PROGRAM: Jen Dow, Jefferson County Animal Control
 
Animals are a huge part of our lives in the foothills and today we enjoyed a very interesting talk by Jen Dow regarding all the services that the Jefferson County Animal Control Office performs.  They serve as part of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s office for unincorporated Jeffco.  Several local smaller cities have memoranda to work together with them.
 
They investigate animal abuse, provide evacuations during fires and floods, investigate rabies in wild animals, aggressive animals, barking dogs, coyote attacks and more. 
 
State law mandates reporting an animal bite by any animal.  The health department quarantines the animal for 10 days to rule out rabies. 
 
The most common violations they have to address are dogs running loose and attacking other animals.  This winter, three unattended dogs were killed by mountain lions in Conifer and three more were injured.
 
For animal cruelty situations, it is a State violation.  If an animal is found to be abused, (dogs have to have adequate shelter, water), they give the animal water and provide shelter, and leave a message at the property with a warning from the State; with a follow-up the next day.  The officer offers guidance for what needs to be done; if the person does not follow through, the officer can impound the animal or serve a warrant. 
 
GUESTS: Carol Carper
 
ANNOUNCEMENTS/BUSINESS:
  • District Conference is Friday April 28-Sunday April 30 at Cheyenne Mountain Resort, Colorado Springs.   Friday morning, 9:30-3:30 there will be a Rotary Environmental Sustainability Symposium, which will be an additional $15 per person; reserve a place at www.rotary5450.org and to sign up for the Conference.
  • The members present discussed concerns about poor attendance at the morning meeting and whether we need to review attendance requirements.
  • The Mountain Area Home and Garden Show still needs volunteers to sign up at http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0b4ea9ab29a5fc1-2017.