
Coyotes will predate on small dogs and pet cats. Should I be worried? Coyotes, like all wildlife, are under the purview of the state Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. The dog license establishes the legal ownership and assures the dog is returned to its rightful owner. And mutts are very subjective in description. An unlicensed dog may be kept by the finder, or by this agency. We have required dog licenses in the state since 1952. Why do we have to license dogs? The dog license is the legal proof of ownership. There is no agency that picks up small dead animals.

If your neighbors dog wakes you at 2AM that is not a violation. It becomes a violation when the noise is constant, habitual and disruptive to others on an on-going basis.

What can be done about barking dogs? All dogs bark. We have actually had cases where a Good Samaritan was sued by the dog owner and accused of stealing. If the finder wishes to adopt the found animal, it is now legal to do so. We make every reasonable effort to find the owner, or a new home. It is always best to report a found animal to this agency and we will hold the animal for the mandated time. If the dog bites, or gets hit by a car, or runs away from the finder, then the legal owner may hold the finder responsible.

This means they assume all responsibility for the animal. If the public decides to keep a found dog, even for a short period while searching for the owner, they become the Legal Harborer of the animal.
