PAWS TO PONDER

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by Suzyn Barron, President of Warwick Valley Humane Society, Inc. 

Did you know that Article 7 of the New York State Agriculture and Markets Law addresses the requirements for licensing, identification and control of dogs?  The purpose of this article is to provide for the licensing and identification of dogs, the control and protection of dog population and the protection of people, property, domestic animals and deer from dog attack and damage

According to this law all dogs over the age of four months must be licensed in the municipality in which they reside.  A municipal identification numbered tag is assigned upon purchase with an annual renewal for the life of the dog.  Such identification shall be always affixed to a collar on the dog.

 The dog’s information is entered into a computer database therefore, if the dog no longer resides in the Town or is no longer alive, the computer does not know this until the Town Clerk is given this information to change its status.  In New York State, a dog license is the official proof of ownership.  Failing to license the dog is a violation and subject to court summons which results in a fine. To obtain the license for a dog, proof of current rabies vaccination and spay/neuter status from a licensed veterinarian along with the appropriate fee is required and can be obtained at the local Town Clerk’s office.  Such identification number shall be carried by the dog on an identification tag which shall be always affixed to a collar on the dog.   Microchip identification allows for timely notification of owners when pets are lost if the information is registered with and kept up to date with the microchip company.

Article 7 also stipulates that each town in which licenses are issued shall appoint one or more dog control officers for the purpose of the control of dogs and the enforcement of this article with the power to issue appearance tickets or may contract for dog control officer services with any incorporated humane society.     

Each town in which licenses are issued shall establish and maintain a shelter for dogs or may, contract for shelter services with any other municipality or with any incorporated humane society.  

 Any dog control officer  shall seize: (a) any dog which is not identified and which is not on the owner’s premises; (b) any dog which is not licensed, whether on or off the owner’s premises; (c) any licensed dog which is not in the control of its owner or custodian or not on the premises of the dog’s owner or custodian, if there is probable cause to believe the dog is dangerous; and (d) any dog which poses an immediate threat to the public safety.  

In addition, Animal Control Officers enforce the five local dog ordinances of running at large, nuisance barking, damage and destruction to property, chasing and/or harassing, chase cars or bicycles.  

Hopefully there is now a better understanding of the dog control laws and the role of Animal Control Officers and their duties.  Be advised there are no New York State Cat Control Laws and very few local ordinances pertaining to owned, stray and feral cats.  

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