Mike that is what many of us are hoping for, namely, what’s best for the animals.
In that light, the politics of the past and the shoddy operation that was in place for years does nothing to now help hold the town accountable for establishing a dog control operation that has the necessary equipment, trained employees and protocols that meet high quality standards. This should not be about past transgressions and blame but what the department should be. So much time has been wasted because of the political crap; time that could have been spent on doing the right thing.
The town claims the kennel operation has yet to be completed, is reviewing and plans to update protocols, has heard from the public at the town board meeting level and through Facebook postings and word of mouth. It is imperative that the board incorporate into its code what those protocols will be. Residents have been kept in the dark for too long on what happens to stray dogs that are picked up off the streets.
Individuals should also be aware that abandoning animals to the streets is a federal offense – at least that is what I have recently been informed.
LEE: I don't claim to be the end all when it comes to DOG CONTROL but I think that my 11 years as DCO and my NEW YORK STATE AG & MKTS CERTIFICATION, i may have some knowledge and insight that would help bring DOG CONTROL IN THE TOW OF LANCASTER BACK ON COURSE. I offered my services to the town in an effort to help set up and run the DOG CONTROL OFFICE. I OFFERED MY SERVICES FREE OF CHARGE. I WAS SHOWN THE DOOR!!! When the town web site advertised for the DCO position I applied. I hand delivered my application to town hall.. I was not even interviewed for the position.
I have to ask. When we had a FT DCO 40 hours per week, was the department staffed for the other 128 hours?Originally posted by Lee Chowaniec:
*Time did not allow to ask how six part time DCO’S (19 hours or less) were enough to manage a 24/7 day operation and with 12 hr. shifts; 7x24 =168 hrs in the week. 168/6 = 28 hrs per week per DCO. I am sure there must be some schedule to accommodate the need.
Georgia L Schlager
Once isn't enough as far as I'm concerned, my old post from another threadOriginally posted by Lee Chowaniec:
Councilman Walter: As they work 12 hour shifts the dogs are cared for once in that shift’s time. I drive by there every day to make sure the dogs are being looked after.
I'd like to know what the responsibility is for the on-call DCO on a particular day, aside from picking up dogs.
"If there is a dog in the Lancaster kennel, does that person take the dog to do his duty 3 times a day or clean the feces and urine from the kennel 3 times a day. Do they assure the dog has fresh food and water?
Looking at Article 7 of NYS agriculture and markets it states -
(a) Properly sheltered means the provision of shelter suitable to the breed and age of
the dog. Said shelter shall be structurally sound, clean, and sufficient to protect the dog
from detriment to its well-being, and shall provide adequate space to allow the dog to
move about in a natural manner, light, air and temperature sufficient to protect the
animal.
(b) Properly fed means the provision, at suitable intervals, of wholesome food
appropriate for the breed and age of the dog and sufficient to maintain a reasonable
level of nutrition in each dog. Such food shall be served in a receptacle, dish or
container that has been physically cleaned so that agents injurious to the health of the
dog have been removed and destroyed to a practical minimum.
(c) Properly watered means the provision of constant access to a supply of clean,
fresh, potable water in a sanitary manner, or the provision of such access at intervals
suitable for the breed and age of the dog."
I'm also in agreement with proper training being part of the hiring process.
Georgia L Schlager
Mike:
You had the door shut on you because of the political BS that was going on with your wife while she was employed in the Clerk’s office. And the town was looking to go to another direction by signing an agreement with the Town of Clarence where the stray dogs would be taken and kenneled. It was sold as a cost savings project where there was now no need for a full time certified DCO. And yes, the project was approved by the entire town board and an agreement never came to fruition.
That was then and nobody since has any idea of how the Dog Control Department was being managed; that is until the matter become public and personal.
Whether it was the DCO’S appearance before the town board, the residents who took an interest in the matter, or whether the town is being truthful saying it was already working on protocols and that the project has not been completed, it doesn’t matter to Mrs. Lemaster, the public or me, as long as the town makes the necessary changes to ensure we have a well managed operation in place that hires and trains individuals who have some sense of how to handle a stressed stray – especially one with an owner’s collar that indicates this is not an on the loose dog and a threat to the community.
The town seems sincere in making the right changes. There are enough of us involved to make sure we hold them accountable and report on the project progress.
Help us out here, Mike. We need your input on whether the town needs to go back to a full time, certified DCO; what training the hires need to become capable, etc.
I am with you gorja. Once IS NOT enough. Someone closer to the situation contacted me and said they have yet to see any of the dogs being taken out of the kennel for a walk. We offered to volunteer our services and walk the dogs but were told we could not due to legal concerns. I do understand that but at the same time, confined dogs need exercise.
This is why maybe the town should not be in the dog baby sitting business. Perhaps have the town provide a shelter but have the local SPCA man the property with volunteers. Still have to review how many strays are picked up and so forth to make a proper decision.
So how many dogs are usually at the kennel?
How many calls come in a week to pick up a stray dog?
How is the kennel budgeted? Is dry/wet food stocked regularly along with basic supplies?
Are there adequate toys for the dogs?
When it's 80+ degrees how warm are the kennels where the dogs are?
Does the DCO do anything with wildlife or just dogs and cats?
http://lancasterny.gov/town-departments/dog-control/
Hours of Operation:
The Town of Lancaster Dog Control Office is staffed by Town employees, who are hired to serve as Dog Control Officers, on-call. If you are unable to reach an officer at the Dog Control Office, please leave a message for matters that are not urgent. Matters needing immediate attention must be referred to the Lancaster Police Department at 683-2800.
Main Function of Department:
- To serve the residents of the Town of Lancaster and Villages of Depew and Lancaster who may have problems or questions related to dogs
- Ensuring the licensing of dogs
- Picking up dogs at large
- Ensuring proper care and feeding of dogs detained at the Town of Lancaster kennels
- Enforcement of Town and Village codes and New York State law pertaining to dog control
- Issuing appearance ticket for violations of Town and Village codes
- Enforcement of impoundment fees to be paid by the respective owner to the Town Clerk of the Town of Lancaster
- Maintaining an up-to-date census of dogs in the Town and Villages
- Sending notices for delinquent dog licenses
- Maintaining kennels to provide a clean and safe environment for detained dogs
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This is why maybe the town should not be in the dog baby sitting business. Perhaps have the town provide a shelter but have the local SPCA man the property with volunteers. Still have to review how many strays are picked up and so forth to make a proper decision.
I doubt that the ECSPCA would be able to take on a task like this. I am sure you would agree they have more than enough to handle.
Our Kennel can hold 4 total. They have hit the max. of four once or twice since this new facility opened.So how many dogs are usually at the kennel?
VariesHow many calls come in a week to pick up a stray dog?
YES, I did notice basic supplies and food.How is the kennel budgeted? Is dry/wet food stocked regularly along with basic supplies?
NOAre there adequate toys for the dogs?
No problem with temperature. Inside section of kennels is temperature controlled with both heat and air. They are able to go in and out at will.When it's 80+ degrees how warm are the kennels where the dogs are?
Dogs ONLY.Does the DCO do anything with wildlife or just dogs and cats?
Yes, Mike, the Doc Control operation was mismanaged for years and got even worse when the Clarence agreement fell through. We both heard board members declare that being a DCO was not rocket science and that anyone could do the job. Yep, but we recently found how well that job was being done and how well the dogs were being treated and what attempts made to find homes for strays that were not aggressive.
The town board says they are taking this project in another direction. This board and they should be given a chance - although we have been lied to a few times already and that will only spur us on to hold them accountable.
Sorry to her that, Mike.
However, it is my (and many others) belief that this board is paying for the sins of past boards that mismanaged this Department. They have heard the public's concerns and recommendations and seem sincere in putting in protocols in place that will improve and bring the dog control operation up to standard, Until such reasonable time they fail to do as promised (on this work in progress) tey are deserving of patience.
This is not the only department that is being scrutinized and being held accountable by the public for failure to address issues that should not exist. The recent election mantra of this board was to take the town in another direction - and they appear to be doing that. We shall see as time goes by.
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