more pets were being spayed/neutered,that would help
with overcrowding.
I believe that education surrounding a cultural shift in this area needs to begin at a young age,in the
schools. Residents from a Resident Oversight Committee could work with schools and community organizations to
discuss the positives of responsible pet ownership. Coordinated events could be held to fundraise for the Agency, as
well as 'get the word out'about the joys of pet ownership, along with the responsibilities attached.
Thank you for your time and effort in this matter.
Sincerely,
April Foley
Comm. No, ' i
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1Ref. Date_, FEB - 7 2023