City officials hoping for dog licensing compliance
NORWICH – With the retirement of long-time dog control officer Jeremy Stopford and the assumption of dog licensing duties by the city in 2011, city officials and the Norwich Police Department are asking local dog owners to keep their pets’ licensing up to date – particularly those who’ve recently moved into the city or added a new dog to their family.
Since a required civil service test will not be available until February of 2012, Police Chief Joseph Angelino and the city’s Common Council agreed the position of dog warden should remain vacant for the time being.
Until then, Code Enforcement will assist with all dog-related calls during business hours, with police officers responding after-hours and on weekends.
While Angelino said the department is aware of some unlicensed dogs located in the city, he’s hoping local residents will comply and make certain their pets are licensed, with their rabies shot record kept up to date.
“There’s a lot more to it than people think, mostly paperwork, and we’re doing the best we can,” stated Angelino. “We certainly don’t want the public to see any decrease in services and we’d like to see voluntary compliance.”
Angelino said it would be best if the city could share records locally with the town and county, although he admitted that is something that may or may not happen. In the past, a central database, maintained by the state, helped officers to locate the owners of stray dogs. Because databases will now be maintained by the separate jurisdictions, this information will no longer be available, he added.
“What we’d basically like to see are the owners of new dogs, or those who already own a dog and have moved into the city, making sure their pets are licensed,” said Mayor Joe Maiurano. “It’s better to have compliance before we get out there and find a lost, injured or abandoned dog.”
According to Code Enforcement Officer Jason Lawrence, it’s common sense to have your pet licensed regardless, especially in lost dog cases, as it makes the identification process that much easier.
In addition, the number of potentially rabid skunks and raccoons in and around the city make a rabies shot that much more important. There are a number of free rabies shot clinics held throughout the year, added Lawrence.
“Dogs are like family and, even if a licensed dog should pass away, it would be great for people to notify us. That way we can keep our records current and up to date,” said Maiurano. “We love the dogs of our city and this is extremely important.”
At this time, city residents should direct any and all dog-related calls to the Norwich Police Department, 334-1212.
Since a required civil service test will not be available until February of 2012, Police Chief Joseph Angelino and the city’s Common Council agreed the position of dog warden should remain vacant for the time being.
Until then, Code Enforcement will assist with all dog-related calls during business hours, with police officers responding after-hours and on weekends.
While Angelino said the department is aware of some unlicensed dogs located in the city, he’s hoping local residents will comply and make certain their pets are licensed, with their rabies shot record kept up to date.
“There’s a lot more to it than people think, mostly paperwork, and we’re doing the best we can,” stated Angelino. “We certainly don’t want the public to see any decrease in services and we’d like to see voluntary compliance.”
Angelino said it would be best if the city could share records locally with the town and county, although he admitted that is something that may or may not happen. In the past, a central database, maintained by the state, helped officers to locate the owners of stray dogs. Because databases will now be maintained by the separate jurisdictions, this information will no longer be available, he added.
“What we’d basically like to see are the owners of new dogs, or those who already own a dog and have moved into the city, making sure their pets are licensed,” said Mayor Joe Maiurano. “It’s better to have compliance before we get out there and find a lost, injured or abandoned dog.”
According to Code Enforcement Officer Jason Lawrence, it’s common sense to have your pet licensed regardless, especially in lost dog cases, as it makes the identification process that much easier.
In addition, the number of potentially rabid skunks and raccoons in and around the city make a rabies shot that much more important. There are a number of free rabies shot clinics held throughout the year, added Lawrence.
“Dogs are like family and, even if a licensed dog should pass away, it would be great for people to notify us. That way we can keep our records current and up to date,” said Maiurano. “We love the dogs of our city and this is extremely important.”
At this time, city residents should direct any and all dog-related calls to the Norwich Police Department, 334-1212.
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