DCO’s Hard Work is Yielding Results
By John T. Ryan
Last September when the Peru Town Board appointed Dave Drollette as Dog Control Officer (DCO) it’s doubtful that they anticipated what was ahead. As of September 4th, 2015, 160 more dogs were licensed than last year at this time. Dog licensing is important because it ensures that rabies shots are current and permits rapid animal identification.
Town Clerk Kathy Flynn collects the dog license fees. She remarked, “Dave’s so visible with the DCO sign on his truck.” Flynn said Drollette is good at working with people to resolve complaints. She said, “He has a soft, gentle way about him.” Town Clerk Flynn and Drollette have been coordinating license enforcement. Flynn mails annual license renewal notices and a second notice 30-days later. When the second notice is not paid within 10 days, owners can expect a personal visit from Drollette.
Dave Drollette, a retired 23-year U.S. Navy veteran, tries to work with people rather than issuing tickets. He explained, “I approach people and I don’t harass them. I don’t issue a ticket unless I have a second violation.” Drollette said he doesn’t go out of his way looking for violations; he usually gets a phone call from a neighbor when there’s a problem. An unlicensed stray dog can be expensive to the owner. If Drollette brings a dog to the Elmore SPCA, the boarding charge is $50 for the first day and $25 for each day thereafter. If a dog is not claimed within seven days it is put up for adoption. While Drollette has issued only 24 tickets over the past year, a ticket results in a court appearance and possible fine.
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.
DCO Drollette can be reached at 578-2217.
Posted: September 7th, 2015 under Agricultural News, General News, Law Enforcement News, Northern NY News, Peru News, Peru resident news/accomplishments, Peru/Regional History, Town Board News.
Comment from DAVID KIRBY
Time September 12, 2015 at 9:46 pm
KUDOS AND A TIP OF THE HAT TO DCO DROLLETTE
Finally, Peru has a DCO who is actually doing the job. One can only imagine how many dogs would be licensed if the town were to do a dog census, as required by the dog law.
Section 12(b) states, “The dog control officer will complete a Town dog census every three (3) years.”
It may surprise you to find out when the last dog census was done.
I do believe that it is up to the Board to authorize the dog census. Why haven’t they ?
Maybe you, as tax payers, should ask your elected officials why. I doubt if you will receive an answer.
Mr. Drollette has done a great job since taking this position, and I’m sure he will continue to do so in the future. Maybe the Town Board should allow him the tools(census) to do an even better and thorough job.
Good job DCO Drollette keep up the good work