Crime & Safety
Canton Officials Remind Owners that Abandoning Animals is a Crime
Police Chief: Alternatives exist for unwanted animals; Canton Will Investigate Incidents.
After finding three abandoned dogs in just two months, Canton officials are reminding owners that the practice is criminal, costly and potentially dangerous.
In addition, alternatives exist.
Since May 17, Canton/Avon Animal Control Officer Beverly LaPlume has responded to three cases of what officials believe were abandoned dogs. In the past, that number has been closer to one a year.
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“Pet ownership requires a level of responsibility, care and protection that must be taken seriously," police chief Christopher Arciero said. "Those owners who intentionally disregard their responsibility put their pets at risk, are potentially in violation of the law, and unnecessarily re-direct limited resources to respond to such abandonment investigations.”
Arciero has noted the following reminders about abandoned animals:
- Abandonment is a crime; it is unacceptable and there are consequences for doing so.
- The police department and animal control officer will actively investigate allegations of abandonment.
- In some cases, there is an adverse fiscal impact to the town when dogs are abandoned — i.e. shelter, medical attention, etc.
- The CT Humane Society (860) 594-4502 is the appropriate location to bring an unwanted dog.
- The Canton Police Department and the Animal Control Officer welcome any information citizens may have about the abandonment of dogs over the recent past. (860) 693-0221.
Find out what's happening in Cantonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
LaPlume said she has picked up three animals since May 17 — two Rottweilers and and a lab/hound mix. In all cases, there have been no chips, collars or alterations.
"It's very suspicious," LaPlume said.
In each case, officials still spread the word via Patch and many other sources, hoping someone recognizes the animal. All three recent dogs have been placed, LaPlume said. When a dog is found it goes for adoption if no one claims it within 7 days of a published newspaper ad.
LaPlume also has other concerns with roaming, unknown dogs. It costs taxpayers money because there's no history, so shots are needed. A rabies shot and vet visit can be a little more than $100 per dog. There is also sheltering needs and more.
She said it can also potentially put the public at risk if the dog is aggressive.
Arciero also said the town will prosecute if someone is caught abandoning animals.
“The Canton Police Department and the town’s Animal Control Officer will pursue such investigations and hold those violators appropriately accountable,” Arciero added.
"It's very suspicious," LaPlume said.
In each case, officials still spread the word via Patch and many other sources, hoping someone recognizes the animal. All three recent dogs have been placed, LaPlume said. When a dog is found it goes for adoption if no one claims it within 7 days of a published newspaper ad.
LaPlume also has other concerns with roaming, unknown dogs. It costs taxpayers money because there's no history, so shots are needed. A rabies shot and vet visit can be a little more than $100 per dog. There is also sheltering needs and more.
She said it can also potentially put the public at risk if the dog is aggressive.
Arciero also said the town will prosecute if someone is caught abandoning animals.
“The Canton Police Department and the town’s Animal Control Officer will pursue such investigations and hold those violators appropriately accountable,” Arciero added.
Abandonment falls under the state's cruelty laws, punishable by "up to $5,000, up to five years imprisonment, or both."
Read more about the state statute here at the Humane Society web site.
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