FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 11, 2019
Contact: Justine Lentz
Animal Services Superintendent
Community Resources
479-444-3456
jlentz@fayetteville-ar.gov
Summer Reminders for Pet Safety and Owner Responsibilities
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.— Fayetteville Animal Services and the Parks and Recreation Department encourage people to remember that the leash law applies at City parks and on the trail system. Aside from the Iam’s Dog Park and Lake Wilson, all other City parks require dogs to be on a leash at all times. As a courtesy, please keep dogs leashed within four feet of you while on trails.
Leashes prevent your dog from chasing other animals or people and from getting lost. They provide a sense of safety for your pet and it is much more difficult for them to get loose and run off if they become scared by a loud or strange noise. The parks and trails are enjoyed by all residents and visitors, not just dog owners. “It is also a good time to remember to stock up on pet waste bags,” said Justine Lentz, animal services superintendent. “Not only is it good manners to clean up after you pet, it helps protect our public safety and is also required by City ordinance. Pet waste can carry bacteria and parasites that are transmitted through soil and stormwater. There are pet waste stations available at most City parks.” Animal Services officers will be patrolling local parks to help remind citizens of the leash law. If you need to report seeing a dog off leash, please call Animal Services directly at 479-444-3456.
During the heat of summer, Animal Services reminds people of the dangers of leaving pets in vehicles. If the outdoor temperature is more than 70 degrees, an Animal Services officer will be dispatched to check on the welfare of animal left in a vehicle. If the internal temperature of the vehicle measures more than 100 degrees, the officer will remove the pet from the vehicle and issue a citation to the driver. There is a zero-tolerance policy for violations of this ordinance. Remember to consider the effect of summer heat on pavement, as well. If you like to walk your pets, check the pavement temperature by pressing the back of your hand to the surface for 10 seconds. If it becomes too hot for you, then it is too hot for your pet and may burn their pads.
Animal Services offers $20 microchipping whenever the shelter is open, no appointment is necessary. Microchipping your pet is a fail-safe way to ensure your pet can be identified – it can’t fall off or get lost like a collar or tag. By ordinance, Fayetteville residents must microchip their cats or dogs and register the number with Animal Services. To update your pet’s microchip information, please contact Animals Services at 479-444-3456. The office and Lib Horn Animal Shelter (1640 S. Armstrong Ave.) is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. To learn more about Fayetteville Animal Services, please visit www.fayetteville-ar.gov/animals.
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