Credit: Lenora Champagne
Behind the blue metal building that houses the Pine Plains Highway Department and its large vehicles is a small blue dwelling with white trim, a chain link outdoor area, and rooms for two residents. This is the new kennel for strays, purchased because the local vets have let the town know they can no longer house stray dogs on their premises. With its relatively serene setting—there’s a field out back, and it’s under sheltering trees—the kennel looks like an appealing place to pass some time while waiting to be adopted. Town Board member Matt Zick said there is an advantage to having the new kennel in Pine Plains: “We don’t have to travel far to retrieve our pets.”
Rich Prentice, Jr., the town’s dog control officer, said, “We have not used the new kennel yet. Strays vary year by year and are generally claimed. Unclaimed dogs are sent to a licensed pet rescue.” The kennel will also house strays from other towns where Prentice is the animal control officer: Ancram, Stanfordville, North East, Amenia and Milan.
Free Rabies Vaccinations
Rabies vaccinations are required by New York state law for all cats, dogs, and domestic ferrets by the age of four months. You can take advantage of Dutchess County’s free rabies vaccination clinic for pets on Saturday, Feb. 24, from 8 a.m. to noon, at the Dutchess County SPCA. Located at 636 Violet Ave in Hyde Park, the clinic is open to dogs, cats, and ferrets older than 3 months. It’s free for Dutchess County residents and $10 for others. Dogs must be leashed and other pets must be in carriers. If you have proof of a prior vaccination, this one will be good for three years. If proof of prior vaccination is not provided, this vaccination is good for one year. Pre-registration is required. Residents can register at DCSPCA.org or by calling the DCSPCA at 845-452-7722 extension 425.