PA: Officials sweep Armstrong County to enforce dog law

Officials sweep Armstrong County to enforce dog law
By Mitch Fryer, LEADER TIMES
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Last updated: 6:42 am

KITTANNING — State dog law enforcement officials were canvassing Armstrong County in full force Tuesday as part of a statewide effort to ensure the state's dogs are licensed, vaccinated, safe and healthy.

In case they missed your unlicensed or unvaccinated dogs then, they'll be back again on Thursday for another sweep of the county.

The state's Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement has recruited officers from other areas to form a crew to do the county sweep on those two days, according to Armstrong County Treasurer Sonie Mervis.

She has some advice for those dog owners who are not complying with state dog laws — "You'll get caught, if your dog doesn't have its license or rabies shot, and the fine can be up to $300."

The maximum fine per violation of the licensing requirement and rabies law is $300. Court costs also may be assessed.

"They have the badge, the uniform and the authority," said Mervis. "Get in here (county treasurer's office in the courthouse annex building in Kittanning) or to a county agency right away."

Dog licenses are available through the Armstrong County Treasurer, Sonie Mervis, 450 East Market St., Kittanning, PA, 16201. Phone 724-548-3260.

State law requires that all dogs three months or older be licensed by Jan. 1 of each year.

The fee is $6 for each spayed or neutered dog and $8 for all other dogs. Senior citizens and persons with disabilities may purchase a license for $4 for spayed and neutered dogs and $6 for others.

In addition, rabies vaccinations are required for all dogs and any cat (that enters a human dwelling) over three months of age.

According to officials with the bureau, getting your dog licensed and vaccinated is the best way to keep your pet safe and healthy.

For instance, if a dog gets lost, having a current license is the fastest way for it to be reunited with its owner. Dogs that lack a current license could be transferred to shelters far from their homes and adopted by other families if the original owner cannot be identified.

All dogs must be under control and are not permitted to run at-large. Complaints may be reported to State Dog Law Enforcement Officer Dennis Cravenor at 724-543-2252.

Officials sweep Armstrong County to enforce dog law - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review