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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAnimal Welfare 05/21/2026Animal Welfare Committee RE EIVOFFICE 1O\VN CLERKS Minutes for May 21, 2026 Carol Kosel Sharon Baker Maury Andrews Ana Molina-Villella Chairman Vice -Chairman Clerk Member Shannon Dempsey Alternate iU16 gII 10 A 10: 48 1-iA,ISFIFLD fiarlt�ni,I-11ISLT1 S Member Present: AWC: Carol Kosel, Sharon Baker, Amy Tarlton, Shannon Dempsey ACO: Francesca Politsopoulos Shelter Coordinator: Jada Lebron The Animal Welfare Committee meeting was called to order at 6:01 p.m. at Mansfield Airport. Approve Minutes Motion: To approve the minutes from April 16, 2025. Passes. Discussion Topics Carol asked for any further changes to the Dog Walking Procedures and Volunteer Procedures that were provided in advance of the meeting. Two changes were suggested: 1) to add to the Dog Walking Procedures that dogs "on hold" only be walked going left out of the shelter to avoid interactions with the public and 2) that the front door will be locked any time there is a dog in the lobby to avoid any unexpected issues with the public. o Motion: To approve the Dog Walking Procedures and the Volunteer Procedures as amended with the two suggested changes. Passes Discussion was had on increasing the spay/neuter deposit. It was noted that $40 is not much motivation to ensure people are spaying or neutering their animals given today's economy. However, there is the flip side that many people give the deposit as a donation due to the fact that it is only $40. After discussion, it was determined that the purpose of the deposit is to motivate the new owners to follow through with the surgery and that if we are referring them to Love is Life, the $100 deposit is the majority of the cost of the surgery. o Motion: To approve an increase in the Spay/Neuter Deposit to $100. Passes. (Note, the State requires at least $40 so we are not able to waive or lower the fee below $40). Carol contacted the Tuesday evening shift captains to ask if they would be willing to have the shelter open to the public on Tuesdays, at the same hours as other evening shifts. While the shift captains indicated they would be willing to be open to the public, their volunteer staff did have concerns with changing the hours. Based on the feedback, no changes to the current Tuesday night operations will be suggested. • Jada informed the Committee that Trupanion pet insurance had reached out regarding an arrangement where Trupanion would provide 30 days of free pet insurance for adopting parents. After discussion of the program and how it would work, Francesca noted that the Shelter could not participate due to laws governing municipalities. Sharon indicated that MSF would not have any interest in participating independently. Jada will let them know we cannot participate. • Jada will be making Stop -like signs for the doors of the quarantine rooms and the infirmary to make it clearer that visitors are not allowed in those areas. • Francesca asked for ideas for getting Jazzy adopted. It was mentioned that we could post more videos to raise interest and that we could reach out to Franklin vet to see if they would post her in their lobby. • Munchkin and Hashbrown update: Sharon will reach out to her friend that has a barn - like situation as well as call Ipswich to see if they have room for them. Sharon will also see if Lori Zola has any other contacts that might help. • It was discussed that after Vanessa reaches out to Quincy Animal Shelter regarding taking some of our excess pet food pantry supplies, we would look at posting another notice to the shelter Facebook page that we have food available. This time we would prepare cat and dog food bags to be distributed, one per person/household and only given prescribed times. • Stephanie Putnam inquired about offering a pet CPR course to volunteers. Carol mentioned she took such a class at APCSM a couple of years ago and would provide Sharon with the information to look into where we may be able to have volunteers attend if they are interested. Adjournment Adjourned at 7:02 pm Carol Kosel Signature of Acting Clerk Date: 5/21/2026