Published: October 20, 2009 12:08 am      

CITY OF LOCKPORT: Pit bull running loose prompts dog control complaints to police

A brown pit bull running loose in the North End has prompted a number of complaints to police since the beginning of the month.

The first report was filed Oct. 4 by a Church Street resident who called police about neighbor’s pit bull wandering around in her backyard. Officers said that upon their arrival, the dog was no longer there, but patrol advised the resident to contact the city’s dog control officer.

“This seems to be an ongoing problem,” the Church Street woman said. “The dog makes me nervous and the dog control officer’s hours are not convenient to fit into my schedule to contact.” She does say, however, that Lockport Police have been very cooperative and supportive.

“These are only ‘priority 4’ cases, but we take every call we get seriously,” officer Steve Tarnowski said. Priority 4 is the lowest priority of four categories.

Several weeks later, Pamela S. Luke called Lockport Police and spoke with the dog warden about the a brown pit bull consistently wandering around the neighborhood on Lock Street and jumping on other neighborhood dogs and residents.

Luke, the legal guardian of her three young grandchildren, said she fears for the kids’ safety when the dog is around. “I spoke with the dog warden, and she went to the house of where she believes the dog is from, and the residents denied it.”

Luke said the next day, the pit bull was back. Police say they have no confirmed address of the home of the pit bull, however the they believe the dog’s owner lives at the northeast corner of Church and Grand streets.

“When we get a call, we investigate the situation and take necessary action,” Capt. Jeff Brodsky said. “I encourage those who have animal complaints to call the dog control officer or the Lockport Police.”

According to a report from the city clerk’s office “all dogs must be restrained by a leash not exceeding 10 feet in length while off the owner’s property. Running at large prohibited.”

Brodsky said that those who do not comply with the law will receive a ticket, and the judge sets a fine.

According to the city’s animal code, a fine “cannot exceed more than $250 or 15 days imprisonment or both.” The city, by law, will maintain a public pound or dog shelter at a location designated by the mayor.

Contact reporter Britney Milazzo at 439-9222, ext. 6251.