Glencairn November 2018

Pet Information
HARRIS COUNTY LEASH LAW
Animals that are not properly restrained pose a threat to all our residents.
While you may know your pet is friendly, an animal running at someone
who is walking by is very scary for that person. Many children are afraid
of animals and become frightened, which could result in the child getting
hurt trying to avoid the animal.
Harris County Animal Control advises, “All dogs and cats must be kept
under restraint while in the unincorporated areas of Harris County, Texas.
The custodian of a dog or cat is not authorized to have, harbor or keep
any unlicensed dog or cat, nor to allow any dog or cat to become a stray.”
RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERSHIP
Being a responsible pet owner is much more than just providing adequate
water, food and shelter for your pet. Domestic pets are completely dependent
on their owners for their welfare.
• Owning a pet is a lifetime commitment. If you can’t make
the commitment, don’t get the pet.
• Choose a pet that fits your lifestyle. Don’t get a high energetic dog,
if you don’t have the time to exercise him. If you can’t afford groom
ing or can’t do the grooming yourself, pick a low maintenance dog.
• Spay or neuter your pets. There are too many homeless animals
without adding to the problem.
• Don’t make your dog a “backyard dog.” Dogs strive on
companionship and need to be with their human pack.
• Be aware of weather conditions. Leaving your dog in the car on
a hot day or in the yard without shade or water is risking your dog’s life.
• Make sure your home is “pet” safe. Pesticides, medications,
household cleaners and some houseplants (dieffenbachia, philo
dendron, hyacinth and mistletoe) can be deadly to your pet.
Keep them out of reach.
• Provide veterinary care for your pet. Keep their vaccinations
up to date and make sure they have annual checkups.
• Keep identification tag on your pet... it is your pets ticket back
home. Both dogs and cats need ID!! Microchipping is good too,
but an external tag is essential, it could mean the difference of your
neighbor returning your pet to you or turning him into the pound!
• Obedience train and socialize your animal.
• Don’t let your pets run loose. Dogs should be walked leashes.
Any outdoor off leash access should be secure in a fenced area.
An outdoor cats average lifespan is 3 years, an indoor cat’s average
lifespan is 14 years.
• Provide your pet the proper diet. Obesity can be as deadly as
malnutrition. Be aware that some foods can be deadly, such
as chocolate and fatty foods can cause pancreatitis.
• Make sure your pet get proper amount of exercise.
• Take extra precautions during holidays like Fourth of July or
New Year’s. It is the scariest time for pets, make sure your pets
are secure indoors. Also protect your pet during Halloween.
• Be kind to your pet and show him with love... remember you are his world.
• Take special care of your pet during their senior years.
ATTENTION! PET POOPS / YOU SCOOP
Please be respectful of community grounds and neighbors’ yards. If your
pet poops during your walk, be prepared to scoop and trash. Come with
a scooper and a recycled grocery bag or anything else. It may not be the
most fabulous way to walk your pet, but it does show your respect for
every homeowner and our beautiful community.
Restraint is defined as “the control of a dog or cat under the following
circumstances:
1. When it is controlled by a line or leash not more than six (6) feet
in length, if the line or leash is held by a human being, who is
capable of controlling or governing the dog or cat in question
2. When it is within a fully enclosed vehicle
3. When it is on the premise of the custodian and the animal does
not have access to sidewalk or street.”
While it may be nice to have your animal out in the yard while you work or
play, it is against the law, unless the animal is properly restrained.
Let’s all help keep our community a safe and comfortable place for all our
residents by being responsible pet owners. This will not only protect anyone
who may be walking or bicycling in the area, but also the pet owner who
could be held legally responsible or possibly sued for failing to properly
restrain their pet.
To make a complaint or report an animal that is not properly restrained
please contact:
Harris County Precinct #5, Contract #87: 281-463-6666
Harris County Animal Control: 281-999-3191
Harris County Health Department, Rabies/Animal Control Section
2223 West Loop South, Houston, Texas 77027-3588 www.countypets.com
STOP THAT BARKING
Many dogs left alone all day get lonely, bored and restless. Many find relief
in barking. Some respond noisily to any and all activity. But, nothing is as
annoying as incessant barking - even for dog lovers. If your dog is a yapper
or a yowler, please consider some of these bark-abatement ideas to keep
the noise down in your area. Your neighbors will thank you!
• Training. Always the first recommendation for any behavioral problem!
Help is as close as the Yellow Pages. Training not only helps your dog, you’ll
be surprised how much it helps you, too. You may get some insight into why
your dog barks so much or what it is trying to communicate.
• Citronella collars. A humane alternative to the electric-shock, anti-barking
collar and costs about the same. Available on the web and in pet stores.
• Confinement. Sometimes simply bringing an outspoken dog indoors or
confining it to a crate can cut down on the disturbance to neighbors.
• For inside dogs, reduce stimulus. Close drapes to help muffle street noise
or leave a radio on to mask it.
• Companionship. Dogs are pack animals; they need companionship - a cat,
bird or another dog. Consider a mid-day visit from a pet-sitting service or
drop your pooch off at a friend’s place or a day-care facility once or twice
a week.
Keep in mind that dogs who bark from loneliness or boredom, may not do it
when you are home. Meanwhile, your neighbors may be getting serenaded
while you are away.
6 November 2018 | Community Newsletter