On social media reports of lost pets wandering through the township seem to pop up almost every day.
Often this medium connects owners with their companions, which is extremely helpful. What is not so helpful is some of the advice offered about how to handle these wandering critters.
Should you approach and “catch” the pet? According to Deb Haig, who provides Animal Control services to Cavan Monaghan and several other municipalities, that depends. Many dogs are obviously approachable, but sometimes their enthusiasm can be a bit intimidating. Confident dog handlers are welcome to catch wandering pets at least long enough to get information from their tags.
Ms. Haigh cautions however that farm dogs think they are guard dogs and often display predictable reactions. Perhaps understanding the reason for the animals’ wandering at large is the key to anticipating their behaviour. Are they looking for fun? Are they tracking down a female dog in heat? Is fear their driving motivation? Years ago, one of our dogs made an uncharacteristic escape, travelling many miles down our line trying to evade the threat of a low battery warning from a smoke detector. When we found him, Ralphie was even reluctant to get into our car, an activity that he would normally embrace.
It is quite reasonable to exercise caution around unfamiliar animals, no matter how friendly they appear. In subdivisions, neighbours can usually locate owners of dogs at large. This is less likely in rural parts of the township. Even without the benefit of dog tag information, Ms. Haigh can often locate dog owners by matching descriptions and locations with local dog license records: that black lab wandering down Syer Line likely belongs to …. If no owner is found, the animal is considered a stray and will be delivered to the Peterborough Humane Society or a veterinarian if the animal requires medical intervention. Fees apply.
Dogs on the road pose a danger to themselves and others, which is why there are by-laws in place to regulate wandering pets. In Cavan Monaghan, a dog is deemed to be running at large when it is found outside the property of its owner and not under the control of someone, unless the property owner has given their consent. Property owners are entitled to restrain any dog found at large on their property and surrender it to the Animal Control Office.
Occasionally, one dog’s sport is another animal’s torment, or worse. Pet owners are liable for any damage made to livestock, including chickens. More fees and penalties.
Our love of pets seems to be growing. We take them shopping. We buy them clothes and toys. Our area is investing more than $13 million in a regional pet shelter. Pampering them should also include controlling their wandering to keep them safe. KG
