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Animal BitesEvery year in the U. S., animals bite more than a million people, most of them children; seriously injure thousands of people; and kill about 100 people. You can prevent many bites by knowing how to recognize the warning signs of an animal that is likely to bite. Avoid situations that provoke bites and defend yourself if you are attacked. The warning signs of a dog likely to attack will be an aggressive posture with its hackles up, growling or barking, ears erect, body stiff or tense, stiff-legged stance with tail held high and possibly moving rapidly. The dog may also attack if afraid and will assume a fearful posture with ears back, body crouched, head held low, and tail tucked between their legs. Most animal "warning signs" are similar to the dog’s. Never touch or approach an animal you don’t know to be friendly. Never threaten or tease any animal. Even a small dog or cat can inflict a painful bite. If bitten or scratched, wash the wound thoroughly. Use soap and warm water and apply a sterile dressing. Seek immediate medical help. Ask the physician about a tetanus booster and/or rabies vaccination. Remember as many details as possible. Write down a description of the animal, time and location of the incident and try to remember where the dog went. Massachusetts Health Laws require that all animal bites; especially dog bites, be reported to the Health Dept. Do not hesitate to make a report because the animal is yours or a friend's or relative's. Pets, including dogs, will not be taken away from their owners because of such a report, under normal circumstances. The animal will be quarantined for a ten-day period regardless of its current rabies vaccination status. The owner/keeper will be able to quarantine the animal at home during this period or in an approved boarding facility at the owner/keeper's expense. To contact the Animal Control Officer or to report an emergency bite, call: Stephanie Doucette at the Police Department.: 781-862-1212 Monday thru Thursday: 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Friday: 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Police: 781-862-1212 (weekends and all other hours) Noisy AnimalsSection 1 of Article XXVIII of the town's General By-Laws states:
Few things in life are as annoying as having to listen to the constant bark, howl, whine or cry of another person’s dog. The noise from a barking can disrupt sleep, lower the quality of your leisure hours, disturb your work, and make being at home unenjoyable. The first reaction of many people faced with a barking dog problem is to call the authorities. Believe it or not, this should be the last route taken to resolve the problem. This problem has been looked at nationally and the conclusions reached have been uniformly the same: This is a neighborhood problem. Here are a few facts about the owners of barking dogs that may help you deal with what is really a neighborhood problem:
Owners of barking dogs falling into the above categories are best dealt with as neighbors. Letting the owner know, on a personal level, that the dog’s noise is disrupting your life can be very effective. People that do not first attempt to solve the problem as neighbors often begin long- term neighborhood feuds. Tell the person, very politely, in person, in writing or by phone exactly what the nature of the annoyance is. Communicate things such as "I can’t sleep"; "I can’t hear my television"; "I work nights and sleep days"; or "I can’t study because of the noise your dog is making". Neighborhood communication is a very important part of neighborhood security. Even that act of telling someone his or her dog is bothering you can further communication. Licensing Your DogChapter 140 of the Massachusetts General Laws requires all dogs to be licensed:
A license identifies your dog as yours, showing everyone your dog is not a homeless stray, that the owner cares enough to register the pet legally. Your dog’s personal data is kept on computer. Should your dog be found by an officer or private party, you can be notified as soon as possible. Local veterinarians are also more willing to invest emergency treatment in a sick or injured animal bearing a license tag. Return to Top of PageLost PetsIf your pet becomes lost, don’t give up. How carefully you search and how persistent and resourceful you are can determine whether or not your pet will be found. Look closest to home first and ask for help. Ask everyone if they have seen your lost pet. Children are particularly good sources of information. Place ads in newspapers, offer a reward, post "lost" signs, check with local veterinarians, and notify neighbors .Restraint and the LawSection 2 of Article XXVII of the town's General By-Laws requires that a person who owns a dog shall keep that animal under restraint at all times.
Restraint means:
Scoop the PoopSection 2a of Article XXVII of the town's General By-Laws requires pet owners to "scoop up" after their pets, both on public places and on property owned by another.
Dog droppings are a nuisance and a health hazard. They attract flies, spread disease, and dog waste is one of the worst causes of water pollution. Lexington has an estimated 2,500 dogs. Dogs relieve themselves every day, producing an average of 3/4 pound of waste per dog. That’s over 13,125 pounds or over 6 tons of dog waste each and every week. It’s important for pet owners to "scoop up" after Rover on bike trails or wherever Rover roams. Carry a supply of plastic bags to clean up after your dog, slip a bag over your hand and collect the droppings. Then pull the bag off of your hand so that the droppings are inside (like pulling off a sock cuff-first). Tie the bag shut and dispose of it in a trash can. Return to Top of PageSpaying & NeuteringWhy you should have your pet spayed or neutered:
VaccinationsMassachusetts State Law mandates that rabies vaccine must be given to all dogs and cats which are over six months of age. Diseases commonly vaccinated for in puppies include: canine distemper virus, Adenovirus 2 (upper respiratory disease virus, which cross protects for canine hepatitis), parainfluenza, leptospirosis, and parvo virus enteritis. Kittens are routinely vaccinated for feline distemper, Rhinotracheitis and calicivirus or FDCVR vaccine. Some owners, especially of show cats or which have increased exposure to other cats, may also elect to vaccinate for pneumonitis, a respiratory disease caused by chlamydia. A new vaccine has recently become available to protect against Feline Leukemia virus. Please contact your veterinarian for a vaccination program for your pet. Return to Top of Page |
