by Suzyn Barron, President of Warwick Valley Humane Society, Inc.
Did you know, when an Animal Control Officer picks up your dog which is not on your property, it is NOT stealing? The ACO is doing his or her job as an appointed Officer of the Town of Warwick to enforce the Town’s dog ordinances, the first being it is a violation for a dog to be “running at large” which means the dog is loose and not on the owner’s property or under their direct supervision. The ACO’s response is often at the direction of the Police. The Town sets the impoundment fines and the ACO is merely the collection agent as these monies are turned over to the Town in its entirety. First time violators are told that the fines increase per infraction. Appearance tickets are only issued to repeat offenders. Owners must have proof that their dog has a current rabies vaccination and license or else incur those additional fees at the time of redemption.
We all know that at one time or another, dogs may escape the house or yard. Best case scenario is the dog returns home on its own or if someone finds the dog and reunites him with its family. Second to that is Animal Control picking up the dog. How often do we read about dogs that have been lost for weeks, found deceased or never make it back home?
Recently, a very agitated and angry owner appeared within minutes of their dog being impounded for being on an adjacent street. Yet, the ACO was accused of stealing the dog.
Granted, no one likes bailing their dog “out of jail”, but there is never a need to yell, be disrespectful and accusatory. When given the opportunity, we explain the ordinance and the fact that the dog is safe and not out wandering where he/she could get hit by a car, stolen or have an altercation with another person or animal. The animal shelter is not the worst place your dog could be if he ends up going AWOL. Much better than the alternatives mentioned.
But some people just don’t get it. They come all fired up and indignant instead of being grateful that their dog is safe. There have been several instances when Animal Control has responded to a stray dog call and arrived at the same time as the owner. With the owner on scene, the ACO does not insist upon impounding the dog but will ask for dog and owner information so that licensing can be confirmed. That’s another part of an ACO’s job. Dog licenses are mandated by New York State and require up to date rabies vaccinations which protects the public and the pet.
It’s okay to be upset that your dog is impounded. But you should be more upset that your pet was loose, unattended and could have either caused an accident or become one. Animal Control officers are not the “evil dog-catchers” of yesteryear. They risk their lives to protect animals that are lost, sick or injured and humans from animals that may be violent or have contagious diseases. And for heaven’s sake, do not direct your anger at your dog! Geesh.
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