02-16-2023 Meeting Minutes AACPerson County Animal Advisory Committee
February 16, 2023
Time: 6:30pm
Location: Person County Animal Services Building
Minutes
Call to Order: A regular scheduled meeting of the Animal Advisory Committee was held in Roxboro,
North Carolina on February 16, 2023. The meeting convened at 6:29pm.
Members In Attendance: Members Not In Attendance:
Jason Thomas (Cruelty Investigator)
Kelli Oakley Cathy Williams
Janet Clayton Shaina Outlaw
Cynthia Martin
Kay Ferrell
Janet Slivinski
Heath Gill
Barbara Harris, DVM
Kim Woods
Approval of minutes from August 18, 2022 & November 17, 2022: K. Woods made motion to approve
minutes, second by J. Slivinski. Unanimously approved.
Unfinished Business:
1. Status of Voucher Program-Tabitha Briggs, Shelter Manager discussed changes to Vouchers
& Adoption Fees to update Board.
a. Removal of Voucher Program was approved by Commissioners on January 17, 2023
b. Adoption fees permanently reduced to $50.00 as a result
New Business:
1. Discuss and Vote on Vice Chair position—Cindy Martin discussed role of Vice Chair position
and asked for volunteers willing to take position and fill in for her if absent. Jason Thomas
volunteered. Unanimously approved.
2. July 1st Shelter Changes—Kelli Oakley announced that effective July 1st, Animal Control will
be under Sheriff Department. Officer Weaver and Officer Bowes will become BLET certified
and be sworn officers, able to charge with cruelty, neglect, etc. They will be acting as Sheriff
Deputies and responding to emergency calls along with other deputies, and performing
Animal Control duties secondarily. Kelli will fill in on call until they complete BLET, then will
be here at Shelter and giving up duties as ACO. ACO Tsoukaris (City of Roxboro) will be at
shelter as well, but has been given permission by RPD to move office to RPD or remain at
shelter, and adjust his schedule to be in line with Sheriff Dept and other ACOs.
3. Visitation Suggestions—Tabitha Briggs discussed plan to limit or remove visitation hours for
dogs and holding area cats to reduce stress, potential for injury & disease transmission in
kennels and improve adoptability. Volunteers and staff will be only ones allowed in back.
There will be a binder or I-pad, etc. at front desk for potential adopters to view, and can
request to visit if interested. Strays will also be in binder for owners looking for lost pets to
reclaim. Group brought up additional work for shelter staff with maintaining book, bringing
pets up, etc. Tabitha stated they are already bringing pets up for potential adopters as much
as possible now, so that would not be a drastic change. Multiple members agreed it would
benefit pets and that it was a good idea, as long as it did not cause unnecessary stress and
work on staff. Plan may be a work in progress, to determine what works best, but will be
implemented soon based on feedback.
Shelter and Rescue Stats: Shelter and Rescue stats were provided. Discussed increase in cat adoptions
over 200% since 2021, 400% since 2020—although 2020 was COVID and other events where shelter was
closed for most of year. Improvements are being made, and our stats are reflecting, but a long way still
to go. (Copy attached)
Adjournment: Motion made by J. Slivinski that the meeting be adjourned, second by J. Clayton and all
approved. Meeting was adjourned at 7:28pm.
____Tabitha Briggs____ _____11/16/2023__________
Secretary Date of Approval