Report to: General Committee Report Date: 2007-03-20

SUBJECT: Animal Care Services Update

PREPARED BY: Sheila Birrell, Town Clerk

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Annual Work Program and Methods of Fundraising of the Animal Care Services Committee attached to the report of the Town Clerk dated March 20, 2007 be approved;

And that Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

1. Purpose 2. Background 3. Discussion 4. Financial

5. Others (Environmental, Accessibility, Engage 21st, Affected Units) 6. Attachment(s)

PURPOSE:

To provide Members of Council with a status report on improvements to the Town’s animal care services.

BACKGROUND:

On October 10, 2006, Council approved the establishment of an Animal Care Services Committee and its terms of reference. The primary focus of the Committee will be to:

• Educate residents on the importance of animal care, of spaying and neutering and the appropriate veterinary services
• Provide for reasonable affordable veterinary services to residents
• Arrange for adoptions
• Fund raise for the above items.

OPTIONS/ DISCUSSION:

Plans are underway to sponsor a “Pet Fair” in May. Staff anticipate partnering with the Markham Museum on Family Day on May 19^th. An event such as this provides an opportunity for local businesses to gain some visibility in the community. Members of the Committee will be present to provide education and information to residents. Members of the public will be encouraged to bring a blanket for the animals and the event will include an “Adoption” component. The Committee plans to extend an invitation to local veterinarians to participate in the event. If the event is successful, the Committee anticipates a repeat at the fall “Apple Fest” held annually at the Museum.

In addition, on a go forward basis, the Committee plans to hold events and sessions regularly throughout the year. A “first cut” of their Annual Work Program is attached hereto. As you will glean from the Work Program, the Committee’s participation and events will grow over time. The plan is to start slowly with one successful event and then to move forward with subsequent events that will eventually become recognized and welcomed annual events.

OPTIONS/ DISCUSSION: (cont’d.)

At this time, the Committee is seeking Council approval to proceed with the Pet Fair and the implementation of donation bins at the Pet Fair and in animal services related businesses throughout the Town. These funds are to be used for the purpose of educating the public and for providing veterinary services for homeless domestic animals. The Committee also anticipates, once on-line animal licensing is in place, providing for small donations in conjunction with the annual licensing and possibly other transactions. Ultimately, the Committee anticipates fund raising to assist in the capital costs of a Markham owned or shared animal care facility.

FINANCIAL TEMPLATE: (external link)

Not applicable

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS:

Not applicable

ACCESSIBILITY CONSIDERATIONS:

Not applicable

ENGAGE 21^ST CONSIDERATIONS:

Engage 21^st organizational values and service principles include innovation…continually striving to develop and apply new ideas, products and services, technologies and skills.

Engage 21^st also identifies the Town’s corporate goals of organizational excellence…to achieve excellence in managing and delivering quality services through quality people.

BUSINESS UNITS CONSULTED AND AFFECTED:

Not applicable.

RECOMMENDED

BY: ________________________ ________________________

Sheila Birrell Andy Taylor

Town Clerk Commissioner of

Corporate Services

ATTACHMENTS:

Draft Work Program