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Q: Loose dog advice ( Answered 5 out of 5 stars,   2 Comments )
Question  
Subject: Loose dog advice
Category: Family and Home > Pets
Asked by: research_help-ga
List Price: $40.00
Posted: 11 Apr 2006 07:10 PDT
Expires: 11 May 2006 07:10 PDT
Question ID: 717784
My neighbor has a black lab that they do not control.  The dog is
often left outside unattended and often runs after me and my small
children on our own property and into our garage.  The neighbor has
not done anything to prevent this from happening even though we have
complained several times.
I need suggestions on what I can do to stop this from happening. 
Would using pepper spray on a dog deter the dog from coming back? Is
this safe / legal? What else could I use to deter the dog from chasing
us on our own property?
What agencies can help me?  What are the local laws?

We live in Bucks county, Pennsylvania.
Thanks
Answer  
Subject: Re: Loose dog advice
Answered By: crabcakes-ga on 11 Apr 2006 09:03 PDT
Rated:5 out of 5 stars
 
Hello Research_help, 


  A dog running loose is definitely a problem, and you do have the law
on your side. While the dog is a nuisance, remember it is the owner
who is at fault, not the dog. It is the owner?s responsibility to
control his/her pet, both for your safety and the safety of the dog.
If the neighbor has not responded to civil neighborly requests, a call
to the phone numbers below is in order. Repellants such as pepper
spray should be used as a last resort, or for safety purposes.


  Both Bucks County and the State of Pennsylvania have laws that cover
loose dogs. I have posted information, including contact numbers, for
both sets of laws.



Bucks County
============

Dog Laws
?It has been brought to our attention that some homeowners let their
dogs run at large in the neighborhoods of Warrington Township. We want
to remind those of you who own dogs that our leash law requires owners
to keep their animals leashed when not on their property. This is for
the safety of our Township residents and also for your pets.?
http://www.warringtontownship.org/special_notices.shtml



?POOPER SCOOPER ORDINANCE #565
Ordinance #565 regulates animal defecation on public and private
property and the disposal of animal feces. In short, pet owners are
now required to clean up after their animals, not only in the parks,
but on all public and private property throughout the Township, or
face the possibility of a fine up to $1,000.

DOG LICENSES REQUIRED
Attention Township Residents! According to Pennsylvania State Law, all
dogs three (3) months of age or older must have a current 2006 dog
license. Also, all dogs three (3) months of age or older must have
current rabies vaccinations done by a licensed veterinarian. Dog
licenses are available at the Warminster Tax Collector's office
located at 401 Gibson Avenue, Suite 1. Dog licenses are also available
at the Bucks County Treasurers office, Doylestown PA. Or you may
contact them directly for other agents at 215/348-6244. For more
information concerning Pennsylvania State Dog Law, contact Craig
Claycomb, Animal Control Officer 215/443-7592 ext. 34. *** Violators
are subject to $300 fines for non-compliance***?
Your phone contact number was contained above- ?For more information
concerning Pennsylvania State Dog Law, contact Craig Claycomb, Animal
Control Officer 215/443-7592 ext. 34.?
http://www.warminstertownship.org/website/about/tips.htm





Pennsylvania State Law
=======================
The Bureau of Dog Law is charged with the following responsibilities:
?	Enforcing licensing and control of dogs 
?	Enforcing kennel licensing and inspections 
?	Investigating dog bites 
?	Seizing and detaining any dog seen running at large 
?	Reimbursing individuals for dog-caused damage to livestock, poultry
and domestic game birds
?	Establishing and enforcing the quarantine of dogs in certain areas when required 
?	Funding counties and humane organizations to establish dog control facilities 
?	Providing educational services concerning dog ownership in Pennsylvania 
?	Enforcing the Pennsylvania Rabies Law

What are Pennsylvania?s Dog Laws?
?	All dogs three months of age or older must be licensed.  Licenses
are issued by the County Treasurer
?	All dogs must be under control and must not be allowed to run at
large.  Dogs are personal property, and owners are responsible for
damages caused their dog.
?	It is illegal to mistreat or abuse any animal.  Violations should be
reported to a local humane organization or the police.
For more information about the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement, contact:
 
Mary Bender
Director, Bureau of Dog Law
2301 N Cameron Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
mabender@state.pa.us
717-787-4833
http://www.agriculture.state.pa.us/agriculture/cwp/view.asp?q=126843



Dog Repellants
==============

  Before resorting to pepper spray or ultrasonic sound that hurts
dog?s ears, try a soda pop can! Place a handful of rocks in the can
and tape it closed with duct tape. Rattling the can, or even tossing
it near the dog is effective in repelling some dogs. Of course, if the
dog is aggressive, you will need stronger measures.


Portable Dog Repellant
http://www.bugspray.com/catalog/products/page1340.html

Dazer Dog Repellant
http://www.promolife.com/products/usonic3.htm#dazer


Pepper Spray
http://www.defensedevices.com/anrepbymac.html


Sometimes (depending on the dog) simple noisemakers will work to chase them away!
Note the silver embossed noise makers.
http://www.centurynovelty.com/category_74_Y.html?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_term=noise+makers&utm_campaign=Search+Engine&ovmkt=DNHEKKUEOKBGK39AFUIDUD7B0K

http://www.centurynovelty.com/detail_329_148-005.html

Other noisemakers:
http://www.magicalmusicusa.makesparties.com/Catalog.aspx?intDisplayableCategoryID=2977&intDisplayableProductID=55361

http://www.larocksmagic.com/clown/noise.htm#SirenWhistle


A previous answer of mine also covers dog repellants:
http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=351003


Good luck! I had similar problems with a neighbor?s black lab! The
neighbor even told me the dog likes only children, and not adults!
Fortunately, for some unknown reason, their dog is now under control.

If any part of my answer is unclear, please request an Answer
Clarification, and allow me to respond, before rating. I will be happy
to assist you further, before you rate.

Regards, Crabcakes


Search Terms
=============

Bucks county PA + loose dog laws
Leash laws + Bucks County PA
dog repellent + safe
Safely repelling dogs
Harmless dog repellant
Noise makers

Request for Answer Clarification by research_help-ga on 11 Apr 2006 11:17 PDT
Thank you crabcakes for your answer.  Much of the information you
provided was for Warrington / Warminster Townships which are not
really close to me.  I am not sure they will be able to help me, but I
will contact them.  Could you do a little more digging and see if you
can find any agencies or contacts that cover all of Bucks County?  If
this is only handled at the township level, I am in Richland Township.
 Thanks

Clarification of Answer by crabcakes-ga on 11 Apr 2006 13:20 PDT
Certainy! 

The Richland Township  and Poice Department defer to the State Law.
The link on this page is to the state page I included in my original
answer.
http://www.richlandtownship.org/lt/police.html

State
http://www.agriculture.state.pa.us/agriculture/cwp/view.asp?q=126843

"Signs are posted in our park about this activity; however, many
people do not observe the signs. Also,the Pennsylvania ?Leash Law?
requires dogs to be on a leash at all times even in Pine Community
Park!"
http://twp.pine.pa.us/files/newsletter_spring%2006.pdf


Searching this site for Richland Township, Bucks County, PA turns up
nothing regarding leash laws or loos dogs.
http://www.keystatepub.com/search/search.cgi

I ended up calling the Richland Township office, 1328 California Road, Suite A, 
Quakertown, PA 18951, 215-536-4066 Voice, 215-538-3020 Fax
http://www.richlandtownship.org/

The woman I spoke with sounded surprised at my call. I'm guessing such
a small township must not have a large problem of this kind. She said
the township had no regulations, and suggested I call the police. I
called their non-emergency number, and was told Richland Township and
Bucks Countt follows Pennsylvania State law regarding loose dogs.
Loosly put, dogs will be on a leash or in a fenced yard at all times,
i.e., under control at all times.

I hope this helps you out!
Regards, Crabcakes
research_help-ga rated this answer:5 out of 5 stars
Thank you for the additional clarification.

Comments  
Subject: Re: Loose dog advice
From: markvmd-ga on 11 Apr 2006 15:31 PDT
 
Take pictures!
Subject: Re: Loose dog advice
From: frde-ga on 12 Apr 2006 06:40 PDT
 
Seduce the dog

I've generally found that aggressive dogs become 'pussy cats' when
talked to in German in a low voice.

This sounds like the dog likes you

One day you will post something like 'my neighbours are moving away
and taking our Lab with them'

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