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 <http://www.city.pittsburgh.pa.us/finance/html/dog_license_application.h tml> . 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-County Building * 414 Grant Street * Pittsburgh PA 15219 * 412 255 2140 emily.keebler@city.pittsburgh.pa.us <mailto:emily.keebler@city.pittsburgh.pa.us> * www.city.pittsburgh.pa.us/district7 <http://www.city.pittsburgh.pa.us/district7> <http://www.facebook.com/Pittsburgh.Council.District7#!/Pittsburgh.Counc il.District7> <https://twitter.com/Pghdistrict7>