The Peru Gazette

Dave Drollette and his sidekick Hank

By John T. Ryan

When Dave Drollette became Peru’s Dog Control Officer (DCO) in September 2014 there were 845 licensed dogs in the town. Today 1,098 dogs are licensed, a 36% increase. Drollette’s enforcement activities undoubtedly motivated several people to bring their dogs to the September 6th rabies vaccination clinic at the Peru Fire Station. Town Clerk Kathy Flynn reports that 39 dog licenses were either issued or renewed in the week following the clinic.

Drollette tells everyone he loves his job. Drollette explained, “I’m available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. I try to immediately respond to a phone call. If they call me at midnight or early in the morning, I’ll get up and do what I have to do.” He typically travels about 300 miles each month performing his DCO duties. (Click here to view the September DCO Report)

A phone call often results in the discovery of several unlicensed dogs. A few days ago a lady called to complain about two barking dogs outside a neighbor’s home. DCO Drollette discovered that neither of the barking dogs were licensed and the lady who reported the barking dogs was also found to possess two unlicensed dogs.

Drollette works closely with Town Clerk Kathy Flynn, the town’s dog licensing official. He said, “At the end of each month Kathy gives me a list of the dogs licensed that month and a list of the licenses that haven’t been renewed.” Drollette tries to assist first time violators rather than issue a ticket. He explained, “I give people a dog census form and 10 days to license the animal.” Anyone with a second violation can expect to receive a ticket.

Stray dogs are a continuous problem. Drollette said, “ If I capture the dog and I can’t locate the owner I bring the dog to Elmore SPCA which charges $50 the first night and $25 a night thereafter. After 7 days, Elmore SPCA owns the animal. They have it checked by a veterinarian, neutered if necessary and put it up for adoption.” Over the past two years Drollette has brought 67 dogs to the Elmore SPCA.

Combating animal abuse is an important part of the DCO’s job. Last winter Drollette found a dog tied up outside and restrained by two short chains that were frozen into the the ice. The dog was seized and eventually adopted by a caring person. The guilty party was fined in Peru Town Court.

People sometimes ask why dogs need to be licensed. There are several reasons: #1 It’s the law; #2 If a dog goes missing having him/her licensed drastically improves the chances of getting him/her back; #3 Licensing lets people know that your dog is up to date on its rabies vaccinations. It’s very disconcerting for someone to be bitten by a stray dog and not know if the dog has been lawfully vaccinated.

Dogs four months of age or older (there are exceptions) must be licensed. A license costs $9.50 per year ($5 for seniors 65 and over) and $17.50 for non-spaded or non-neutered animals.

Drollette believes that there are still many unlicensed dogs in the community. Town Clerk Flynn has requested funds to conduct a town-wide dog census. If that’s approved, every resident can expect to receive a dog census form. The DCO can be reached at 578-2217.

Click here to view Peru’s Dog Control Law.