HOULTON, Maine — The town’s Animal Control Officer, Dave Rairdon, is asking the public to use some common sense with their pets for the impending winter.
“As the winter months approach us, I would like to remind the residents of Houlton and the surrounding towns, to take a few minutes to make sure your animals are prepared for the winter,” Rairdon said. “When it is cold outside, please make sure they are brought inside or have proper shelter.”
Rairdon said if a dog is left tied outside, or confined unattended outside under weather conditions that could adversely affect the animal’s health, a shelter must be provided. Those shelters should provide a place for the animal to escape the harsh elements of snow, ice and cold.
“Inadequate shelters may be indicated by the shivering of a dog for a continuous 10 minutes or by symptoms of frostbite or hypothermia,” he said. “A shelter with a minimum of three sides and a waterproof roof, appropriate to the local climate conditions and for the species and breed of the dog must be provided as necessary for the health of the animal.”
Owners who do not provide proper care or shelter for their animals could face charges, he said.
In addition, dog licenses for 2018 are now available at the town office. License fees are: $6 for a dog that has been spayed/neutered or $11 for those that have not been. Any dog over the age of six months must be licensed by state law.
After Jan. 1, a $25 fine will be imposed for all dogs not licensed.
Also, the Houlton Humane Society is sponsoring a rabies clinic at the Littleton Fire Department on Sunday, Nov. 19. The cost for the rabies shot is $20 for one year or $25 for three years.
For more information on dog laws, contact Rairdon at the Houlton Police Department, 532-2287.
