Agenda Item Name:
Title
Animal Resources and Care Update:
• Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (AWAC) creation
• 90-day action plan review
End
Presenter:
Ed Williams (352) 264-6890
Description:
Creation of an Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (AWAC) for Alachua County. Discussion about the 90 day action plan.
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Adopt a Resolution, as presented, establishing the Alachua County Animal Welfare Advisory Committee. Have a discussion about the 90 day action plan.
End
Prior Board Motions:
2/8/22 Board motion for staff to come back with a resolution for creation of such a committee.
Fiscal Consideration:
Fiscal Consideration
Additional staff time to liaise with Committee.
End
Strategic Guide:
Strategic Guide
Social and Economic Opportunity
End
Background:
Due diligence was performed to bring back to the Board a resolution creating an Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (AWAC). The proposal for membership includes 7 members, on staggered 3 year terms, with a quarterly meeting schedule. Membership requirements represent a cross section of stakeholders, animal welfare professionals, and other professionals of intersecting disciplines.
If adopted, the purpose and duties of the AWAC would be as follows:
• Elect officers and provide for operation of the Advisory Committee pursuant to the Resolution.
• Assist the County in promoting the adoption of shelter pets, the welfare of animals, and the importance of the human-animal bond.
• Assist the County in promoting positive & greater community awareness of Animal Resources & Care (AR&C), its mission, programs, and accomplishments.
• Carry out the responsibilities of a community engagement body in order to work with and support AR&C.
• Engage with and receive reports from AR&C as well as the various local nonprofit animal welfare organizations and relevant stakeholders.
• Assist and advise the County on future animal-related policies and issues.
• Prepare and update an Annual Work Plan and Report of Accomplishments.
The AWAC would serve in an advisory capacity and would not be authorized to operate in a supervisory, regulatory, or authoritative capacity.