The first thing … where and what is your dog or your other domestic animal doing? It seems more and more there are calls or complaints that someone’s animals are causing problems for the neighbors. They have had enough, but just don’t know how to go about fixing the problem without possibly causing bad feelings between the people.
Most believe that if they call the town office, animal control officer, or the police and give their name along with the complaint, the bad feelings will begin. Most of the people say this would happen with their town office or someone overhearing something in the town office. I for one can say that the complaints are kept confidential and I believe most other animal control officers and police do the same.
So, for those who believe they may be labeled a “busy-body” or “trouble maker” for turning someone in about their pet, when you call, the first thing out of your mouth should be, I don’t want my name used or given out about the animal complaint I am giving you. That should do the trick, but remember human nature is to talk about anything and anyone. Another better way is to just talk with your neighbor, tell them about the problem and go from there; they might not even know that there is a problem.
OK, most of the complaints are dogs running on someone else’s property, digging holes, trashing the garden, or leaving a personal touch to step in. Another is horses too close to a road where they can hang their head over the fence and it looks like their head would get hit by a passing vehicle, or they look like they are starving because they “don’t look healthy.”
We, if we are pet owners, are each responsible for our own pets and where they are at and what they are doing at all times. The actions you take for your pets or livestock should reflect the way you value them and their health. Any domestic animal on another’s property could potentially cause property damage, which could lead to a hefty fine at the least. If your fence is that close to a road, would it not be easier to move it back a foot or so then take a chance that something may happen to your pet or a person. A horse doesn’t know better and if it’s that close then wouldn’t you be creating a potential hazard? This is just due to a portable fence being put up and is not referring to a permanent fence at this time.
To sum all this up is to say, always try your best to know at all times where and what your animals are doing, and try to talk to your neighbors about concerns. You’re not putting your nose where it doesn’t belong. You’re being a responsible, caring and aware neighbor.
We now have a page on Facebook under Animal Care and Control of Maine. Thanks again.
Joe Rodweller of Linneus is a certified animal control officer and operates Maine Animal Control with his wife Debbie. He can be reached at 538-1347 or via e-mail at debjoe347@yahoo.com.
