Town dog-control officer has new tool

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Outside the Humane Society building in the Town of Plattsburgh, Town Dog Control Officer David Duquette walks Lady, a recently found mixed-breed dog that has a large tumor on her left rear thigh.

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January 16, 2011

DAN HEATH Press-Republican The Press Republican Sun Jan 16, 2011, 02:28 AM EST

PLATTSBURGH — The Town of Plattsburgh is using an electronic-chip reader to help identify the owners of abandoned or stray dogs.

Town Dog Control Officer David Duquette said the device has helped reunite at least one family with their dog so far. The dog had a license but had slipped out of its collar.

Town Supervisor Bernie Bassett said the wand is one of the tools to help Duquette do his job.

"It's important the community is aware that Dave and the Town of Plattsburgh are very concerned and working to make sure lost dogs are reunited with their owners," he said.

WAND READS CHIP

Duquette said pet owners can have a chip implanted by their veterinarian, as well as by many kennels and pet stores.

The wand is used to read the chip, which reveals a code that is called in to the chip manufacturer to identify the owner.

The Town of Plattsburgh dog-control officer now brings abandoned, lost and stray dogs to the Adirondack Humane Society in Plattsburgh. Duquette said it's not due to issues with Elmore SPCA in Peru but because Adirondack Humane Society is located within the town.

FEE CHANGES

Impound fees are $50 for the first 24 hours the first time a dog is in the shelter. The owner has to show proof the dog is licensed at pickup.

The fee increases to $100 for the first 24 hours and rises $25 for each extra day for subsequent offenses.

PROTECTION LAW

Duquette also wanted to remind dog owners of the need to provide shelter and nourishment for their pets. Local Law 4 of 2009 states owners need to provide adequate shelter, based on breed and physical condition; access to freedom of movement; and effective removal of waste.

Those convicted of a violation are subject to a penalty of up to $250 or up to 15 days in jail for each violation.

Full copies of the law are available at the Plattsburgh Town Clerk's Office, 151 Banker Road.

NEGLECTED DOG

An implanted chip could have identified the owner of a mixed-breed dog brought in recently, whom shelter staff have named Lady. Duquette said she was picked up after someone found her on their porch on Durand Road last Wednesday.

Shelter Manager Lil Cassidy said Lady was being shaved Thursday because she had thick swatches of matted fur all over her body.

They also found a large tumor that has swollen her left rear thigh to at least twice its normal size and causes her to walk with a severe limp.

"She's clearly been neglected," she said.

Despite all that, Lady is very calm and well behaved. She even tolerated the cats at the shelter that strolled by as she was shaved.

Cassidy said they have to wait seven days for the owner to come for the dog before she will be available for adoption. They also have to wait that long before they can send her to a veterinarian to treat a non-life- threatening condition, such as the leg tumor.

"It would be nice to see her get treated and live out her years with someone looking for a good dog."

People who might be interested in adopting Lady if she becomes available should contact the Humane Society at 561-7297.

E-mail Dan Heath at:

dheath@pressrepublican.com