dog on the loose

[IN DEBT]

Recently me, my husband,and my 2 year old daughter went to get our family portrait made in hartshorne. We thought it would be okay to put our dog on tie down while we were gone.(so she wouldnt run the neighborhood)She is a small friendly dog to EVERYONE. When we returned her collar had snapped and she was missing. After we looked for her it was said that she was captured by our dog catcher.this all transpired on saturday evening by the time we paid the 30 dollar holding fee and got our court date set yes that is right you now have to go to court and get a 215 dollar fine, plus court cost, it was time to get her. Guys it was awful!!! She had poop all over her, she had dropped a couple of pounds just from 2 days, when she jumped into our truck she must of had to lay in her pee because that amonia smell was so bad it made our eyes water... Point to all of this is for our dog that usually is contained to break free once it shouldnt have to cost close to 300 dollars especially for the condition they returned her in. Thank you dog catcher for doing your job but screwing my daughter out of christmas this year!!!
Glad to see you do more to people with dogs than drug dealers no wonder you are such a striving city!!!!

[Rhonda]

I have visited with the dog catcher as I know you have. The kennels are cleaned out each day and the dogs are feed very well. I do not see how your dog could loose 2 pounds in 36 hours. Mr. Rose did indicate that your pet pooed on it's self in the truck cage. Probably from nerves. I'm sorry but he does not have time to groom the dogs.

I understand your animal was not tagged with the city. This would have helped the situation greatly, in that Mr. Rose would have contacted you immediately. Having your dogs tagged with the city is required by city code and is a simple matter costing only a few dollars.

Mr. Rose does his job very well and the city is in the process of building more kennels to insure the safety of the animals.

It is unfortunate that your dog got loose, but Mr. Rose did his job properly and perhaps saved your pet from getting run over.

Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention. I have asked that the kennels be washed out twice a day to improve the situation.
If you have further questions or concerns, feel free to contact me.
Rhonda Sears, Animal Control Commissioner

[hummm]

Rhonda wrote:

I have visited with the dog catcher as I know you have. The kennels are cleaned out each day and the dogs are feed very well. I do not see how your dog could loose 2 pounds in 36 hours. Mr. Rose did indicate that your pet pooed on it's self in the truck cage. Probably from nerves. I'm sorry but he does not have time to groom the dogs.
I understand your animal was not tagged with the city. This would have helped the situation greatly, in that Mr. Rose would have contacted you immediately. Having your dogs tagged with the city is required by city code and is a simple matter costing only a few dollars.
Mr. Rose does his job very well and the city is in the process of building more kennels to insure the safety of the animals.
It is unfortunate that your dog got loose, but Mr. Rose did his job properly and perhaps saved your pet from getting run over.
Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention. I have asked that the kennels be washed out twice a day to improve the situation.
If you have further questions or concerns, feel free to contact me.
Rhonda Sears, Animal Control Commissioner

"Animal Control Commissioner?????" ROFLMFAO....
Glory be, I never heard of such a thing.
The way I see it, these small towns in Oklahoma are totally bizarre. Where in the name of all that is holy do these small towns come up with all these "titles."
"Animal Control Commissioner????" What a laughing joke. Do you get paid for being an Animal Control Commissioner????

[IN DEBT]

First of all Rhonda it dont sound much like you trying to fix the problem it sounds more like you are defending it. I never said the man was a bad man did I? No I dont think so.. You can keep defending him all you want especially when you are commissioner because that would mean you are not doing your job to doesnt it Rhonda? Maybe you got a little to much on your plate..Like laser tag..And as for my dog pooping in tha kennel well that is so funny because she had dried crap on her from her ears to her feet.. So I guess you are going to tell me she rolled all in her poop next since you seen it huh? Then explain to me the harsh amonia smell of urine so bad that all our eyes where watering? As for the tag and collar she does have one the collar snapped off her neck thats how she got loose in the first place. So dont preach to me about that tag thats just MORE info you got wrong.. You want the straight story then CALL ME OR VISIT ME AT MY COURT DATE!! As of keeping our dog penned we have tried everything so you take the dog rhoda next time and you can happily pay 300 dollars since from the sounds of you can easily pay! By the way 2 pounds is possible maybe if this town had a vet you would know its called STARVATION!!!

[Ignorance is Bliss]

hummm wrote:

<quoted text>
"Animal Control Commissioner?????" ROFLMFAO....
Glory be, I never heard of such a thing.
The way I see it, these small towns in Oklahoma are totally bizarre. Where in the name of all that is holy do these small towns come up with all these "titles."
"Animal Control Commissioner????" What a laughing joke. Do you get paid for being an Animal Control Commissioner????

Another showing of ignorance. Most towns or cities have a board of trustees. Each member of the board is given 1 or more departments as an overseer. Not a boss, but someone that can be a liason between the council and department. They are usually called commissioners. Now, I know it sounds odd that small towns have commissioners, but they do. Since most people like to criticize the council of most towns it doesn't surprise me that you had such a laugh over someone trying to help and inform the public. Very rarely is anyone from the public at a town or city council meeting. Yet, they always find something to gripe about. They would rather hide behind their computer and laugh and make fun of someone than find out the facts and information for themselves. Most of the small towns of Oklahoma have something very special to offer. Instead of being proud of where you come from or where you are you cut down others. Life is too short to be unhappy and mad all the time and condescending to people that really have good intentions.

[agree]

I agree. Everyone wants to complain about the dogs running loose, but when he does his job they complain. Sorry dog catcher; damned if you do, damned if you don't. I do see where this one particular story is coming from though. She has never had her dog picked up before and the one time she does, she gets a hefty fine. Yes I know it is a city code, but what about all of these other dogs running around that have not been caught; are their owners getting fined?

[Ignorance is Bliss]

agree wrote:

I agree. Everyone wants to complain about the dogs running loose, but when he does his job they complain. Sorry dog catcher; damned if you do, damned if you don't. I do see where this one particular story is coming from though. She has never had her dog picked up before and the one time she does, she gets a hefty fine. Yes I know it is a city code, but what about all of these other dogs running around that have not been caught; are their owners getting fined?

I know that they are trying very hard to get a handle on the strays. The people that abide by the ordinances should get at least a warning before a fine like that. Dogs get out. That is a given. But, I agree. If the resident is doing their best to abide by the rules and keep their animals in check I think a warning is only fair. Even the best of owners occassionally lose their animals. I wasn't at court that day so I do not know what transpired. I do know that any of the council members would listen and try to help "IN DEBT" get to the bottom of the issue. But, if the board of trustees does not know about the problem they can't help fix it. Residents need, and I stress need, to use their council members more. They are helpful and if they don't know the answer they will always get back with you, as they have me. You can leave a message for any council member at city hall and they will get the message.

[IN DEBT]

Yes the man did a good job picking her up, and yes we should have to pay the 30 dollar holding fee, but to go to court for a dog, then get a 215 dollar fine, then maybe court cost(I don't know if there is one since it is in the city hall here) for no complaints on her, no one harmed by her, then to have her returned in the shape she was in just angered me.

[Ignorance is Bliss]

IN DEBT wrote:

Yes the man did a good job picking her up, and yes we should have to pay the 30 dollar holding fee, but to go to court for a dog, then get a 215 dollar fine, then maybe court cost(I don't know if there is one since it is in the city hall here) for no complaints on her, no one harmed by her, then to have her returned in the shape she was in just angered me.

I truly understand being angry about someone that is probably like a member of the family. No one wants to think that a city facility would return the dog in that condition and then be fined $215. I really need to check into this. I want to know how this fine thing works with animals. It was not like that in the past. Something has changed and I'm not sure what.

[ITS CALLED MONEY]

Ignorance is Bliss wrote:

<quoted text>I truly understand being angry about someone that is probably like a member of the family. No one wants to think that a city facility would return the dog in that condition and then be fined $215. I really need to check into this. I want to know how this fine thing works with animals. It was not like that in the past. Something has changed and I'm not sure what.

It is called MONEY. Maybe the city needed the money to pay Rhonda's commissioner's job.
Why show up at any of the meetings? One would only be lied to and made a fool of or at least they would do their darndest to make a fool of you. Just like voting. Anyone who believes the people's vote counts has got to have marbles for brains. The officials put who THEY want in office regardless of how the people vote.
SAD BUT TRUE... RIGHT RHONDA???? YOU ARE ONE THAT SHOULD KNOW.

[Rhonda]

I would be happy to visit with you. Just call me. I understand you are upset and dogs do get loose from time to time. Collars break, dogs dig out of pens. It happens.
I have been visiting with Rick about establishing a policy to give a warning to first time offenders who are registered with the city. This has not been brought up with the city council yet, but I would like to put this condition into the city ordinance.

Please don't think I am lecturing. That is not my intent. If your pet gets loose again, please just call city hall and let them know you are looking for it. I believe if you notify them the dog is loose and you are trying to rectify the situation, you will not be issued a citation.

Yes, this is my responsibility to check into these issues as the city council member assigned to animal control. Again, I am very willing to visit with you before 9 pm.

[IN DEBT]

thank you so much rhonda for trying to fix this problem.i just appreciate someone taking time out to try and fix the situation at hand.good luck

[love_animals]

Rhonda wrote:

I have visited with the dog catcher as I know you have. The kennels are cleaned out each day and the dogs are feed very well. I do not see how your dog could loose 2 pounds in 36 hours. Mr. Rose did indicate that your pet pooed on it's self in the truck cage. Probably from nerves. I'm sorry but he does not have time to groom the dogs.
I understand your animal was not tagged with the city. This would have helped the situation greatly, in that Mr. Rose would have contacted you immediately. Having your dogs tagged with the city is required by city code and is a simple matter costing only a few dollars.
Mr. Rose does his job very well and the city is in the process of building more kennels to insure the safety of the animals.
It is unfortunate that your dog got loose, but Mr. Rose did his job properly and perhaps saved your pet from getting run over.
Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention. I have asked that the kennels be washed out twice a day to improve the situation.
If you have further questions or concerns, feel free to contact me.
Rhonda Sears, Animal Control Commissioner

since you are the commissioner what can we do to help im so tired of seeing stray dogs running around, and would like to help and even volunteer something has to be done.

[love_animals]

and i dont agree with the fine, the holding fee but not the fine.

[Ignorance is Bliss]

ITS CALLED MONEY wrote:

<quoted text>
It is called MONEY. Maybe the city needed the money to pay Rhonda's commissioner's job.
Why show up at any of the meetings? One would only be lied to and made a fool of or at least they would do their darndest to make a fool of you. Just like voting. Anyone who believes the people's vote counts has got to have marbles for brains. The officials put who THEY want in office regardless of how the people vote.
SAD BUT TRUE... RIGHT RHONDA???? YOU ARE ONE THAT SHOULD KNOW.

Another showing of ignorance. The board of trustees gets paid $20 a month before taxes. It is a thankless job. How do you think they get into office if not elected by the people? Anyone can run. There are no prerequisites. The trustees all have full time jobs. They do their best to do what is right. Stay home. I'm sure they could chew you up and spit you out because of your ignorance. Some people are just trouble makers, like yourself. Negative about everything. By the way, the council has been voted down on issues that were voted on. Educate yourself on issues before getting on here and sounding ignorant.

[Smarts]

Ignorance is Bliss wrote:

<quoted text>Another showing of ignorance. The board of trustees gets paid $20 a month before taxes. It is a thankless job. How do you think they get into office if not elected by the people? Anyone can run. There are no prerequisites. The trustees all have full time jobs. They do their best to do what is right. Stay home. I'm sure they could chew you up and spit you out because of your ignorance. Some people are just trouble makers, like yourself. Negative about everything. By the way, the council has been voted down on issues that were voted on. Educate yourself on issues before getting on here and sounding ignorant.

If you are so damn intelligent then why in the hell are you living in a dump like Wilburton? Or for that matter, why live in any small town dump? Oh, I know. Because you do not have the intelligence to make it in a large city.

[Ignorance is Bliss]

Smarts wrote:

<quoted text>
If you are so damn intelligent then why in the hell are you living in a dump like Wilburton? Or for that matter, why live in any small town dump? Oh, I know. Because you do not have the intelligence to make it in a large city.

I live right here in Talihina. I have more intelligence than you will ever know. By the way, I have lived in much bigger cities than any where in OK. I can go up against you any time.

[kinda]

I think it is kind of about money, but not in the way posted above. The holding fee, yeah i can see that, and the fine as well. Ok, so the dog catcher/pound need to make money in some way in order to keep the service going. So lets say 5 dogs get picked up, only one person comes to claim 1 of the dogs. Unfortunately, that person is actually paying for all 5 dogs, because it takes money to house, and to "do away with" unwanted animals. I know, its not that one persons fault that other people are irresponsible with their pets, and no they shouldn't have to pay for other peoples unwanted animals, but someone HAS to pay. I'm not sure of the stats, but I am sure there are a lot of animals picked up that are never claimed. Maybe the town needs to raise the liscencing fees for animals? But that wouldn't really help, because still it is the responsible people who pay the higher price. Also if one person were to "get away with", not having to pay the fine, then others could say in court, "well so and so did not have to pay, and I sholdn't either", then the burden of the cost goes to whom? It's sad that this type of service is such a necessity in such a small town. So, what do we do to remedy this situation?

[Ignorance is Bliss]

kinda wrote:

I think it is kind of about money, but not in the way posted above. The holding fee, yeah i can see that, and the fine as well. Ok, so the dog catcher/pound need to make money in some way in order to keep the service going. So lets say 5 dogs get picked up, only one person comes to claim 1 of the dogs. Unfortunately, that person is actually paying for all 5 dogs, because it takes money to house, and to "do away with" unwanted animals. I know, its not that one persons fault that other people are irresponsible with their pets, and no they shouldn't have to pay for other peoples unwanted animals, but someone HAS to pay. I'm not sure of the stats, but I am sure there are a lot of animals picked up that are never claimed. Maybe the town needs to raise the liscencing fees for animals? But that wouldn't really help, because still it is the responsible people who pay the higher price. Also if one person were to "get away with", not having to pay the fine, then others could say in court, "well so and so did not have to pay, and I sholdn't either", then the burden of the cost goes to whom? It's sad that this type of service is such a necessity in such a small town. So, what do we do to remedy this situation?

Very well said. The animal control office several years ago always tried to locate the owners. If the owners couldn't be located he always tried to find someone to take the dog, especially if he could tell it had been taken care of. I've always thought that they could post the unwanted dogs in the paper and maybe arrange to have them adopted. If Talihina could have the dog spaid or neutered that would be great. Maybe a veterinarian would be willing to work with the town and give them a break, or the holding fee could be used to fix the dog as part of the adoption. I don't know if this would work but it would be so much more humane to offer the dog to a good family for a small fee.

[IN DEBT]

Ignorance is Bliss wrote:

<quoted text>Very well said. The animal control office several years ago always tried to locate the owners. If the owners couldn't be located he always tried to find someone to take the dog, especially if he could tell it had been taken care of. I've always thought that they could post the unwanted dogs in the paper and maybe arrange to have them adopted. If Talihina could have the dog spaid or neutered that would be great. Maybe a veterinarian would be willing to work with the town and give them a break, or the holding fee could be used to fix the dog as part of the adoption. I don't know if this would work but it would be so much more humane to offer the dog to a good family for a small fee.

So what you are basiclly saying is he usually will take the dogs to the owners, so why am I the one with the court date and hefty fine? My dog is fixed and registered, my dog usually is on tye down except for this one time,and she snapped her collar but yet I still have to go through all this! Why give up my dog to a nice family when she already has one? By the way you have prooved my point not everyone faces this kind of actions over their dogs being loose SO WHY US?