Dog Control
 

Town of Kirkwood Dog Control
70 Crescent Drive
Kirkwood, NY 13795
Phone: 607-217-8857
Fax: 607-775-1372

Email: dco@townofkirkwood.org

Hours of Operation:

On call as needed

Rick Murray
Dog Control Officer

Overview

The Town of Kirkwood finds that the running at large and other uncontrolled behavior of licensed and unlicensed dogs has caused physical harm to persons, damage to property and created nuisances within the town.  To combat this problem the town established Local Law No. 3 with the purpose of protecting the health, safety and well being of persons and property by imposing restrictions on the keeping of dogs within the town.

Local Law No. 3

It shall be unlawful for any owner of a dog in the Town of Kirkwood to permit or allow any dog to:

  1. Run at large unless an adequate leash restrains the dog or unless its owner or a responsible person able to control it by command accompanies it.
  2. Engage in habitual loud howling, barking, crying or whining or conducts itself in such a manner so as to unreasonably and habitually disturb the comfort or repose of any person other than the owner.
  3. Uproot, dig, or otherwise damage lawns, flowers, garden beds, or other property not belonging to the owner.
  4. Chase, jump upon or harass any person in such a manner as to reasonably cause intimidation or fear or to put such person in reasonable apprehension of bodily harm or injury.
  5. Habitually chase, run alongside of or bark at motor vehicles while on a public street or highway or upon public or private property other than the property of the owner or harborer of the dog.
  6. Create a nuisance by defecating on public property or private property of owner.
  7. If a female dog is off the owner’s premises while in heat.
  8. Be at large on any school premises or recreational areas, or the sidewalks adjacent thereto, unless it is on a leash.

Seizure, Impoundment, Redemption and Adoption

It is the belief of the Town of Kirkwood that all dogs seized shall be properly cared for, sheltered, fed and watered during a period of redemption time. Seized dogs may be redeemed by producing proof of licensing and identification.  If the owner of the dog is known they will be required to pay impoundment fees, whether or not they choose to redeem his or her dog.  After the redemption period has expired the dog will then be made available for adoption.

Found Dogs

In compliance with the law you MUST call the Dog Control Officer and turn the dog into the proper authorities.  It is illegal and punishable by law to keep a found dog, or to try and find it a proper home.

Licensing

All dogs are required to be licensed, whether it stays indoors at all times or lives outdoors.  Dog owners found harboring dogs not licensed at the age of four months will receive a ticket.

Appearance Tickets

Any dog control officer, peace officer, when acting pursuant to his special duties or police office in the employ or under contract to the Town of Kirkwood observing violations of this local law in his presence shall issue and serve an appearance ticket in Kirkwood Town Court for such violations.  Upon conviction, any offense under this law is punishable by a fine.

Complaints

Any person that feels they have observed a dog in violation of this Local Law may file a complaint under oath with the Town Justice specifying the nature of the violation, the date, descriptions of the dog, and owners name and residence if it is known.