Posted on 09/03/2010 4:42:26 AM PDT by Gennie
September 03, 2010
Jason McNew
Under Pennsylvania Law, animal control officers can carry firearms and have powers of arrest. Here in Adams County, PA (seat of Gettysburg and the battle fields), The Evening Sun reports that local dog law enforcement "will be knocking on doors across Adams County in the second canvass this year to make sure all dogs are vaccinated, licensed and safe".
The article further explains: "The maximum fine per violation of the licensing and rabies requirements is $300, in addition to possible court costs."
Using the Law of Averages, one might surmise that a certain percentage of the citizens are going to be in violation of PA dog laws. What to do? Hunt them down and issue a fine for three-hundred bucks. Sounds an awful lot like stepping up traffic enforcement to drum up revenue. The purpose of traffic laws is for public safety, and the purpose of animal laws is animal welfare. The purpose of laws is not to replenish government coffers, even if tax revues are way down.
There is also the little problem of the 4th Amendment:
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Since we can no longer place the Ten Commandments on our county courthouses, can we at least put up a copy of the Bill of Rights?
Canvassing begins across Adams County Friday.
By KATHARINE HARMON The Evening Sun
Posted: 09/02/2010 01:00:00 AM EDT
Starting Friday, the local Dog Law Enforcement officer will be knocking on doors across Adams County in the second canvass this year to make sure all dogs are vaccinated, licensed and safe.
Dog Law Enforcement Officer Barry Hockley, who took over the dog warden role in Adams County about a year ago, and has been more proactive about the job than the warden before him, said Adams County Treasurer Theresa Adamik.
This will be Hockley's third canvass of the county, and Adamik said she doesn't know how long it'll take him, but he "literally knocks on every door."
Adamik said she believed Hockley would continue doing the canvasses in the spring and fall, but that he returns to areas that get frequent calls. This canvass will also focus on those areas that get frequent complaints, but Adamik said her office doesn't disclose where they may be.
Hockley will be checking to make sure that all dogs older than 3 months are licensed, and that all dogs and cats have rabies vaccinations, as required by state law.
The maximum fine per violation of the licensing and rabies requirements is $300, in addition to possible court costs.
Licensing and vaccinations aren't just to keep pets healthy, but can also help if a dog gets lost.
A current license will enable anyone who finds the dog to trace it back to its home, instead of shipping the dog off to the local shelter, which is already packed this summer.
Licenses are $6 for spayed and neutered dogs, $8 for other dogs. For senior citizens, it's only $4 for spayed and neutered dogs and $6 for others.
Dog licenses are available through the Adamik's office at 117 Baltimore Street, Room 101 in Gettysburg. To get an application call 337-9833, go online to www.adamscounty.us and click on the Treasurer's page. The website also has a list of area agents who sell licenses for an additional 50 cents.
For more information on the state dog law, call the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement at 717-787-3062 or visit www.agriculture.state.pa.us, click Bureaus, Commissions & Councils, then click Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement.
kharmon@eveningsun.com
Your tax dollars (not) at work...
Talk to my dog. He handles his own paperwork. He’s in the backyard. Don’t get too close. Don’t cross the circle where the grass is worn down.
isn’t that profiling? what about pet ferrets?
and cats? must be ploy by cat union.
But you can’t check the papers of the owner.
If my dog has papers; can he/she vote?
I live in Adams County and can safely say that this is all about the revenue for an otherwise nearly bankrupt county. This guy here is just trying to generate enough money through these intrusions in order to keep his job from being cut at budget time. And with over 40,000 properties to visit and as many dogs as there are in the county, he won’t have to knock on many doors.
I’d just ask the bastard where his warrant is, then tell him to bugger off.
As long as he/she is a Democrat and at least 18 in doggy years, he/she probably is already voting—by absentee ballot if you don’t let him/her outside.
Indeed.
"Can we check to see that your dog's paperwork is in order?"That's the way it should work."Have you convinced a judge that there's reason to believe it's not?"
"No."
"Buh-bye."
Invariably, just like those that argue in favor of random drug testing and dui traffic stops, someone will proudly announce that they welcome such intrusion because, “they have nothing to hide.”
Last week in Cleveland they announced a program to electronically monitor garbage and issue fines for none recyclers.
Mark Steyn’s line about being, “out of compliance with the bureau of compliance” is quickly evolving from satire into reality.
Yes, but unfortunately many homeowners will be intimidated by the official presence.
No way, cats are smart and know that they're next.
FWIW, all of our zoo, a couple of dogs and a couple of cats have all of their shots, including the indoor only assault kitten, and our rescued mutts are “licensed”.
Too, we’re a small town, the police know me, and I expect no problems with the town, except property taxes, of course.
But your approach, should anyone actually bug me, is exactly correct.
A side thought: instead of your normal carry weapon, take the carbine to answer the door. It should keep them more respectful.
Another side thought: if the “president” doesn’t have to show his “papers”, why should my pets (read bosses, I know who runs the house)?
Maybe I'm "assuming", but do you keep a dog on a rope or chain? Why have a dog like that? It is cruel and inhumane.
I have a Dalmation (named Spot, of course). He is hyper and barky, but he is my dog. He sleeps in the house and keeps it safe. I do not understand why anyone would like to keep a dog tethered and ready to wrench his neck when challenged by noise or whatever. Do you know anything about dogs, or just want to say you own one?
He is NOT your pet, if you keep him tethered. He is just a sad animal in need! He's a dog, so he will love you despite your ignorance! Put up a fence and let your dog free to roam and keep his domain safe for you and he!
<gasps>
THAT'S RASCIST!
Here is my Houston, TX Bureau of Animal Control true story.
A stray, with the mange, appeared in my front yard. I called the City dog catcher, to pick it up. I was told they MAY be out that same day, or it may be the next day, and they asked if I would tie up the dog. And I told them, no, I wouldn’t tie up the dog for them.
They did come the same day, but I don’t know if they got the mangy dog or not — I wasn’t here. But they obviously noticed my two Golden Retrievers in my backyard. My dogs live in my house and they have a doggie-door for access to our fenced-in back yard.
The dog catcher came back the next day and asked to see my dogs’ papers.
And so, here in Houston, if you ask for the services of Animal Control, they will reward you by checking your dog’s papers.
As an aside, my dogs did have their papers. Not exactly on the subject, but in Houston, when one sends in the fee for a dog license, the fee goes to a contractor in Arlington, Texas. Being taxed by the City to own a dog is one thing, but NOT keeping the money in the City is insane.
Great job, City of Houston, on the running of the Bureau of Animal Control. (sarcasism off).
I need to get me one of those. :)
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