This document serves as a public awareness notice to pet owners regarding potential safety concerns arising from lifestyle changes during the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights observed increases in stray dogs and dog bites, attributing these issues to factors such as increased home deliveries and more people/pets being outdoors. It urges pet owners to ensure pets wear proper identification, are kept secure during deliveries, and are always leashed when off-property. The notice also reminds owners of legal responsibilities such as licensing and leash requirements, and the potential consequences for violations including summonses, court appearances, and possible impoundment of dogs.
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--- Document: Covid-19: Attention Pet Owners Document ---
Attention Pet Owners
Unexpected consequences of CoVid 19
By bringing awareness and being proactive we can keep our community and pets safe.
During these unprecedented times everyone’s day to day life has been altered. With these changes our
pet’s lives have also been affected, and most for the better because now they have their owner’s full
attention. We have all seen memes of pets complaining about the current state of being; that their
owners no longer leave the house to let them nap or are being taken for yet another walk because their
humans have been made to stay at home. While these memes are made to make us giggle, we realize
the truth of our situation. We must also realize with these changes we need to reassess how we go
about our days with pets in tow. Animal Control Officers have seen an increase in the following areas:
1. Stray dogs
With warmer weather doors and gates are being left open or blown open by the wind. The kids
are playing outside more and are in and out of the house, etc. Be mindful and put safety
measures in place. Maybe only allowing one door to be used so the dog will not have easy
access to free roam and leave your property. There are a multitude of problems that can arise
from a free roaming dog. Dogs can be hit by cars, possibly causing an accident injuring to
people, or leave you with a vet bill if your pet is lucky enough to survive. Additionally, a stray
dog could cause people to comingle unexpectedly risking possible CoVid exposure.
We are asking all pet owners to keep current identification on your pets’ collars (even if written w
marker - your name address and cell phone number) to assist in a fast reunification, thus keeping
everyone’s potential exposures to a minimum. Also, many pets that have microchips are not registered
or have inaccurate information. Too many of our fur babies are not wearing identification- this is a
required by law responsibility of the owner.
2. Dog bites
Staying at home means many of us are ordering items that are delivered right to our door. Even
the most family friendly dog can bite if they feel the delivery person is invading their property or
posing a threat to their family.
Please keep dogs behind securely closed doors during times of delivery, not only during the
pandemic but always.
Retractable leashes are very popular however unfortunately many are being used incorrectly.
While giving your dog a very long lead when on your private property is nice, that should not be
the case when you are walking your dog off your property. Your dog out on the end of an
extended lead can be in trouble before you have the time to retract it. This can result in an
unnecessary altercation. Whether that be a wayward raccoon, another dog or you are
inadvertently allowing your dog to be upon someone’s property that may also have a dog;
before you can react, your dog is in danger.
Another dicey practice is not using a leash at all because you have never had a problem taking
your dog out in the front yard with you or going from house to car. However now there are
many more people and dogs around the neighborhood and the opportunity for an interaction to
occur.
Having a properly fitted collar and leash or tie out is important for your dog’s safety as well as the safety
of others.
Delivery people, other dogs, wildlife, children, and other people can all become victims of being
bitten. A bite will often result in someone needing to seek medical treatment. This in turn puts innocent
people in situations having to take unnecessary risks of possible exposure to the CoVid virus. Please take
every preventative measure to keep your dog safe and secure.
3. Accountability
Pet ownership comes with many responsibilities and your pet is counting on you!
Stray dogs that are picked up by Animal Control are brought to the North Jersey Community
Animal Shelter. There is a reclaim fee associated with this service. The reclaim fee graduates
with each offense.
Licenses are required by state law. All dogs and cats over 6 months of age are required to be licensed.
Pet license applications available on your town’s website. Licenses can be purchased through the mail
provided you include proof of rabies and applicable licensing fee. Those found without a license are
subject to a summons.
Leashes are required by law. Unleashed or Running at Large summonses may be issued for those found
in violation.
The owners of dogs who bite will be held accountable and subject to summonses and a court
appearance may be required and in certain circumstances your dog may be impounded.
Animal Control Officers are committed to public safety as it pertains to humans/animals, rabies control
and aggressive animals.
Be Bloomingdale Animal Control Office 973 838-8959
Aware North Jersey Community Animal Shelter 973 850-6767
Responsible &
Kind
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