02.01.22 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Meeting Minutes February 1, 2022 Decarlo Calaunan, shared his experience with his purchase of his puppy from Pick a Pet. Staff was very accommodating and provided the extensive paperwork on the puppy. The puppies were clean, happy, friendly and they were taken care of properly. Paula Buenrostro, spoke in favor of the humane pet store ordinance. She expressed concern with dogs and cats being euthanized for a lack of space and the animal shelters and animal rescue are working hard to rind homes. She mentioned breeders will place their animals first and will work directly with consumers to place in great homes. Ms. Buenrostro stated an inspection was questioned at a problematic facility about an animal that was slowing dying and nobody could intervene, so USDA licenses is not enough to protect animals. Suzanne Lynn, shared her experience at Pick a Pet store. She stated she was looking at a German Shepherd puppy and expressed concern with the health of the puppy. She mentioned that the puppy that was kenneled with the German Shepherd was not in good health condition. She expressed concern with the welfare of the puppies at the Pick a Pet store. She mentioned responsible breeders have contracts with buyers to keep buyers from sending animals to the animal shelter because they can return animals back to the breeders. Scott Storment, Program Manager with Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan (EAHCP), spoke in favor of item #19. He stated one of the priorities of the Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA) is spring flow protection for the endangered species. He noted having endangered species in the river gives state and federal protection for requirements of spring flows. It is important to EAA that they dedicate the majority of the EAHCP funds to bring flow protection measures. He stated that EAHCP funding covers habitant restorations at no cost to the city. Stacy Sutton Kerby, Director of Government Relations for the Texas Humane Legislation, spoke in favor of Ordinance 2022 14. She stated the store owner mentioned that they have compiled with all state laws regarding the sales of animals. She stated there no such thing at state level; house bill 1818 did not pass. She noted that the current responsibility to protect consumers and pets is falling on the cities since there is no state law that regulates pet store sales. She mentioned that USDA is failing at protecting consumers and animals at large breeding facilities. City of San Marcos Page 5