A lost dog is a terrible thing, an abandoned dog is even worse. And not being able to temporarily house them while the search for the owner or a new home is the pinnacle of frustration that many Dog Control Officers (DCO) across Sullivan County have had to face as the rate of unclaimed dogs has increased.

For a few DCO’s from smaller towns,  like Forestburgh, this incessant problem has kept their hands full. However, with the new deal struck involving the County Legislature, the DCO’s and the Sullivan County SPCA in Rock Hill, emergency temporary housing is now finally available.

The utilization of the five-run kennel on the SPCA property is a huge step in the right direction towards better servicing the animals who have found themselves without a home, as well as offering much-needed relief to the diligent DCO’s who were often personally burdened with housing and caring for the animals they picked up, when the nearby shelters reached maximum capacity. 

With this new contract, both the DCOs and the dogs they service are better set up for success. 

However, it’s sad to see such a need for the emergency kennel as the trend of lost dogs continues to plague our villages and towns. Dog owners must be held accountable. Those who purposefully release their pets to avoid responsibility for them, or neglect their needs until they are driven away, should be given tickets and have to appear in court. Our pets deserve at least that much protection and respect from us.

To those who properly care for their pets, thank you. Your love for your pets echoes out into the community and offers stabilization to the rocky and unpredictable work our DCOs do to ensure safety for both humans and dogs. The world would be better if all of our pets found good homes with responsible owners. With this new use of the SPCA facility, we are one step closer to making that world a reality.