Town of North East conducts dog census, encourages licensing of pets

Town of North East conducts dog census, encourages licensing of pets
Town clerk Tilly Strauss shows off the dogs of the Town of North East at her desk in North East Town Hall on Maple Avenue in Millerton.
Photo by Krista A. Briggs

MILLERTON — A stack of letters destined for the outgoing mail sat on Marcy Wheatley’s desk at Town Hall. Wheatley, the North East deputy town clerk, said the correspondence was related to pet licensing, which has been in decline in recent years, despite being a New York State requirement.

“Renewal numbers have gone down, down, down,” observed town clerk Elizabeth “Tilly” Strauss, who is currently undertaking a dog census in North East as part of a campaign that began on Jan. 1 to determine the number of canines in town and their licensing status. Strauss is a dog-lover who is mystified by the drop in the numbers of licenses issued in the Town of North East. According to Strauss, 407 pet licenses were issued in 2017. By the following year, the number had dropped to 331. The trend downward, which has not been attributed to any particular cause, has continued, and the number of current licenses is around 200 – less than half of what was issued eight years ago.

In New York State, pet licensing is a legal requirement, but there are very practical reasons for obtaining a license. In 1992, as infected animals presented themselves in the region, Dutchess County was designated as a rabies county. As a result and for everyone’s protection, all dogs and cats must receive a rabies vaccination.

Vaccination is a requirement for licensing, and the license serves as proof of a pet’s vaccination status. Licenses must be renewed annually and rabies vaccinations must remain up-to-date. According to the New York State Department of Health, a pet should receive its first vaccination by around four months of age with a second vaccination to follow a year later. Subsequent booster shots should take place either annually or every three years, depending on the type of vaccine administered.

Once the vaccine has been administered, a license can be issued to the pet owner. Ideally, licenses are issued to owners when a pet is four months old and renewed each year. In the Town of North East, license fees are $10 for spayed and neutered animals and $20 for those that are not. Strauss is strongly encouraging pet licensing as failure to do so may result in the issuance of court appearance tickets and fines for pet owners. Additionally, the town’s dog control officer will be conducting random checks to ensure compliance.

Applications and additional information on pet licensing can be found at Town Hall in Millerton. Renewal requests can be submitted online by going to: townofnortheastny.gov, clicking on “Forms,” and navigating to the “Dog License Application.”

Latest News

Empress EMS to purchase Northern Dutchess Paramedics
The Northern Dutchess Paramedics station on Route 22 south of the Village of Millerton.
Photo by Aly Morrissey

This is a developing story. Updates will be made as more information becomes available.

MILLERTON — Northern Dutchess Paramedics, the private emergency medical service provider contracted by North East, Amenia and Dover, is set to be acquired by Empress EMS, Town Supervisor Chris Kennan said at a special workshop meeting of the town board on Tuesday evening, Aug. 26.

Keep ReadingShow less
Busking in the Berkshires
Brent McCoy of Secret Circus Show at Berkshire Busk!
Roman Iwasiwka

While playing outside in the early post-pandemic days, Berkshire Busk! founder Eugene Carr had an epiphany: why not expand the idea of performing on the street (aka busking)into a full-fledged festival in Great Barrington?

As an entrepreneur and cellist, Carr envisioned a well-organized jamboree featuring regional talent, including musicians, acrobats, storytellers, fire-eaters, and more. He formed a team, connected with local businesses and the town of Great Barrington, and launched Berkshire Busk! in 2021. Since then, Berkshire Busk! has grown into a summer staple for Great Barrington.

Keep ReadingShow less
'Sylvia' brings heart, humor and one unforgettable dog to Sharon Playhouse stage

What if the dog onstage was played by a person? That’s the delightful twist in A.R. Gurney’s “Sylvia,” opening at the Sharon Playhouse on Aug. 29. In this clever and heartfelt comedy, the title character — a stray pup who disrupts the lives of a married couple — is portrayed not in costume but by an actor who brings insight, charm, and chaos to the role.

Stepping into Sylvia’s paws is Jen Cody, who is returning to the Sharon Playhouse in a starring role for her third year in a row, ready to bring this spirited dog to life. She’s joined by Jonathan Walker as Greg, the middle-aged man smitten with his new four-legged friend, and Jennifer Van Dyck as Kate, his wife, whose patience and identity are tested by Sylvia’s sudden presence in their home.

Keep ReadingShow less