Hello everyone,
In light of the recent emails concerning dogs off-leash and
the dog attack, I sent a few questions to the head of Animal Care and Control and
wanted to share his responses with you.
First of all, he said he would have his staff patrol the
area as much as possible. Like the police, Animal Control’s activities
are primarily dictated by calls. Unlike the police, they only have a few
vehicles and they cover the entire city. For these reasons, there is no
way to know when or for how long they will be able to be in Highland Park, but
we appreciate any extra attention that can be paid to this area.
Second, he said that any time there is a dog bite (on a
human or other dog), one should call 911 so that someone can come out and take
a report.
Finally, for more information on Animal Care and Control,
you can visit their webpage: http://www.pittsburghpa.gov/animalcontrol/ In
addition, I will copy some information relevant to issues that have been
described on the listserve below this message.
Animal Care and Control
Office hours: 7am-3pm, 412-255-2036
Outside of office hours: 911
Emily
From “For Pet Owners” at http://www.pittsburghpa.gov/animalcontrol/owners.htm
Dogs:
- Your dog must have a
City license when it reaches 3 months of age. Dog licenses may be obtained
from the City Treasurer's office, or from the City
Finance office website. Licensing fees are cheaper for
"fixed" dogs (male or female).
- You must have proof
of your dog's current rabies vaccination. Rabies vaccinations are required
by PA state law at 3 months of age.
- Dogs are not permitted to run unleashed on public
streets, sidewalks, other public places or other people's property.
- If you are walking
your dog, it must be on a leash or chain not more than 6 feet in length.
- Any female dog
"in heat" (the times during the year when the female is able to
breed and have a litter) must be kept inside.
Nuisance Violations
- Frequent and
habitual barking, howling, screeching, yelping, or baying by a dog, cat or
other animals.
- Allowing an animal
to create offensive odors, excessive noise or unsanitary conditions which
are considered dangerous to health, comfort or safety of the public.
- Allowing a dog to
"go to the bathroom" on school grounds, a City park or other
public or private property (It is not considered to be a nuisance
violation if you immediately clean up after your dog - called
"Poop-Scoop" laws in most communities).
- Allowing your pet to scratch, dig or defecate on
any lawn, tree, shrub, plant, building or any other public or private
property other than that of the owner or person in charge or control of
the animal.
Emily Keebler · Office of Patrick Dowd
· Pittsburgh City Council District 7
510
City-
emily.keebler@city.pittsburgh.pa.us
· www.city.pittsburgh.pa.us/district7
