Is Your Dog Licensed?

April 2023

Dear Pound Ridge Resident:

I would like to take a moment to introduce myself and describe what my job entails. My name is Joan Dooley and I am the Dog Control Officer for the Town of Pound Ridge. I’m sure some don’t realize that my job exists, and others have probably seen my marked “Dog Control” vehicle driving through Town. It is my job to enforce the local dog ordinances and laws for the Town. Even though Pound Ridge is a very dog-friendly community, there are ordinances in place to ensure the safety and well-being of dogs and their interaction with people. These laws apply to anyone who harbors a dog. This is both owners and those who foster dogs. I would like to familiarize you with some of these laws (attached is a copy of our Local Dog Control laws).

The most important of these is the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets Law stating that all dogs over 4 months old must have a dog license. This license ensures that all dogs have a current rabies vaccination and that they have a proper ID tag. This ID assists in locating the owner if the dog happens to run off. Frequent escapes by the same dog may result in a court appearance to resolve the reason for those escapes.

In addition to the licensing law, Pound Ridge has a few local ordinances to address dog behavior in order to protect the safety and well-being of the dog, its owner, and the public.  When these ordinances are violated, the complaints are either filed directly to me or through the Pound Ridge Police Department and are put before the Pound Ridge Justice Court for resolution.

Here are some of the highlights of those ordinances:

• Limit of 4 dogs per residential structure;
• Must be under control of the owner/responsible person both on and off that person’s property;
• Be careful not to allow their dog(s) to bark/howl or behave in a manner to disturb the peace of the neighborhood;
• Dog(s) may not damage the property of others;
• Dogs may not chase or bother people to cause intimidation.  Remember: Not everyone is comfortable around dogs and the dogs’ behavior may appear threatening or aggressive to others;
• Dogs may not chase vehicles, bicycles or “run at large” causing a disturbance or potentially causing an accident or putting dog in harm’s way;
• Dogs may not bite, attack or harass a person who is peacefully being where they are allowed to be.

Although there is no general leash law in Pound Ridge (the law states “on a leash or under voice-control”), there are posted areas in Town where all dogs must be leash-walked. This is for everyone’s safety and enjoyment, as well as the protection of wildlife and flora.  These areas include some of the Preserves, Town Park, Town Bike path and Scotts Corners business district. Please also remember to pick up after your pet and throw waste away in a proper receptacle.

The application to license your dog and other information can be found on the Town Clerk’s section of the Town website at https://www.townofpoundridge.com/townclerk.

I can be reached at 914-447-0106 to assist with complaints or just answer questions.

Joan Dooley
Dog Control Officer
Town of Pound Ridge