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Helping Hands, |
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Animal Protection FAQ
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I was walking on a sidewalk in town and a dog came up and began to snap and bite at me. The owner of the dog just watched and did nothing. What can I do?
It is Colorado state law that any dog bite that breaks the skin is required to be quarantined for 10 days. Upon the officers directions, this can be done at the owner's home. If someone witnesses a dog biting someone, it is important to get the name and address of the dog's owner so that Animal Protection can contact them. If it is not possible to get the owner's name or address, a description of the dog and owner and perhaps a license plate number of the dog's owner is helpful.
Please call central dispatch at 385-2900. It is important the animal protection officer speaks with the dog's owner, so a name, address, license plate number of the dog's owner is also helpful.
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I stop by a cafe and tie my dog to a lamppost. Can I still be cited?
Yes. It is considered a dog-at-large in the city code. Leaving a dog unattended is too great of a liability risk, especially on public property. All dogs, whether aggressive or nice are required to be on a leash 8 to 10 feet in length and that leash is to be in the hands of the owner or custodian. This is required in all areas within the city limits except the dog park.
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I ran into the grocery store to make a "quick purchase" and I left my pet in the vehicle. The weather is rather warm/cold. Can I be cited?
Keep in mind that on a 85°degree or hotter day, the temperatures can go up to 110° degrees within 15 minutes. Put a sun-visor in the windows and leave the windows cracked for air circulation. Please don't leave your pet any longer than 15 minutes.
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I'm visiting a friend for 2 weeks in Durango. Do I still need to license my pet even if they are licensed with another county/state?
No. If you live in La Plata County longer than 30 days, you are required to get your dog licensed. Bring in a current proof of rabies certificate to the Humane Society and license your dog. The license is good for one year. The cost is $5.00 if your animal has been altered. If your animal has not been altered, the cost is $15.00.
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My neighbor's dog keeps defecating in my flower bed. The owner is aware of this. Can they be cited?
Yes. Any person in custody of a dog must pick up the defecated matter immediately while on any other property other than his own!
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I walk to work daily and there is a dog in route that charges at me when I walk by. The fence is less than 6 feet high. Can anything be done?
Dogs lunging at fences is common. If the dog is able to get out, Animal Control will speak to the owners and request sufficient containment for the dog.
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What are un-incorporated areas?
County land areas that are not currently annexed by the city.
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My neighbor is trying to protect his livestock and he shot at my dog and missed but finally killed the dog within my property line. Can they be liable?
County ordinances state that all dogs must be contained within the owner's property when the owner is not within voice command of the dog. State law states that any person may shoot a dog that is harassing livestock. This does not include if the animal is just running on someone else's property.
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I purchased an animal through a private kennel and the animal died. Who should I report the death and name of the kennel to?
If you feel the reason of the death was from improper health care or conditions of the kennel and the kennel is located within the State of Colorado, contact Animal Protection through central dispatch. We will investigate the situation and advise the agency that enforces kennel/shelters regulations in Colorado. For those regulations look up the Pet Animal Care Facilities Act, or PACFA Colorado, online.
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If my dog gets hit by a car and it dies will Animal Protection pick up my animal?
Unfortunately if your pet passes away either by vehicle, mauling or natural causes you need to make arrangements yourself. The Humane Society does provide disposal and crematory services for pet owners for a fee. Please call the Humane Society for more information on costs.
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I jog daily on the trails and my dog runs beside me. Am I still breaking the laws?
Where is the trail? Within the City limits of Durango, all dogs are required to be ON a leash in direct control of the custodian of the dog. This includes the bike path, parks or simply walking to a friend's house down the street. There is a Dog Park located at the base of Smelter Mountain, at the Southwest corner of the junction of Highways 550 and 160. You can access it by parking on Roosa Ave.
Outside the City limits, the County recognizes voice command. This requires your dog to be within sight and hearing of your dog and it responds to you calling it back to within 4 feet of you under any circumstance. If your dog is aggressive towards other dogs, please respect other people and carry a leash to avoid dogs attacking each other. Remember other people may not love your dog as much as you do and do not want your dog jumping on them, even if it is a friendly greeting.
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I witness a dog being thrown from a vehicle. The animal is injured. Who should I call to report the dog owners?
Call Central Dispatch. State law requires that animals be carried in a safe manner. It is not clearly defined what a safe manner is, but it is obvious if the dog falls off a vehicle, it is not being carried safely.
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I found a dead bird. Can I bring it to Animal Protection or do they pick them up?
If the bird is a parrot, parakeet, canary or other exotic, call Animal Protection through central dispatch to pick it up. We can hold the bird and provide closure if someone calls missing their pet bird. If it is a common wild bird, please double bag it ad dispose of it in the trash. Even with West Nile Virus, you can not get the virus from the dead bird.
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My neighbors dog keeps barking, what can I do?
Both Durango and Bayfield City have barking dog laws. Durango defines a dog a public nuisance if it barks longer than 10 minutes. Call Central Dispatch and an officer will respond to resolve the situation.
There are no barking dog ordinances in the County. If you have a problem dog, speak to the neighbor letting them know how it is affecting you, giving them the time it most often occurs. Suggest that they leave it inside during certain times or that they obtain a bark collar for the dog. Remember, your success depends on your diplomatic skill. Speak to them in such a way as you would want someone to speak to you about a problem. There is a mediation group called Braided River Peace Project that may be able to help. They are no-cost, neutral, confidential, and voluntary. Give them a call at 382-0616 if you prefer to use mediation.
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Who do I report a horse that looks extremely emaciated?
Call Animal Protection through Central Dispatch. Animal Protection will provide education and ideas for good horse care. If the owner is grossly neglecting/abusing the horse, we will investigate for State Cruelty charges.
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I found a stray cat/dog and I've been feeding it. Is there a law that states the animal is mine?
Yes. Both City and County defines you as the owner if you have provided food, shelter, or allowed the animal to be on your premises for longer than 72 hours. Call the Humane Society at 259-2847 and fill out a Found Report so they can hopefully match the dog up with its owner. You can also call Central Dispatch to have Animal Protection pick up the dog. If you have a cat, you need to bring it down to the Humane Society.
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My neighbor has several animals that have no food, water or shelter. Who do I report them to?
Call Central Dispatch and an officer will investigate. State law says an animal is required to have food and water once every 24 hours, shelter pertinent to that animal, and medical attention necessary for the well being of that animal. There are no laws requiring the amount of attention an animal must receive, although giving your pet attention will help solve many behavior problems.
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I found some injured wildlife. Who do I report them to?
Injured birds MAY be rehabilitated through Durango Animal Hospital at 247-3174. Refer other injured wildlife reports to the Division of Wildlife or Central Dispatch.
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I have several skunks that are often on my property. What can I do?
Skunks and raccoons are a common problem in the Spring and Fall. Keep all pet food and trash enclosed so wildlife cannot smell or get into it. Keep your yards, basements, sheds, and porches clean and holes covered with fine chicken fence. Basically, don't provide food and shelter for them. If the skunk/raccoon problem persists, call General Pest Control at 247-1884 to help catch and remove any pest problems. The cost to trap/dispose of a skunk is $250.
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If a stray dog bites me, who do I report it to?
If any dog bites you, report it to Animal Protection through Central Dispatch. State law requires all dog, cat and ferret bites be reported, and if possible, that animal be quarantined for 10 days. It is up to the discretion of Animal Protection if that animal is to be quarantined at the owners house or at the Shelter at owners expense.
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Copyright © 2003 La Plata County Humane Society. All rights reserved.
Revised:
October 16, 2007