FAIRMONT– Each day under the police reports in the middle pages of the Sentinel are a good number of animal complaints. While the reports are often listed as animal complaints/bites, Fairmont Police Chief Mike Hunter explained that a number of scenarios qualify as an animal complaint.

The animal complaints are notable as calls throughout 2022 added up to 596. Hunter said the calls are consistent throughout the week but come in in a higher amount over the weekend.

“Calls also include wld animals. We get called in to assist with anything from a skunk in a yard, or a squirrel getting into someone’s house,” Hunter said.

He said they’ve had some other strange animal complaint calls dealing with chickens running down State Street.

While a variety of things can fall under animal complaints, the majority deal with dogs.

“Probably the most common (animal) complaint we get called into the Fairmont Police Department is a loose animal of some sort. Most commonly it’s a loose dog that got away from its owner for some reason,” Hunter said.

He said that when that happens a neighbor or someone in the community that comes across the dog will call it in and that the department’s goal is to get the dog back to its owner before something happens to either the dog or a community member.

“We have had some dog bites that we address through a couple different avenues, depending on the circumstances,” Hunter said.

However, it’s worth noting that Hunter said they typically get between just five and 10 bites a year and sometimes it’s the same dog.

“We have had some very serious bites over the years and that’s why we have certain things in place to be able to address them,” Hunter said.

If a dog bites someone, restrictions will be put onto the owner. In Fairmont, chapter 4 of the city ordinance deals solely with animals and the most common section the department refers to is section 4-2.1: running at large prohibited, which reads:

“It is unlawful for any person who is the owner, or other person in possession or control, of a dog or cat, to permit such dog or cat to run at large. A dog or cat will not be deemed to be running at large if it is on a leash and under the direct control of an accompanying person.”

Hunter said they get a number of questions from people asking if the rule applies to them if they have their dog on an E-collar. He said unfortunately even if a dog is wearing an E-collar, it still needs to be on a leash and under control of an accompanying person.

Similarly, if the dog is on a retractable leash but walks ahead and comes in contact with another person and is aggressive, Hunter said this is not in compliance with the law.

“If you allow that dog to go and harass another person walking on the sidewalk, you’re in violation of that because they’re not in your direct control,” Hunter said.

Another common complaint concerning animals is barking dogs. Hunter aid they typically get more of these calls in the summer months when people leave their dogs outside for longer periods of time.

“There are certain aspects that make it a violation but we always ask for people’s cooperation so that animals aren’t infringing upon the rights of their neighbors and that it’s good for everyone in the neighborhood,” Hunter said.

Yet another complaint that comes in that can also serve as a good reminder for dog owners is the need to pick up after your dog in public places. It’s under section 4-25: owner responsibility for sanitation.

“If a dog does its business on the sidewalk or in a park, you have to pick it up. That’s one thing we also get a lot of calls on. Sometimes owners are lax on that so we ask for cooperation,” Hunter said.

He suggested people bring a plastic bag with them while they’re on a walk to make it easier to dispose of the waste properly.

For the most part, Hunter said all of the pet owners in the community are responsible, though he noted the department does deal with a number of repeat offenders on a regular basis.

“We also have a great resource with the Martin County Humane Society here in Fairmont. They do everything from making sure people find that special pet to call their own… and they also promote positive and responsible pet ownership. They’re a great resource for people who have questions,” Hunter said.

He said that if people have questions about animal complaints, they can call the department and ask to speak to community service officer, Brad Buhmann, who typically responds to the animal complaints and works the day shift Monday through Friday.