DCO – Dog Control Officer: The primary function of a dog control officer is to respond to complaints of dogs at large, nuisance barking, unlicensed dogs and general nuisance complaints. Additionally, most dog control officers are tasked with responding to reports of rabid animals. These laws are found in New York State Agriculture and Markets Laws, Article 7. Dog Control Officers are typically paid employees of the municipalities in which they work. 

ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER: The primary function of an animal control officer is the same as that of a dog control officer; however, the employing city/town/village has extended enforcement powers applied to dogs to now be applied to all animals, such as companion animals, domestic animals, livestock and wildlife. For further information, please contact your town supervisor. Animal Control Officers are typically paid employees of the municipalities in which they work.

HUMANE LAW ENFORCEMENT:  The Finger Lakes SPCA of Central New York’s HUMANE LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER responds to complaint of neglect and abuse. Depending on the nature of the complaint, he/she may work with other local law enforcement agencies such as New York State Police, Auburn Police Department or Cayuga County Sheriff.

Please note that local law enforcement (Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police and Auburn Police Department) are required by statute to enforce animal cruelty laws, investigate and charge.  

New York State Police - Auburn  |  (315) 255-2766

New York State Police - Wolcott  |  (315) 594-8071

Cayuga County Sheriff |  (315) 253-1222

Auburn Police Department  |  (315) 253-3231

When to Call a Dog Control Officer

• Stray dogs or dogs at large

• Dog bites

• Excessive barking

• Rabid dogs - possible rabies

• Sick and injured

• Licensing issues

• Dog Control/Animal Control Contacts
  

Confused about who to call? You're not alone. Want to know who your dog control officer is? Click here to see our list of townships by county.

Additional Helpful Links:
Domestic Violence Animal Shelter Database

New York State Agriculture & Markets, Article 26 – Animal Cruelty

New York State Agriculture & Market Article 26A – Pet Dealer Law

New York State Environmental Conservation Law

Pet Breeder/Dealer – Agriculture and Markets, Article 26-A

General Animal Cruelty – Agriculture and Markets – Article 26 – Section 353

• Aggravated Animal Cruelty – Agriculture and Markets, Article 26, Section 353-a

• Dog Shelter – NYS Agriculture & Markets Law, Article 26, Section 353-b

Please remember that in ALL CASES, Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office, NYS Police and Auburn Police Department are required by New York State statute to investigate these complaints and charge when and where appropriate. Please contact these offices directly (the phone numbers are listed above).

The Finger Lakes SPCA of Central New York Humane Law Enforcement Officer may/will refer to appropriate local law enforcement when and where appropriate.

Dog Shelter

New York State law requires that all dogs kept outside for any period of time MUST have a minimum standard of shelter. A dog kept outside during inclement weather must have a dog shelter consisting of six required elements:

·       Four walls including a door

·       Waterproof roof

·       Raised floor

·       Flap on the door

·       Bedding for insultation

·       Size proportional to the dog

Pet Breeder/Dealer

Any person who breeds animals for sale, depending on quantity, may be classified as a pet dealer or breeder. This classification requires certain licensing and certifications. Often times unprofessional breeders commit acts of cruelty such as puppy mills and can be subject to enforcement by New York State Agriculture and Markets Licensing Division.

Animal Cruelty

Aggravated cruelty is any act resulting in pain and suffering which was done in a sadistic and/or depraved manner, or any act of cruelty which results in death