Bill Pulaski, Dog Control Officer
446-3826
The Town Clerk’s Office oversees dog control within the town. Services are provided Monday through Friday, during regular business hours. In the event of an emergency outside those hours, 911 should be called. The following information is provided to help residents both protect their pets and comply with state and local laws concerning dogs.
Dog Licenses
New York State requires that the owner of any dog over the age of four (4) months obtain a license for the animal. Residents of DeWitt obtain licenses for their dogs at the Town Clerk’s Office. While first-time licensing requires a visit to our office, the yearly renewal may generally be done by mail.
To obtain a license, the owner must show proof that the dog's vaccination against rabies is current.
For first-time licenses, bring your dog’s rabies certificate and, if applicable, spaying or neutering papers. Upon licensing, you will receive a tag with an identification number issued by the New York State; by law this tag must be attached to your dog’s collar. (The tag can be replaced for a small fee if lost). We strongly recommend adding to the collar an additional tag which shows the address and telephone number where you can be reached. Used together, the two manners of tagging provide the greatest liklihood of having your dog quickly returned to you should it become lost.
A dog license is good for one year. Notification to renew is mailed to the dog’s owner by the State of New York. When renewing, you will need to submit the fee and an updated rabies certificate if the original has expired. If your dog has been newly spayed or neutered, the papers should be presented at this time.
Fees: Spayed or neutered: $10.00
Un-spayed or un-neutered: $18.00
New York State Dog Control Laws
New York State has various laws concerning dogs which are enforced by the towns across the state. Besides licensing requirements, the DeWitt Dog Control Officer is responsible for: picking up stray dogs; investigating and pursing cases of “dangerous dogs”, as defined in NYS Agriculture and Market Law; and enforcing a prohibition on dogs chasing deer.
DeWitt Ordinances Concerning Dogs
The Town of DeWitt has various ordinances and regulations concerning dogs. Complaints concerning violations should be made to Dog Control.
1. Leash law. A dog is required to be on a leash “…or accompanied by and in full control of the owner or other responsible person” when the dog is off of its owner’s property. DeWitt Town Code Section 77-11 We strongly recommend that you use a leash. It is the surest way to keep your pet safe and ensure the wellbeing of the people and animals around you.
2. Pooper Scooper law. Owners are responsible for preventing their dogs from defecating on the property of others. Additionally, they are responsible for cleaning up after their dog if the dog defecates on town property.
3. Dogs must be leashed in Town of DeWitt parks. Park personnel have the authority to eject owners who refuse to comply with the rules.
4. Barking dogs. Dewitt’s noise ordinance states that “…a noise disturbance from a barking dog shall be defined as that created by a dog barking continually for ten (10) minutes or intermittently for thirty (30) minutes unless provoked.” DeWitt Town Code Section 126-6.A(2).
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What should I do if my dog is lost?
2. What tags does my dog need to wear?
3. What happens if my dog is picked up by Dog Control?
4. What should I do if I am bitten by a dog?
1. What should I do if my dog is lost?
Please call us if your dog is lost or just gets away from you; the Dog Control Officer will make every effort to reunite you with your pet. Whenever possible, your dog will be returned directly to you rather than being taken to the SPCA.
2. What tags does my dog need to wear?
All dogs are required to wear the state-issued licensing tag and the rabies tag. It is highly recommended that a tag with the owner’s name, address and telephone number also be placed on the collar: this will help Dog Control return your pet directly to you if it is lost or wanders.
3. What happens if my dog is picked up by Dog Control?
Efforts will be made to return your pet directly to your home. However, if Dog Control cannot reach you or cannot determine the dog’s owner, the dog will be taken to the SPCA, located at 5878 East Molloy Rd., Mattydale. The SPCA houses dogs until they are either retrieved by their owners or adopted by new owners. If you are notified that your dog is at the SPCA, you must make arrangements through DeWitt Dog Control for the release of your pet. This includes the payment of a fee of $150.00 per dog plus the cost of any needed medical care.
4. What should I do if I am bitten by a dog?
The incident should be reported to the Police Department and to Dog Control. An investigation will be made to determine if proceedings should be brought alleging that the dog is a “dangerous dog”, as defined by New York State.
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