Police say they’re seeing a higher-than-usual number of “delinquent dogs”—animals whose owners have failed to register them with the town.
Normally, the deadline for the state-mandated licensing of a dog or renewing an existing license is July 1. This year, that deadline was extended to Aug. 1 to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Even so, the town currently has 655 delinquent dogs, according to Officer Allyson Halm, head of the New Canaan Police Department’s Animal Control section.
The Town Clerk’s office has sent out renewal notices and reminders, and now Halm is following up, she said.
“Dogs are deemed property—dogs can do damage to other people’s property and registering your dog makes them easier to locate,” Halm said.
“If I pick up a dog and it has a town license on it, it’s a free ride home the first time,” Halm said. “That’s the benefit [of licensing]. If you are following the rules and you are a responsible dog owner, we understand that these things happen. But if I chronically pick up your dog and if you have ignored my courtesy calls about re-licensing, then shame on you.”
The town has 2,200 licensed dogs and should approach 3,000 when delinquent owners become compliant, she said.
Delinquent dog owners face fines.
Dog licensing information can be found here.