Warden praises volunteer efforts

YOUNGSTOWN — “There’s a number of regulars who walk dogs. It’s a small number, but they’re committed,” said Mike Fox, Mahoning County dog warden, of the volunteers who walk dogs from the county dog pound.

“The exposure can’t hurt,” he said of the volunteer effort that gets dogs out of their cages and out into the public eye. “It’s absolutely a good thing. The dogs get some fresh air, exercise, and they’re out of the kennel.”

Because of liability issues, volunteers must be 18, sign a waiver and show proof of identification.

Fox said the pound has 100 cages, small and large, and the average population on any given day is 50. The animals are mostly strays, he said, though some are owner surrenders because of various reasons. Fox said the pound takes in some 1,500 dogs annually; with 200-300 claimed by owners.

“A license is the best way to identify a dog,” he said. “We make every effort to notify the owner.”

Under state law, Fox said a licensed dog must be kept for two weeks to give the owner time to claim it. Stray dogs, with no licenses, are kept for at least 72 hours. After that time, a dog may be euthanized. Dogs that are aggressive or sick are put down. Fox said it is best to call the pound at (330) 740-2205, if you’re interested in a dog.

“Our adoption rate is climbing. It’s better than it used to be,” he said. Fox said dogs from the pound are featured in segments aired on Armstrong Cable’s Channel 20 and photos are on the pound’s Web site, www.petfinder.com/shelters/OH599.

The pound started a spay-and-neuter program about two years ago to address the dog overpopulation. “Seeing a difference will take time,” he said. “Backyard breeders are a real problem.”

Fox said responsibility is the key factor. He said responsible owners have their pets spayed and neutered because they understand there is an animal overpopulation issue.