Council concerned for dogs

Concern for a high euthanasia rate for dogs picked up by the city's Police Department prompted representatives from Spay Arkansas, Humane Society of the Ozarks and Phenom-A-Dog, as well as area residents to attend the March City Council.

Romaine Kobilsek with Spay Arkansas said her group hosts independent veterinarians for spaying and neutering animals. "We've had over 17,000 surgeries performed. We were approached by the citizens of Pea Ridge asking for guidance in caring for the dogs."

Sally Baker-Williams with the Humane Society of the Ozarks and Dr. Laura Hockett, a veterinarian and member of the HSO Board of Directors, both spoke.

"We have documentation -- statistics -- for a combined report for cities that provide dog and cat control that show an average of 9 percent euthanasia rate for dogs. There is a disappointing 41 percent euthanasia rate for dogs in Pea Ridge," Kobilsek said. "We're here tonight to present to you proven methods to save your town money, save lives and improve the way of life here in Pea Ridge."

Referring to the billing statement from Pea Ridge Veterinary Clinic to the city, Kobilsek said there had been 114 dogs placed into the clinic and 45 destroyed. These animals cost the city over $6,000 to manage. "We feel the majority of these dogs were adoptable. While our mission at Spay Arkansas is to alter as many as possible, we feel compelled to help. We reached out to the Humane Society."

She said that two local boarding facilities -- Phenom-A-Dog in Rogers and Mary's Menagerie in Hiwasse -- have offered to take the dogs.

"They've offered free boarding while we place them. We're extremely grateful for their generosity. We also have several in-home fosters who ask to be contacted before any dog is destroyed," she said.

"Since January, we know that eight animals were saved and we've saved your city $600," Kobilsek said. "We also offer your citizens a number of ways to get your animals altered including a voucher program.

"We offer vaccines and microchips and education for school children. We know we can make a difference in your community," Kobilsek said.

Sally Baker-Williams, director of programs for HSO, based in Fayetteville, serves four counties and contracts with local veterinarians to provide reduced cost spay and neuter vouchers.

"I looked at some of the policies you have right now, some of the things that are impacting the animals not being claimed include not knowing where they are," Baker-Williams said.

"We're the second highest in returning animals," Sandy Button, city clerk, said, adding that many of the euthanized animals were ill. "A lot of these animals were very sick animals, they were in very bad condition."

Dr. Hockett said: "I pride myself -- I don't euthanize adoptable dogs, never have, never will. I do believe your euthanasia rate is too high. I'm concerned about the care of these animals."

"I did visit with Dr. (Gary) France this afternoon," Mayor Jackie Crabtree said. France owns Pea Ridge Veterinary Clinic, which contracts with the city to handle dogs caught in the city. "His objective is to adopt these animals out."

Several different issues were discussed including the city's charges for dogs at large and the vet's charges for boarding a dog claimed by its owner.

"We don't have any control over vet charges," Button said.

Kobilsek requested that as soon as an animal is picked up by police, a photograph be taken and posted on social media.

"Post where the dog was found. That's a huge clue to your citizens. Once they see that, people start sharing those posts," Kobilsek said. She shared a story of a new resident of the county who lived in Garfield whose dog wandered into Pea Ridge, was picked up by police, impounded at the clinic, and then rescued by Spay Arkansas. She said the dog's owner found it and they were reunited.

"He had just moved here from Vegas. He said he didn't know where to look; that he put up posters, went knocking door to door," she said. "That's a success story of a program like this."

The mayor said: "We're more than willing to work with you and get this thing set up. (Police) Chief (Ryan) Walker is putting dogs up on the Facebook page, we need to refine that. We need to make sure we've got things in line with Dr. France, that relieves him of the liability."

Baker-Williams suggested the city sponsor a "low-cost microchip day." She offered to buy the Police Department a scanner.

Dr. Hockett said: "I'll come out and do a microchip clinic."

"When we started this years ago, it was for rabies vaccinations," Button said. "When we sell a tag -- it's $4 -- ours are pretty reasonable. It's never been about money but it was because we really wanted these dogs vaccinated. We require them to bring current proof of vaccinations. That's hugely more important."

Dr. Karen Sherman of Oak View Animal Clinic said: "Not all clinics charge an office visit for rabies; we do clinics, so does Benton County -- the first week in May. It's $15 for a three-year shot."

Deonne Underhill with Phenom-A-Dog, said: "I'm a Pea Ridge resident and I'm very concerned about the situation. Every time I go to Dr. France to pick up a dog, I get a different story, I get different charges, he is trying to make money on this process. I know, Mr. Crabtree, how friendly you are with Dr. France, he's been a great citizen with this community ... he's charging me something different every time I go and telling me I have to pay for things that Spay Arkansas can do for me at no cost."

James Crews, president of Beta Alpha, said: "Pea Ridge is such a great community, we're always willing to help one another. As president of Beta Alpha, I know that if you want to hold adoption days, we'll be there. We'll show those dogs to people. If you need $250 to save an animal's life, we'll help... That's the beauty of Pea Ridge."

To Kobilsek, the mayor said: "You and Chief Walker and I need to sit down and fine tune this thing. Working together, we can make this thing happen."

In other business, the council:

• Received a favorable report on the Water/Wastewater Department audit report;

• Approved declaring a 2008 Impala as surplus from the Police Department;

• Approved changes in Police Department personnel policy;

• Approved purchase of a 2014 Charger for the Police Department that was already approved on the budget;

• Approved declaring as surplus the ladder truck, miscellaneous hoses and obsolete equipment for the Fire Department;

• Approved Ordinance 565 designating the district court clerk as the official responsible for the collection of fines assessed in district court;

• Heard the mayor's state of the city address; and

• Read a proclamation recognizing Sunshine Week.