Arnold officials mulling whether to change dog catcher

Arnold officials will wait to get some input from the state’s dog warden before deciding who will be the city’s dog catcher.

Council discussed awarding a contract for the service to Hoffman Kennels, which is the animal control service used by the majority of communities in the Alle-Kiski Valley.

But Mayor Karen Peconi came up with another idea.

She said her understanding is that Hoffman’s will euthanize stray dogs after holding them for a certain time.

Instead, she proposed giving the contract’s $160 per month fee to Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley as a donation.

She said Animal Protectors, which is in New Kensington, will pick up stray dogs when called, and added that it’s a “no-kill” shelter.

Councilman Phil McKinley took issue with that idea.

“So, they are going to come and pick up a dog that’s biting people and going crazy?” McKinley asked.

Peconi said in such cases, where a dog is violent and attacking, the city’s police officers would likely put the animal down by shooting it.

She said there was at least one such occasion in the past.

However, McKinley argued that Hoffman’s is more qualified to provide the service and its personnel are experienced at testifying in hearings before a district justice.

“Hoffman is also the only one who is qualified to tranquilize a dog as opposed to putting it down,” Councilman Anthony “Butch” Sgalio said.

Sgalio also said Hoffman’s reputation as a “kill shelter” may be undeserved. He said that, from what he has heard, Hoffman’s gets more money from the state for every dog they find a home for as opposed to those they euthanize.

Code Enforcement Officer Rick Rayburg said the state’s dog warden told him such animal control services get $80 for every animal they find a home for as opposed to $20 for each one that is killed.

Finally, council agreed to hold off making a decision and invited the state dog warden to appear at the May council meeting and provide his input.