Dog Officer

 

To The Board of Health:

Approximately 60 dogs were picked-up and many were housed by Porter Road Pet Care for the year 2005. Many dogs went back to their original owners and the others were placed to new homes or dog rescues. No dogs were euthanized this year.

We have had many reports of leash law violations, barking complaints, and lost dog calls. Please bring your dogs in if they are barking and be respectful of your neighbors. Additionally, remember there are leash laws and feces removal laws. Please obey them and be respectful of other people's property.

I receive many calls regarding prolonged confinement of dogs outside. Two separate biting incidents have recently occurred from dogs that were continuously tethered and broke free. A town forum was held in December of 2005 to address this issue and draft a bylaw to appear on the spring ballet. If you have questions or need to report a dog problem, I can be reached through the East Longmeadow Police Department at 525-5440.

Thanks to all the responsible dog owners I have met this year. Thank you to the previous dog officer, Natalie Rice, and all the staff at Porter Road Pet Care who made my transition into this job easier. They have gone above and beyond being helpful as I look for placement for an unclaimed dog. Thank you to the Board of Selectmen, the employees of both the Selectmen's Office and Town Clerk's Office who are instrumental in helping me do my job. Finally, thanks to the Police Officers who take all the calls for me and assist me when needed.

Respectfully submitted,

Martylee Caramante

Dog Officer