Shore Animal Control Service Should Not Be Wrapped Up in ATV Noise Ordinance Discussion

To the Editor:
As the public information officer for Shore Animal Control Services, I am responding to the article regarding Dennis Township Committee not supporting ATV noise ordinance. Somehow, our company became involved, suggesting we might have supported an ATV Noise Ordinance. We want to clarify that our company is an animal control company and only supports ordinances that involve resident pet safety and animal welfare. Somehow, Mr. Gibson combined his desire for an ATV Noise Ordinance with our promotion of animal welfare legislation. The two issues are entirely different and should not be confused or joined together in any way.
The township already has a dog barking component of their dog ordinance, which we, along with the township officials feel, is sufficient. We responded to reports left by Mr. Gibson on our website of barking dogs as we would with any other report of barking dogs, neglect or possible animals in distress. Our officers found several unlicensed dogs from these reports during our census, and residents were educated about the extreme temperatures and brought their animals indoors. Our census will continue until September and we will continue to enforce all the local animal welfare ordinances and dog license ordinance to protect the public against a rabies outbreak (the primary purpose of the license state regulation)
Shore Animal Control is absolutely in support of animal welfare ordinances that prevent habitual tethering of dogs outside and outdoor dogs from enduring extreme weather conditions. We were successful in having Wildwood and Upper Township introduce such an ordinance this year. Our officers responded to several email reports of dogs outside barking as we began our census in March. This resulted in several warnings of unlicensed dogs. We appreciate the public’s help, including Mr. Gibson’s, in reporting animals that have been left outside during the extreme temperatures. It is because of these calls and reports on our website, our animal control officers have been able to help prevent several tragedies this winter during this extremely cold season. When the temperatures drop 20 degrees in a day during the winter, and animals might be left outside, the result could be fatal. We encourage and thank the public for their help in reporting. These calls have often saved lives.
Dennis Township took positive steps in 2004 to add additional animal welfare stipulations in their dog ordinance. Our officers are already using the updated ordinances from 2004 that protect both animals and residents. These steps included the following:
“Every doghouse shall contain bedding such as straw or other absorbent material in sufficient quality to provide adequate insulation for the dog(s) in the doghouse. Bedding shall be maintained in a dry condition and renewed or changed as necessary.”
No owner, caretaker, guardian or handler shall withhold proper shelter, protection from weather, veterinary care and immune care to any animal. No owner, caretaker, guardian or handler shall fail to provide his or her animal with sufficient food and drinkable water on a daily basis. Food and water must be in an animal food consumption or water consumption type container, feeder or waterer.
No animal shall be subjected to unnecessary suffering and cruelty such as subjecting the animal to prolonged fear, injury, pain or physical abuse. Interaction with humans and other animals shall not be unreasonably withheld.
These were very positive steps which updated the code in 2004. We intend to continue to use and enforce these ordinances to further enhance the welfare of all these animals in the municipality. We will continue to suggest and work with officials to further improve the quality of care for animals in the township, as we do in all the municipalities we service.