Duties of the Dog Control Officer include:
- Securing dogs that run loose
- Checking license and rabies tags on dogs
- Investigation of reports of abandoned animals
- Investigation of cruelty situations
- Assisting injured domestic dogs and securing immediate medical care
- Barking problems
- Vicious dogs and related ordinances
- Enforcing Agriculture & Markets Law - Article 7, Article 26
Leash Law:
The Town of Cohocton requires dog owners to keep their pets under restraint at all times. Running at large is prohibited. Any dog found running loose or at large is subject to seizure.
Pursuant to the Dog Ordinance for the Town of Cohocton, fees are imposed upon the dog owner for the costs of seizure and impounding.
Pursuant to the Dog Ordinance for the Town of Cohocton, fees are imposed upon the dog owner for the costs of seizure and impounding.
Noise Ordinance:
Cohocton has a noise ordinance effective between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., which covers excessive barking or other noises created by animals under the control, custody or ownership of a person at any time or place so as to annoy or disturb the quiet, comfort or repose of persons in any office, factory or any dwelling or any type of residence, or of any person in the vicinity.
Rabies-Wild Animals:
Rabies is found in warm-blooded animals, frequently in raccoons, foxes, skunks and bats. All warm-blooded animal bites are considered possible exposure to the rabies virus. For this reason it has been mandated by the New York State Public Health Law that every animal bite be reported to the local health department.
A bite by any animal should be thoroughly cleansed with soap and water as soon as possible and medical attention should be sought immediately. The biting animal must be captured if it is a stray cat, dog or wild animal.
If your pet fights with a known or suspected rabid animal, the rabies virus in that animals saliva may remain alive on the pets skin or in its mouth for up to 3 hours. If it is necessary to handle the pet during this period wear gloves. Wash the pet with soap and water. Call the Steuben County Health Department at (607) 664-2438.
Pets
- Keep your pets vaccinations up to date.
- All dogs and cats are required by the New York State Public Health Law to be vaccinated for rabies
Dog Bites:
Dog bites are such a problem that the Humane Society calls it an epidemic. More than 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the U.S. and 10 to 20 people die annually as a result of dog bites. Most victims are children.
Dogs bite for a number of reasons, according to the Humane Society. They attack out of fear, to protect their territory or to establish their dominance over the person being bitten. Some dog owners mistakenly teach their dogs that biting is an acceptable form of play behavior. This leads to a number of infant deaths each year when dogs see them as “prey” and attack.
With so may factors contributing to dog bites, responsible dog owners need to take a number of actions to reduce dog bites. The Humane Society recommends that you:
- Spay or neuter your dog. Dogs are three times more likely to bite if they haven’t been spayed or neutered.
- Train and socialize your dog so its comfortable being around different types of people and situations. Accompanying your dog to a training class is an excellent way to learn proper training and socializing techniques.
- Never play attack or tug-of-war games with your dog. Dogs don’t always understand the difference between play and real-life situations.
- Make your dog a part of the family. Dogs that spend a great deal of time alone in the backyard or tied to a chain often become dangerous. Well socialized dogs rarely bite.
- Be cautious with your dog if you don’t know how it will react to a situation. When a letter carrier or other service person comes to your door, be sure your dog is safely restrained or confined in another room before opening the door. Don’t allow your dog to bark, jump against the door or bite the mail as it comes through the mail slot. This will only teach your dog to bite the letter carrier.
- If your dog exhibits behavior such as growling, nipping or biting - even occasionally - seek professional advice from your veterinarian, an animal behaviorist, or a skilled dog trainer.
WHEN SHOULD A DOG BE LICENSED?
EVERY PERSON HARBORING OR KEEPING A DOG OVER THE AGE OF FOUR MONTHS MUST OBTAIN A DOG LICENSE. Dogs must be licensed in Cohocton when the dog reaches four months of age. Rabies vaccination may be administered after the puppy reaches three months of age. NYS law provides one month to allow the owner to have their animal vaccinated prior to licensing. WHERE? Licenses can be purchased at the Town Clerk's Office. You need to have valid rabies vaccination certificate prior to getting license. Cost is $18.00 for an unspayed/unneutered dog or $11.00 for a spayed/neutered dog.