08/31/05
What is it?
PBITS is a system for managing pet concerns that works in conjunction with our Interpersonal Agreements. It is a forum for reporting concerns and issues — as well as positive affirmations — about all cluster pets (dogs, cats, and others) that have an impact on the community. The goals of the system are: to steer concerns toward resolution; to keep a history/record of concerns that will be of use in determining the range/extent of a problem and what kind of community action, if any, should be taken; to provide a place for people to voice specific concerns; to illuminate patterns that may or may not warrant community intervention of some sort; to be a clearinghouse of information accessible to anyone in the community; to provide historical reference for how resolutions have been reached if similar issues arise in the future.
When do I report to PBITS?
Reporting to PBITS is voluntary, in regard to most issues. If you feel strongly enough about something that you would like to have it recorded, then contact PBITS. If it is not enough of an issue for you, then don’t. HOWEVER, if it is a SAFETY issue (dogs or cats attacking/threatening people especially; dogs or cats attacking/threatening other pets and/or wildlife as a close second), PLEASE REPORT NO MATTER WHAT so that we can maintain a clear record in case community action is warranted.
Who do I contact?
Anne Bartlett, 884-4055.
How does it work?
If you have an issue to report, call me. I will record the following information: Date of call; Person reporting; Animal(s) reported (if available — if you don’t know for sure which pet was involved, you can still call to report the issue, but specifics are best); Owner(s); Description of issue/concern/incident; Background information, if any (ie, if this incident is part of a history of similar incidents); If you have contacted the owner; If yes, Date of contact and Owner’s response; Purpose in reporting to PBITS (ie, why you feel the need to have the incident recorded — for information? “for the record?” to get advice on what to do next? to get help on what to do next? to find out if there’s a pattern related to this incident? for goodwill?). I will enter the responses to all of the above in the PBITS database, and I will also record my response to you, and have room for a Follow-up, if applicable. If you have not contacted the owner, I will encourage you to do so and then report back the essence of your interaction. If you are needing advice/assistance on the next step, I will listen empathetically, offer what I can as an individual and in the spirit of our Interpersonal Agreements, and, if necessary, direct you elsewhere in the community for support/assistance. I will NOT be a liaison between you and the pet owner. I will always encourage you to follow-up by notifying PBITS when/if/how a resolution was reached between you and the pet owner, or if the issue resolved itself in another manner.