I think if Troy has an animal control officer, the residents of Troy should be able to contact him/her.

Hopefully, someone will see this and urge the officer to fix his/her phone.

Any city counsel members care to look into this animal control phone number issue? It has been like this for over a year. I remember trying to contact animal control about an abandoned dog at 532 10th street last year... I got the same recording to enter my phone number and my PIN. I could not get through to the animal control officer.

If troy has an animal control officer and troy residents are paying his/her salary with our taxes.. .shouldn't we be able to contact him/her with a problem?

Last winter that poor dog was left to freeze to death outside on 9th street. We can't let that happen again.

Troy only has one animal control officer. Please contact TPD at 270-4411 to file a report. That is indeed the quickest way to have the situation resolved.

The only way to resolve these types of issues is to move out of Troy. I did a few years ago and have never been happier and healthier. Maybe The Record could help by running an article about Troy's animal control officer and his job and how to contact him. Good luck.

Curious to know what the outcome has been. Did the police get a call? Did animal control come? Troy has one of the most dedicated and compassionate animal control officer. The problem is he is the only one! His job is sometimes 24/7. He needs help.

We had this problem for years when we lived in another part of the City, except the phone was always full and not accepting messages. I finally wrote a letter to the Mayor and the following Saturday, the animal control officer showed up.

I THOUGHT that would solve the problem but he came back a couple days later and told me he couldn't do anything about the barking dog...and then blamed the problem on the fact that the dog owners were "black".

I couldn't believe this guy was a city employee. I tried further, called the police a bunch of times but every time I got someone who was working with me, they were transferred and left.

Eventually, we just moved to another part of the City where the neighbors are more respectful.

Nina, I did phone the police to ask how to get in touch with the animal control officer. The police officer said they were aware that the animal control phone number on the troy city website was not working and that it has been like that for over a year.

He did not offer me a way to contact animal control but did ask me what the problem was and said an officer would come out.

I don't know what happened from there but I will say... the dog still barks as much as it always has. I have pets myself and would never leave them outside (on an open 3rd floor porch), alone in the near freezing weather.

The same person parked their vehicle in front of my vehicle. Their rear bumper was pushed up against my front bumper so hard that when I put my car my car reverse it lurched backwards from the pressure.

I spoke the the owner of the vehicle and they told me and I quote... "that's what bumpers are for" and "if I didn't like it, I shoulda call the cops".

That's the kind of people I'm dealing with.

Wilson,
You can not go by the city's website; It's not as current as it should be. You're also still dealing with the UNSECURED, city-owned property at 14 Oakwood. You obviously care about where you live and wish that those around you did as well. Otherwise, you wouldn't be posting here. Others do care. The city council is a public watcher as am I. If I can see it, they can too. Let's be sure Mark McGrath is aware of the long-term problem of no access to the animal control officer.

It's also obvious that the tenants now occupying that unit are violating the noise ordinance in the city. Contact code enforcement regarding the noise. Then call the police back again and tell them to contact Kevin regarding the maltreatment and again complain about the noise.

It also sounds to me more that you are dealing with an out-of-town property owner/landlord who isn't being directly affected by the behavior of their tenants. Beacon, NY is too far for them to hear the dog barking...Unless there was a means for you to contact them while the barking was happening...

As for the animal control officer, he is a very dedicated and over-worked man. I'm hoping Nina can take care of getting in touch with him to address the maltreatment of the poor critter.

I've watched and listened to the animal control officer (Kevin McDonough) while he was on the porch talking to the owner of a residence (A single family house) with four out of control barking dogs (Yep, I said four) They might as well been having coffee and toast and planning a sailing trip. The conversation had nothing to do with the barking of the dogs. This officer (Kevin) takes the City issued vehicle home when his day is done. He's not looking to make any enemies by enforcing this law or violation (or however they phrase it) he's already had a city owned vehicle burned in front of his house once before. Everyone sees this (Troy Animal Control) vehicle parked there at his residence. Now I ask you: would you be stern with someone in violation of this law, if you were him ? He's not looking to make any enemies when he answers these calls. Anyway, this is a dead end issue...you just have to learn to deal with it or move out of Troy I guess !

I will say that the dog is quiet at night. They obviously bring it inside at night.

We need an animal control officer who isn't afraid to enforce the laws. If Kevin isn't doing his job, (and he obviously isn't if residents can't even contact him directly) we need to get someone in that position who will enforce the laws.

Apparently the answering machine for the Animal Control Officer broke down. It's my understanding that a replacement has been requested. Hopefully, that will resolve the issue of citizens not being able to access Kevin in a timely fashion.

My concern is with this poor animal. Although the barking can and is annoying. While listening to this animal yesterday it doesn't seem like he wants to annoy anyone. He is looking to get to warm shelter. His barking is reminding his people that he is outside and wanting to come in. I wonder if this dog gets walked, or what kind of condition he/she is in. I am thinking our Animal Control Officer would like to check on this. WE have so many animal atrocities hopefully this won't be another. Oh and I wonder, if the landlord knows that this dog lives there and does the landlord carry extra insurance on the dog, being a dangerous breed and all. Maybe they need a letter from concerned neighborhood leaders from all parts of the City. Please keep "US updated.

The dog NEVER gets walked. I have NEVER even seen the dog in the 6 months it has been living there & barking... not even in their yard.

It's barking again today. It's in the 30's outside. I wouldn't leave my dog outside.

I agree that it is barking to alert people that it needs attention. What more can "I" do?

What kills me, is that while this poor dog is barking nearly non-stop... THE OWNERS ARE USUALLY HOME! They just ignore it and are able to tune it out somehow.

Nina, if you heard this dog barking, you know how hard it would be to tune him out if you lived anywhere nearby. I hear it everyday and my windows are all now closed due to the cold weather. It was 10 times worse during the summer with the windows open.

If anyone can help the dog... please do.

Wilson you need to come to our neighborhood meeting. We are holding it on Dec. 6th at the NC police Sub station on 6th ave 7pm sharp. Our Community Police will be there an together we can get something done.

I care enough about the dogs well-being and the quality of life of the immediate neighbors to speak with the dogs owner, the landlord, the police, post here about it and buy an anti-barking collar for the dog, but honestly, I'm not interested in attending any community meetings.

I've experienced this too! This past summer a neighbor and I found a stray dog, and couldn't get through. When police were called they told us to wait a few hours, and an officer "might" become available. That animal eventually snapped at us and got away. Excellently controlled!

In speaking with the other tenant today, I found out the reason the dog is heard and never seen... it never goes outside... not even to "do it's business"!

The owners force it to urinate and defecate in the back porch where it spends most of its life.

Once a week or so, the owners take a bucket of water and dump it on the porch floor to wash away the urine and feces. That isn't going to work in the winter. The dog will be living in its own feces and urine (and ice if they try to wash it).

The tenant living beneath them isn't happy because she stores things on her back porch and now they covered in dog waste.

I let the landlord know. He seems to care. We'll see what happens next.

If this isn't a severe case of animal neglect, I don't know what is. Some people just shouldn't be allowed to own pets.

Hudson Valley Mohawk Animal Shelter does investigations.

please keep us informed on this issue. I would like to know when and if it is ever resolved. thank you

Well, the dog was barking at 1:30 am last night and again at 7 am this morning and again just now. It was in the 20's last night and it's in the 30's today. Even though the owner says he tales the dog in at night... I'm of the opinion that the dog is locked in the open 3rd floor porch 24/7.

The other day the dog was crying in a low "voice". It breaks my heart.

The cops or animal control really need to go to this building ASAP and demand to see the living conditions of the dog. I'm sure it won't be pretty and they will remove the dog from the premises.

Like I said... I've called the landlord... he's supposed to be
making a surprise visit this coming sunday.

He wants me to file all kinds of complaints with the police about the dog so he can basically tell the tenants that I'm to blame for him having to either evict them or make them remove the dog from the property.

We own our home. We have no choice but to live next to these people. I value our vehicles, our home and our personal safety. I really don't want to become the point of blame for these people when the $hit hits the fan.

I've called the police but I don't know if they even came out.

Obviously there is still a problem because the dog is out in the weather 24/7 and crying and barking. He doesn't want to be there freezing to death.

At this point, I've done all I am going to do regarding this poor dog. If someone else wants to also call the police and the animal control officer, I would suggest doing so ASAP.

Wilson
I have contacted the Humane society, because its a holiday weekend everyone is off till Monday. I am told to call back tomorrow because someone in charge will be there to help direct me. I know what I am going to be told. I didn't see and don't know directly so it is all hear say.
I fully understand your fear that you have relayed. The tactic that the landlord suggest is despicable. Somewhere along the line someone has to step up. Children and animals have no voice. I am asking you again to call,and call and call the police they WILL get animal control there it seems as this is a dire situation. I believe he works 24/7 I cannot make the call, I am not witnessing anything I came by, sat and listened and all I can tell them is I heard the barking too. That is not enough. Humane Society # is 434-8120 ext 215 please call tomorrow, I will too but it is most important that you call too. Please keep me informed if you decide to call the police.

Pic just taken.

This is the first time I've ever seen the dog.

What does he look like? Does he/she seem ok?

I admire the tenacity you've all shown and the concern for this animal. I have a few thoughts to share based on my experience in the past.

1) When you call the police. Ask to speak to the officer. If you don't they just drive by. If you ask to be interviewed, they have to get out of the car and come talk to you. It helps to build a relationship and make you a priority.

2) If the dog is taken away from its owners (and it seems like that's a must) there isn't a really good alternative. It will go to a shelter where it may be adopted or may languish (as a neglected and possibly abused pet, its likely to have behavioral problems)- or be put down. Can anyone provide a home for this animal - or help to find one?

3) In the scheme of things, this animal is lucky because you all took the time to see to its welfare. Too many others in the city of Troy are not so lucky. It's unacceptable in these times to have someone on the payroll who can't/doesn't do the job. I hope you'll continue to lobby the city to address this issue.

Nina, All I saw is what you see in the photo... the dogs snout and paws as it was looking over the porch and through the screen. I can't tell what condition it's in.

Its eyes glow because of my flash.

If it went to the menands shelter or somewhere else, I'm sure it would be better off. At least it would be warm, cared for and have a possible chance at being adopted by a family that actually cares about animals and doesn't use them as some kind of vicious status symbol.

Would I rather see it live a miserable existence in this open back porch instead of being euthanized at a shelter... I don't know.

And NO, it doesn't seem ok. It's freezing for crying out loud!

Sat by for a little while, didn't hear the dog. Couldn't stay long as there were lil Thugs hanging out. Didn't want to attract their attention. I hope that you will contact HMHS tomorrow. I know I will. Thank goodness its not to cold tonight.

this morning

http://tinypic.com/player.php?v=vid538&s=7

11am - 11/27

I gave you the wrong # for the Humane society, 434*8128 so sorry, I called and left a message for James Bedford as of yet he hasn't called back. I came by this morning and whistled and made noise and didn't hear the dog. I am kinda glad he still is hanging in there.(heard your last post) Hopefully till we get him help.

Big day, landlord coming to ck on third floor. Hopefully save the dog and punish the people.

He's there now.

The dog's been out in the weather 24/7 for the last few days ...that, I am sure of. Hopefully, the landlord will see how bad his back porch is (full of poop and pi$$) and do something about the dog. I can't imagine he'll appreciate the tenants letting the dog defecate and urinate on his porch!

Nina did anyone from the menands humane society return your calls?

FROM THE TROY CITY WEBSITE.... CALLING THE NUMBER LISTED NOW SAYS "THE NUMBER IS NOT IN SERVICE".

Does Troy have an Animal Control Officer?
The Animal Control Officer for the city may be contacted at 270-4640.

My dog is missing! What should I do?
Contact the Animal Control Officer at 270-4640 and report him/her missing and call
the Mohawk-Hudson Humane Society (pound) to see if your dog was picked up and
brought there. That number is 434-5501.

Restrictions covering dangerous dogs are included in the Troy Code, Section 6-22 and Agriculture and Markets Law, Article 7, Section 121. Dangerous dogs must be confined on the owner's premises, either indoors or in a securely enclosed and locked pen or dog run. The dog must be securely muzzled and restrained with a chain having a minimum tensile strength of 300 pounds and not exceeding three feet in length. A dangerous dog that attacks a person or domestic animal may be ordered destroyed as provided by state law.

Penalties:
Violation of the dog ordinances may result in seizure of the dog, a court appearance or fines of up to $50.00. Violation of the dangerous dog ordinances may result in seizure of the dog, a misdemeanor charge or fines of up to $1,000.

To report cases of nuisance barking, unlicensed or loose dogs, call Animal Control at 270-4640. For cases of animal abuse or cruelty (dog fighting, mistreatment or lack of food/water) call the Troy Police at 270-4411 and the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society at 434-8128. Where animal safety is threatened evenings or weekends, call the Police for assistance. The police should be called whenever a complainant is in doubt about the appropriate reporting procedure.

NO I never heard back from the Mohawk Hudson S. I wonder what happened with the landlord. Thank you Sam for your information. I believe this has been called in and there was no response that we know of.

The poor dog is at best, neglected, or at worst, abused. A dog always barks for a reason, whether it is bored, anxious, lonely -- COLD. If it's on that back porch almost all the time, it's likely barking from being physically/mentally unstimulated. This truly is a job for Animal Control: and you're right, wilson, the AC phone number has been screwed up as you described or the mailbox is consistently FULL -- for years.

The immediate problem of the dog being left out in the cold seems to be solved.

The issue of Troys animal control officer not being able to be reached by the tax paying public hasn't been solved yet.

And if he isn't really protecting Troys animals to the fullest possible extent like some people have said... maybe we do need a new animal control officer?

If one animal control officer isn't really enough, as many here have said... maybe we need to hire 2 new officers?

I'm sure there are a few things we could cut in Troy to pay the $30k-$40k I assume an animal control officer would make in this city.

Closing a swimming pool or two should take care of the salary. Or change the job description of one or two of Troys police officers. Make him/her animal control officers.

We all gasp and cringe when we see the stories of horrible animal neglect in Troy on the news but we don't actually do anything about it.

Was it last year that a woman on 9th street left her dog outside in a cage to freeze or starve to death? We all gasped, the news people knocked on her door etc etc etc... but did anything REALLY happen? Did she go to jail or have to pay a fine? Was her punishment stern enough to prevent others from doing the same thing? There was no follow up news story so we'll never know.

I do know that we just don;t do enough for these poor neglected pets who can't help themselves.

The landlord did come yesterday. He convinced the owners to bring the dog inside and asked them to walk it when it needs to go to the bathroom. I suspect they'll continue to use the back porch as the bathroom... as long as they don't leave the dog out there, there won't be any further complaints from me.

The police and AC officer were there today.

I live on 8th avenue in Troy and there is a dog that is constantly walking around without it's owner. Although, the dog doesn't appear to be dangerous. But it gets rediculous when every other day I have to keep from walking on my front yard. Because this dog constantly uses mine and anyone elses yards as it's bathroom. I have spoken several times to the owners to no avail. Have attempted several times to leave messages with the animal control officer. And as everyone here already knows it doesn't work or the voicemail is too full to take messages. Now what makes this situation worse is the dogs owner is a fireman. And is aware of the leash laws in New York. But will ignore them as long as they don't have to actually walk the dog. When we spoke to the mans wife she made the excuse that he continues to get out of his collar. When we suggested getting a harness for the dog. She said she would consider it. I have lived in my home for 2 years now and is continuing to have this problem. The next door neighbor has had to yell at the dog to get him out of their yard. My daughter cannot play in her own front yard without fear of stepping in what this dog is leaving behind. I am stuck between a rock and a hard place. The police won't do anything and can't get ahold of animal control when we need to. But when my dog got out of the back yard. Animal control left a note at my house stating that I needed to bring down all their shot records and licenses to city hall. In order to keep my dog. Apparently it is only when you work for the city can you ignore state laws. But if it was just the average individual we would get slapped with a fine and the animal removed from the property and possibly euphanized. Amazing how that works isn't it?

Please keep us posted on this.

I guess time will tell about the bringing in and walking issue. Did this slumlord find the dog to be healthy? The ACO will be the telling expert in this. The ACO can always be reached, like I have said, call the POLICE cause he always gets his messages. I am confident that the # issue will soon be fixed. I feel its worth repeating, our ACO is very dedicated and a caring individual, especially toward animals. Over worked yes I will agree, does he need help, yep, but will you and everyone else agree to have taxes increased? Its tough times everywhere. Before we judge the actions of others we first must look into what we have done, did we do enough, did we go that extra step?

I was very impressed with Troy PD and Kevin (the ACO) today.

They did a great job determining the welfare of the dog and making sure the dog isn't neglected or breaking any noise ordinances in the future.

We can all rest easier knowing that there's one less dog slowly freezing to death in Troy now.

Thanks Troy PD, Kevin M., Nina and everyone else who helped this dog.

"tired of dog poo", I think you should spend the $20 or so and buy the owner of the dog a harness. If their excuse for the dog wandering the neighborhood (and crapping everywhere) is that it slips out of its collar... get them a harness.

Show them that you care enough about the problem to go out of your way to help.

If after you give them the harness, you keep seeing the dog wandering around... not wearing the harness or hitched... then you have done everything you could before getting serious.

Then, it's obvious that the fireman and his wife don't really care.

At that point, yell, scream, holler, call anyone and everyone you can until the problem fixed. It will get fixed if you try hard enough. Your neighbors will appreciate your vigilance.

Public servants are held to a higher standard. That's part of their job. I could understand if it was some ghetto teen allowing their dig to run free and crap all over the neighborhood... but a Troy fireman?! That's not right!

Yeah! I love happy endings :)
I told you Kevin was the best! Please anyone else out there if you even suspect anything that seems like abuse or neglect to our friends who have no voice, CALL 911 or 270-4411 You can make a difference. Thanks TPD, Kevin ACO, our CP officers Kevin and Chuck.

It appears Nina has had a positive experience with the Troy ACO. I can't say I've had the same, in fact my experience was shockingly negative. I'd like to know to whom he reports and what his specific job expectations are.

The number to reach animal control has been broken FOR YEARS. How dedicated can he possibly be when he cannot be reached? As a taxpaying citizen and one who is committed to animal welfare, I can't help but think that we can do better.

Maybe the ACO is Ninas husband?

Erin what was your experience? Maybe more will come forward with similar stories and Troy will get an ACO (or 2)?

I think if you're on food stamps or section 8 you shouldn't be allowed to have a pet. You obviously can't afford to feed or house the humans in your family. We're gonna trust you to feed and house animals?

Wilson, why the recent post?

Do you think we should close this issue as the TPD are currently working on fixing the problem with the phone.

PS qeeun, I am not related in any way to the ACO. I just have had positive results from working with the ACO in and with neighborhood animal issues.

I think the issue should stay open until the residents of Troy are able to call and speak with the animal control officer.

To knowingly have a nonworking number for animal control on the city website for over a year sends out a bad message. Kevin has to know that citizens can't reach him directly. I guess that would be the perfect job to have... a public servant who can't be reached directly by the public.

Sign me up for that job!

I have also had no luck reaching animal control officer, I think the police are much too busy to have to worry about animal complaints. Make the ACO available to the citizens of Troy or replace him with someone who will make themselves available. Also, doesn't troy have an ordinance about the number of dogs one house can have without getting a kennel license?

Bob, have you called the TPD directly? For now that is how we have to access our ACO. Yes there is an ordanance on how many animals one can have. Please if any of these animals are in danger and are being mistreated please call on their behalf.

he works out of the police if you call the police he will take care of it jf not / THEN CALL THE CHIFE.

Thank you Tom.

The problem tenants moved out and took the dog with them.

I'm waiting to see what kind of disrespectful, low-life tenants the absentee landlord rents to this time.

Coming soon to a neighborhood near you!

Contact Troy Police and report your concerns, and let them know its an ongoing issue. They will then contact Animal Control.