Dog Control
Dog Control Officer
Greg Starley
(607) 648-4801 x 5
Emergencies After Hours
(607) 648-4801 x 7
(Emergency means stray dog when the owner is unknown, injured dog when the owner is unknown, or dog bites when the owner is unknown.)
Hours:
Monday-Friday 9am-8pm
Weekends 10am-6pm
Love Me License Me
New York State Law requires all dogs over the age of four (4) months are licensed. You can license your dog at the Town Clerk's office during normal business hours (9:00-4:00, Monday-Friday). A copy of a valid rabies certificate for the dog to be licensed is required at the time of license purchase.
Winter Safety Tips
As the temperature starts to drop, special care needs to be taken to keep your dog safe and warm. Following just a few simple steeps can ensure your dog's safety in the cold winter months.
Keep on a leash. While this is important year round for your dog to be on a lease when away from home it is especially important in the winter snow. It is difficult for your dog to track scents in the snow and they can more easily get lost and not find their way back. For this reason, more dogs are lost in the winter months than any other time.
Limit exposure to the cold. Despite cold weather, animals still need exercise. However, time spent outside should be greatly reduced. Naturally, over time, dogs and cats build up winter coats. However, indoor cats and dogs don't often get the chance to develop a thicker coat. Therefore, you should limit the time your animal(s) are exposed to the elements.
Shelter: If your dog spends lots of time outside in the winter make sure he or she has a safe shelter. A shelter area with a flap door, slightly raised off the ground, will keep the floor dry and your pet warm. If you have a doghouse make sure he likes to use it before winter comes.
Your dog may need a winter coat. Smaller dogs and dogs with shorter hair are more susceptible to hypothermia when exposed to extreme weather. For this reason, it is important to add a warm, protective layer to your pet when venturing outside in these conditions.
Anti-freeze: Check your car often for any leaks from your radiator and don't leave radiator fluid around in the garage. Dispose of it safely right away after repairing your car or keep it sealed and out of reach until you can dispose of it. Anti-freeze has a sweet taste, which is attractive to dogs. Even a small amount of anti-freeze can be dangerous.
Keep brushed: Make sure your dog's coat is brushed and free of mats. Mats and tangles on your dog's coat can interfere with your dog's abilities to stay warm.
The Town Dog Control Officer is equipped and trained to respond to dog related issues only. If you need assistance handling other domestic animals, or nuisance wildlife, contact Broome County Communications @ (607) 778-1911.