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Animal Control

The Animal Control Officer is responsible for enforcing the Town's Dog Ordinance and responding to citizen complaints, handling animals in a humane and responsible manner, and tactfully but firmly dealing with animal owners. Independent judgment is expected, guided by the Town Board’s instructions and applicable state statutes. The Animal Control Officer has the following responsibilities:
 
  • Respond to complaints about dogs in violation of the ordinance within the Town of Newport.
  • Apprehend and transport domestic animals in a safe and humane manner to the designated pound.
  • Investigate animal bites and report them to the proper authority.
  • Maintain records and prepare reports of reported incidences.
  • Submit monthly summary of calls and the disposition of the incidents.
  • Develop and implement procedures where necessary with Town Board’s oversight.

 

 

Contact the Animal Control Department
 
Andy Topham
Animal Control Officer
[email protected] 
Phone: (315) 404-8447
 
Mailing Address:
PO Box 519
2788 Newport Rd.
Newport, NY 13416
 
Herkimer County Humane Society
Town Pound
Phone: (315) 866-3255
 
514 NY-5S
Mohawk, NY 13407

Department Reports

  • January 2024
  • February 2024
  • March 2024
  • April 2024
  • May 2024
  • June 2024
  • July 2024
  • August 2024
  • September 2024
  • October 2024
  • November 2024
  • December 2024

Reporting Guidelines

Stray Dogs
Roaming unattended dogs should be reported to the Animal Control Officer. If the dog is seized and the owner cannot be located, the dog will be taken to the Town pound where it will be kept for a certain number of days. If, at the end of this period, the dog has not been claimed, the pound keeper will make an effort to re-home it. Dogs found to be regularly straying will automatically be taken to the pound and the owner, if known, will be informed. Before the dog can be retrieved from the Town pound, all fees and fines must be paid to the Town and to the pound keeper.
 
Lost Dogs
Lost dogs should be reported to the Animal Control Officer with the following information:
 
  • Owner's name, address and Tel No:
  • Description of your dog
  • Date and time lost
  • Location when lost

Local Laws and Policies

Dog Licenses
The Newport Dog Ordinance requires that all dogs within the Town of Newport be registered and licensed in accordance with NYS Agriculture and Markets Law. Unlicensed dogs found running-at-large within the limits of the Town may be impounded. The owner of a dog(s) found in violation of this requirement may be charged a penalty as outlined in the Dog Ordinance. For more detail on how to license your dog, please visit the Town Clerk’s page.
 
Documents