Keep an eye on pets and yards

As the mercury continues to rise, it’s time for more outdoor projects and letting our furry four-legged friends out a bit more.

Ame Longwell, the animal control officer, wants to remind people to make sure they have their pets’ license up to date. Those who need to renew their license or get a new one can come to the Law Enforcement Center. The cost is $5 for pets that are spayed or neutered and $15 for those that are intact.

Owners picking up pet licenses must also provide proof of their animals’ current rabies vaccination.

For dogs found at large, the penalty is $25 for the first offense, $35 for the second and $50 for the third. Having an unlicensed pet is $25 for the first offense and $50 for the second.

If pets have their licenses, Longwell said, attempts are made to contact their owners prior to the animals being impounded. The fee is $10 per day of impoundment.

The number of calls for nuisance yards also seems to go up with the temperatures. While the line between trash and treasure in someone’s yard can become a bit blurred. Weeds are certainly one of the more common reasons for a nuisance call.

Under Section 11-802 of the town code, “The term ‘weed’ shall be deemed to include any plant growth over eight inches in height which is not compatible in an area of commercial or residential development or which endangers property or which would burn readily if fired. The common tests of whether a plant is noxious or not and of whether the plant is desired in its location by the owner or occupant of the property shall not be considered.”

When it comes to calls about nuisance properties, attempts are made to contact the owners. If no contact is possible, a red tag is left on the door of the property, though face-to-face contact is preferable. Owners are given time to clear up the nuisance, typically a week though that can change depending on how bad the property is.

Those cited for nuisance properties can work with courts to find a resolution, but they could also be fined $750