February 23, 2012

Animal Control

E-Mail: AnimalControl@bloomingdalenj.net
101 Hamburg Turnpike, Bloomingdale, NJ 07403
Tel: 973-838-8959       Fax: 973-838-7548

Serving:  Bloomingdale, Butler, North Caldwell, Pompton Lakes, Riverdale, Ringwood, Wanaque

Pet licenses are due every year in the month of January and may be obtained at the Bloomingdale Health Department. Any dog or cat over the age of six months should be licensed. The only requirement is that the animal have a valid rabies vaccine.Free Rabies Clinics are held throughout the year. Please contact the Health Department for dates and locations.

Summonses will be issued for unlicensed pets. Dogs are not allowed to run at large. Owners whose dogs run loose are subject to receiving a summons and possible fine.

Animals picked up as strays are taken to the Bloomingdale Animal Shelter Society at 23 Brandt Lane. There is a $30 reclaim fee with an additional charge of $5 for every day the animal is held. Owners have 7 days to reclaim their animal, after which the the animal becomes property of the shelter and may be placed for adoption.

Individuals with pets who need to relinquish ownership of their animal can contact Animal Control to make arrangements. There is a fee involved.

Abandonment charges will be filed on any and all animals left unclaimed or abandoned on shelter property under the Abandonment statute 4:22-20b. State law prohibits abandonment of any domestic animal and provides for penalties to $1,000.

Animal Control also investigates calls of abuse and neglect, animal bites and quarantines, rabies control, feral cat issues and animal complaints.

For more information, or to share an interesting animal story, please email Lisa Perry at lperry@bloomingdalenj.net or call at 973.838.8959

Pet Wastes Pollute, What you can do.

 

Protect Your Pet’s from the Summer’s Sun

    • Never leave your pet in the car even with the windows rolled down
    • Watch out for antifreeze when your pet drinks from puddles in the street
    • Keep animals well groomed which will help keep them cool and free of ticks
    • Water needs to be available inside and outside – and the bowls checked a few times a day
    • Make sure your pet doesn’t overexert itself especially on humid days
    • Keep an eye out for heatstroke which is a medical emergency.

Signs include:

        • Panting
        • Staring
        • Warm, dry skin
        • Rapid heartbeat
        • Vomiting
        • Collapse

 

Ten Ways to Avoid Dog Bites

  1. Stay calm. Don’t scream or try to out run the dog.
  2. Never stare at a menacing dog. He will assume you are challenging him. Turn your head and avert your gaze while keeping him in your peripheral vision.
  3. Stand still with arms at side or crossed over chest with hands in fists to protect fingers.
  4. Command dog to sit or go home in the language of the neighborhood if you can speak in a commanding tone. If your voice gets high pitched or squeaky when you get nervous you are better off saying nothing.
  5. Before entering a property, scan for signs of dog feces, bones and bowls. Then bang on gate, side of house or car hood to alert possible dog of your presence.
  6. Do not advance on an unknown dog. Let them come check you out first.
  7. To keep your adrenaline from running wild remember to breathe.
  8. Before entering a home, ask that the dog be put in the bathroom or other room with a door that can be securely shut.
  9. If the dog grabs you, push into the mouth instead of pulling away. You have a better chance of the dog spitting you out and you won’t tear your flesh on his teeth.
  10. If a dog charges you, offer them a jacket, gym bag or other soft item to engage them in a tug of war. Don’t let go of the item until at a gate or door that you can close between you. If knocked down, assume the fetal position protecting your head and neck with arms and fists.