Animal Control

Summer Safety

As schools let out for the summer, the City of Manassas Park reminds everyone to be aware of increased numbers of children playing outside. Drivers should be extra cautious when traveling through neighborhood streets and parking lots. Parents and caregivers are reminded that safety begins with supervision.

Parents and caregivers play a key role in keeping kids safe as they enjoy summer activities and events. Adults need to be on the alert for dangers that children may ignore.

Safe driving around kids

Ø When driving, pay attention and always scan the entire area around you.

Ø Look for kids playing near the street and slow down. Children are often unpredictable and unaware of danger around them. They may dart unexpectedly into roadways.

Ø Slow down when driving near children and other pedestrians.

Ø Keep an eye out for crosswalks and watch for people about to step off the curb.

Ø Put down your cell phone and focus on the safety of our children. Safe driving takes your full attention, especially in the summertime.

Stay safe in your neighborhood

Ø Never allow small children to walk anywhere alone, whether to the store, their friend’s home, or the park.

Ø Take turns with other parents to ensure that a trusted adult is keeping an eye on the children as they play outside.

Ø When biking, skating, or playing on their scooters, your children should be in the company of other friends and an adult. Invite their playgroup to your own home. When playtime is over, escort the friends home.

Ø Join your local Neighborhood Watch. It’s a great way to learn more about your own neighborhood, meet other safety-minded neighbors, and make your home and community a safer place to live for you and your family.

Ø Familiarize yourself and your children with the McGruff House program. Make sure you and your kids are aware of the safe houses to turn to if they need help. Consider applying to make your own home a McGruff House. Contact the Manassas Park Police Department for more information.

Ø Report suspicious strangers or vehicles to the police immediately.

Safe summer activities

Ø Teach your children to respect the police, firefighters, and EMT professionals. Make sure they know how to dial 911 in an emergency. You should also make sure they know to never dial 911 as a playtime activity.

Ø Make sure your kids wear helmets and other safety gear when biking, skateboarding, roller skating or riding their scooters.

Ø Kids should always know to stop at Stop signs and look both ways when crossing the street.

Ø Use sunscreen and sunglasses to protect skin and eyes from the harmful rays of the sun. Wear a hat if you are going to out be in the sun for a while.

Ø Be mindful of foods like cherries, grapes and hot dogs. Cut them in smaller pieces to prevent choking.

Ø Keep your kids safe indoors, too. When they are on the internet, make sure you are aware of the web sites they are visiting and teach them to be as cautious about online strangers as they are with people they don’t know outside.

All of us in Manassas Park want you and your families to have a safe and wonderful summer. Looking out for the well-being of our kids is the best way to do that.

Lawn And Garden Questions And Answers

Give us a top list of potentially poisonous plants for pets.

Cardiotoxic plants: (affect the heart)

Lily of the Valley

OleanderRhododendron, azalea, rosebay

American, Japanese, English, and Western Yew

Foxglove

Kalanchoe

Mountain laurel, lambkill, calico bush

Dog hobble, dog laurel, fetter bush

Fetter bush, male berry, stagger bush)

Fetterbush, lily-of-the-valley bush

Plants that could cause kidney failure:

Certain species of lilies in cats only

Rhubarb (Rheum species)- leaves only

Plants that could cause liver failure:

Cycads (Cycad species)

Amanita phalloides- mushroom

Plants that can cause multiple effects:

Autumn Crocus (Colchicum species)

Can cause bloody vomiting and diarrhea, shock, kidney failure, liver failure, bone marrow suppression.

Castor Bean (Ricinus species)

• Usually a lag period of 48hours before signs appear

• Beans are highly toxic! Two to 4 beans can be lethal to adult humans!

• Severe gastroenteritis, oral pain and irritation increase in thirst, kidney failure, convulsions, death.

Mushrooms

ALWAYS assume that any ingested mushroom is highly toxic until that

mushroom is identified by a mycologist. Toxic and non-toxic mushrooms can grow in same area.

What should pet owners do if they suspect their animal has ingested a poisonous plant? What symptoms should they look for?

If a pet owner suspects that their animal ingested a poisonous plant, they should contact their veterinarian immediately. Its advised to bring in part of the to a nursery for identification if the exact species is not known. Symptoms of
poisonings can include almost any clinical sign. The animal may even appear completely normal for several hours or for days.

What about pesticides and fertilizers that might be in the garage or tool shed?

Make sure your pets do not go on lawns or in gardens treated with

fertilizers, herbicides or insecticides until the time listed on the label

by the manufacturer. If you are uncertain about the usage of any product,

contact the manufacturer for clarification before using it. Always store pesticides, fertilizers, and herbicides in areas that are inaccessible to your pets.

The most serious problems resulting from fertilizer ingestion in pets is usually

due to the presence of metals.   For instance, depending on the amount ingested,
an iron toxicity could occur.   Iron can cause severe gastrointestinal upset and
could result in multi-organ damage.   Also, ingestion of large amounts of fertilizer
could cause severe gastric upset and possibly gastrointestinal obstruction.

The most dangerous forms of pesticides include: snail bait containing

metaldehyde, fly bait containing methomyl, systemic insecticides containing

disyston or disulfaton, zinc phosphide containing mole or gopher bait and most
forms of rat poisons. When using pesticides place the products in areas that are totally inaccessible to your companion animals. Always store pesticides in
secured areas.

Is there a way for pet owners to train or teach their pets not to eat wrong plants?

There may be ways that a pet owner could train their pets to avoid certain areas
of their home or yard where there are poisonous plants. However, the safest
method would be to prevent exposure to the plant through removal of the plants
from your pet's home and yard. For more pet poison prevention tips or to tour our
"virtual poisonous plant garden", visit our website http://www.napcc.aspca.org.

Some plants that contain calcium oxalate crystals in the plant cells. If the plant material is ingested, the crystals can cause oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the oral cavity. Clinical signs seen from ingesting these plants include difficulty in swallowing, vomiting, drooling, and inappetence. The following is a list of some plants that contain calcium oxalate crystals:

bound publication is indexed and includes sections for toxic, potentially toxic, and
non-toxic plants. It summarizes information from many literature and research
resources, as well as the ASPCA APCC database. The Household Plant
Reference is available for only $15, which includes postage and handling. To
obtain a copy please send your name and address along with a check for $15 to:

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, an operating division of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) is a unique, emergency hotline providing 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week telephone assistance to veterinarians and pet owners. The Center's hotline veterinarians can quickly answer questions about toxic substances found in our everyday surroundings that can be dangerous to animals. The Center maintains a wide collection of reference materials and computer databases that help provide toxicological information for various species. Veterinary professionals provide
around-the-clock, on-site coverage of the Center. The licensed staff members share over one hundred and ten years of combined call center experience and over seventy-five years of combined toxicology, clinical, and diagnostic experience. The phone number of the Center is 1-888-4-ANI-HELP (1-888-426-4435) and the website is www.aspca.org/apcc.

The following animal items are a suggested guideline and should be included and stored with your family’s disaster supplies.

Animals should always wear a collar and tag with up-to-date owner and contact information

*These items should be kept with copies your insurance, credit accounts, will and other important papers.

If your pet has medical or behavioral problems, tape that information to the carrier or leash. Species Specific Necessities (i.e., harness, litter box and liners, leash). Place an emergency “Pets Inside” sticker on your front and back doors listing the number and kinds of pets, so others can evacuate them in your absence. Have a friend or neighbor as a backup caregiver for your animals if you unable to immediately get home. This caregiver should have a key to your home and have access to and knowledge of all the information and supplies listed above

As of July 1, 2007, per 3.1-796-87:1 of the Code of Virginia, veterinarians are required to report with 45 days of giving a rabies vaccine a copy of the rabies vaccination or the information contained in such a certificate to the Treasurer of the locality in which they practice.

All dogs and cats four months or older must have a valid City license. Licenses are due by January 31.

Your pet's best ticket home is a tag worn on it's collar! 95% of lost pets found with a tag get back home. Keep a visible license and identification on your pet.

Licenses may be obtained from the Office of the City Treasurer or the Animal Control Officer during normal work hours. If this is inconvenient, drop your original rabies certificate and money in the night deposit box in front of City Hall (One Park Center Court). Your tag and certificate will then be mailed.

You may now purchase a 3 year tag for your dog or cat, providing rabies vaccination is valid through November of the third year.

Wildlife baby season is here which means people may come face-to-face with newborn squirrels, deer, rabbits, birds, raccoons and skunks during spring-cleaning. The Humane Society of the United States receives an increase in calls this time of year from panicked homeowners who have stumbled across wildlife babies in their yards, attics, sheds, garages and yards.

According to Laura Simon, field director of urban wildlife for The HSUS, “Thousands of people contact us throughout the spring because they have found baby animals and assume that they need human help because the mother is nowhere in sight. Most people have very good intentions however all too often human intervention can result in orphaned wildlife.”

• Baby squirrels: If they fall from a tree being cut down, immediately cease the tree-cutting and leave the babies out for the mother to retrieve. If it is cold, put the squirrels on a heating pad on low (using an extension cord) and place a flannel shirt underneath the squirrels so they do not overheat. If the mother does not retrieve them by nightfall, contact a wildlife rehabilitator. Note: assume that any adult squirrels in attics right now are mothers with young.

• Fawns: It is normal for mother deer to leave their fawn alone for long periods of time to avoid attracting predators by the mother’s scent (the young are odorless, therefore safer without mom around). You should only be concerned and call a wildlife rehabilitator if the fawn is wandering and bleating constantly, or if a clearly lactating yet dead mother is found nearby.

• Baby rabbits: Similar to deer, baby bunnies are often left alone so that the mother’s scent does not attract predators. Only if the babies have been attacked by an animal or injured by a lawnmower (or anything else), should you call a rehabilitator.

• Baby raccoons: Raccoon cubs are rarely left unsupervised, therefore, if you find a baby raccoon alone for more than a few hours outside, it is a sign that something happened to their mom and you should contact a wildlife rehabilitator. To help avoid orphaning baby raccoons, do not use a trap. It may be tempting to set one for a garbage-raiding raccoon however you are likely to catch the mom and leave her babies orphaned. “Scrap the trap” and instead, put your garbage out the morning of trash collection instead of the night before and deal with the problem at its source.

• Baby skunks: Sometimes baby skunks get separated from their mothers due to their poor eyesight. If you do find a nose-to-tail line of baby skunks running through your neighborhood, place a laundry basket over them, upside down, to hold them in place and give the mother a chance to find them. If she does not retrieve them by the next morning, then a rehabilitator should be called. Remember to move slowly around skunks. Even baby skunks can “spritz” “baby spray” if they perceive that something is attacking.

• Baby birds: It is a myth that if a baby bird is touched by humans, the parents will reject it. The reality is that birds have strong maternal instincts and the best thing to do if you find a fallen chick is to put it gently back in its nest. If the nest is inaccessible or destroyed, you can secure a nest-sized wicker basket close to the original nest. The parents should take over the new nest without a problem.

• Fledgling birds: You may think you see a bird with a broken wing, but many birds in June cannot fly yet because they are fledglings, i.e. birds who are in transition having left the nest but still needing to learn how to fly from the ground up. You can tell if their parents are still taking care of them by watching to see if adult birds fly over to feed them and by seeing if there are bird droppings on the ground. Birds poop after they are fed, so fecal material indicates that his parents are around and all is well.

Simon also warns people as a general rule: “Don’t cut down or destroy old hollow trees this time of year -- there are most likely babies of various species inside.”

The HSUS Wild Neighbors Program promotes non-lethal means for resolving conflicts between people and wildlife and cultivates understanding and appreciation for wild animals commonly found in cities and towns. On the web at www.wildneighbors.org .

The Humane Society of the United States is the nation’s largest animal protection organization – backed by 10 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education, and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty -- On the web at www.humanesociety.org .

Interested in taking action online to help animals? Then join our online community and sign up for our Humane Action Network. Go to www.hsus.org/join .

In 2005, there were 3 human fatalities due to dog attacks in Virginia. During the 2006 Virginia General Assembly substantial changes were enacted to the statute dealing with dangerous and vicious dogs. The majority of these became effective on 7/1/06. A new State Registry for dangerous dogs became effective 1/1/07.

Definitions – The definition of dangerous dog has been narrowed. A dangerous dog is one that that bites, attacks, or inflicts injury on a person. It also includes dogs that bite or attack a dog or cat ONLY, or kill a dog or cat ONLY. Attacks upon any other type of companion animal have been deleted and are no longer covered by this section. Exceptions are provided, such as when an attack of a dog or cat occurs on the attacking dog owner’s property, or if both animals are owned by the same person.

A vicious dog is a dog that kills a person, inflicts serious injury to a person, including multiple bites, serious disfigurement, serious impairment of health, or serious impairment of a bodily function, OR continues the behavior that resulted in a court finding of dangerous, or an administrative finding, by an animal control officer, of dangerous on or before July 1, 2006.

Existing exceptions to dangerous or vicious remain for dogs that bite a person who was trespassing or committing some other crime, who was tormenting the dog, for nursing mother dogs protecting litters, for dogs responding to pain or injury, and for dogs protecting their owners or owners’ property.

Enforcement – Law enforcement officers have been added as those authorized to secure a summons. Previously, this authority has been limited to animal control officers. It is important to note that the statute requires that “any law enforcement or animal control officer who has reason to believe that a dog within his jurisdiction is a dangerous dog or vicious dog SHALL apply to a magistrate of the jurisdiction for the issuance of a summons.” The dog may be impounded, as permitted by statute, in the interest of public safety.

New penalties – As of January 1, 2007, any owner of a dangerous dog will be required to register the dog with the Virginia Dangerous Dog Registry, and will be required to demonstrate compliance with all portions of the “dangerous dog order” (See page 2.) New criminal penalties for the owner of dangerous and vicious dogs have been enacted:

Existing penalties – The owner of a dog found to be dangerous will continue to be required to comply with the following:

The penalty for vicious dog remains the same. The vicious dog shall be destroyed.

Es ilícito para cualquier persona conservar o mantener cualquier tipo de ganado; cualquier animal del género llama, alpaca, caballo, mula ó cualquier otro equino; oveja, cabra, cerdo, marrano, pollos, pato y cualquier otra clase de aves de corral ó domésticas y animales de similar utilidad ó cualquier otro animal de ganadería dentro de la Ciudad.(Orden No. 00-1700-620, Sección 1, 3-7-00)

(A) Ninguna persona deberá mantener o permitir en su propiedad o en cualquier propiedad en la cual tenga algún tipo de interés o sobre la cual ejerza algún tipo de control, la remanencia de ningún animal que tienda a causar o emitir ruido o conmoción de manera tal que origine molestias a las personas que viven en la ciudad de Manassas Park, en cuanto al uso y placer de su propiedad o que pueda causar cualquier tipo de malestar físico verdadero a cualquier persona común y corriente de sensibilidad normal. Cada día que la persona conserve, mantenga o permita que alguien más conserve o mantenga en su propiedad o cualquier propiedad en la cual tenga algún tipo de interés o sobre la cual ejerza algún tipo de control, cualquier animal o ave de corral, constituirá una ofensa separada.

(B) Cualquier persona que sea declarada culpable de violación de esta sección del código de la ciudad, será castigada con una multa no menor de veinticinco dólares ($25.00) y no mayor de mil dólares ($1,000.00) o podría tener que retirar el animal de la propiedad o ambos.

Cuidado adecuado: “Cuidado” es la practica responsable de la buena crianza animal, manejo, producción, gestión, confinamiento, abrevadero, alimentación, protección, abrigo, transporte, tratamiento y cuando es necesario eutanasia, apropiados por la edad, las especies, condición, el tamaño y tipo de animal y la disposición del cuidado veterinario cuando se necesite prevenir el sufrimiento o impedimento de salud.

Libre: correr libre o corriendo libremente o ir libre o yendo libremente significará, vagar, callejear, caminar, correr o ir sin la premisa del dueño o guardián, sin ser enjaulado, llevado físicamente o atado por una correa, cuerda o cadena por alguien que sea capaz de controlar al animal físicamente y mentalmente.

Animal ruidoso: Cualquier animal que sea ruidoso, ladre frecuentemente, aúlle o llore o haga otra clase de ruidos, causando molestias o perturbando la paz y quietud de alguna persona o personas en el vecindario, como evidencia por una queja debidamente registrada.

Propietario o dueño: Cualquier persona, quien tenga derecho de propiedad sobre un animal, mantenga o proteja un animal, tenga un animal a su cuidado o actúe como guardián del animal.

La liga de rescate de la fauna, es una organización sin fines de lucro que provee cuidado por enfermedad, daño y orfandad a los animales de vida silvestre para devolverlos luego a su hábitat natural. Nuestros rehabilitadores licenciados, ubicados a través de Virginia y Maryland suburbano, trabajan con refugios de animales, las sociedades humanas, grupos de la vida silvestre, centros de la naturaleza y hospitales veterinarios para proveer cuidado a las criaturas en necesidad.

WRL (Liga de rescate de la fauna) opera una línea de acceso directo wildlife hotline en el norte de Virginia y áreas circundantes para ayudar al público en la obtención de información y ayuda en ubicar a un rehabilitador de la vida silvestre. La liga de rescate a la fauna, también esta comprometido a educar al público sobre la historia natural de la fauna nativa, conviviendo con ella y previniendo la necesidad de rehabilitar la fauna. Podemos proporcionar folletos, material y programas educativos para satisfacer sus necesidades.

Si usted esta en el norte de Virginia o en el área metropolitano de DC y encuentra un animal que podría necesitar ayuda, por favor sírvase llamar a la línea de acceso directo al (703) 440-0800 para dar notificación. También puede leer nuestro folleto en línea: Does This Animal Need Help.

Si usted esta fuera de nuestra área de servicio, por favor revise la página de recursos Resources page por algunas sugerencias de como encontrar ayuda.

La liga de rescate de la fauna da la bienvenida a todos aquellos quienes apoyan la preservación de la fauna como voluntarios y/o miembros. Para mayor información acerca de la liga de rescate de la fauna, oportunidades para voluntarios o para hacer arreglos para un programa, usted puede comunicarse con nosotros:

Por favor tome nota: nosotros no proporcionamos instrucción de rehabilitación, en nuestra pagina web o solicitada por correo electrónico

(Sec. 5-1) Keeping of livestock.
It shall be unlawful for any person to keep or maintain any livestock; any animals of the genus Llama, alpaca, horse, mule, any other equines; cow, sheep, goat, pig, swine, chickens, duck, and other poultry and fowl; and similar utilitarian animals or any other livestock animal within the city.(Order No. 00-1700-620, Sec. 1,3-7-00)

(A) No person shall, on his own property or on any property in which he has any interest or over which he exercised any control, keep, maintain or allow to remain any animal which sets up, causes, emits or gives vent to noise or commotion of such a character or kind as to disturb any citizen of the city in the reasonable use and enjoyment of his property or to cause any person of ordinary sensibilities any actual physical discomfort. Each day that any person maintains or keeps or permits anyone else to maintain or keep on his premises or on any property in which he has any interest, or over which he has any control any such animal or fowl, shall constitute a separate offense.

(B) Any person convicted of violating this section shall be punished by a fine of not less than twenty-five dollars ($25.00) and no more than one thousand dollars ($1000.00), or may have the animal removed from the premises or both.

Adequate care: “Care” the responsible practice of good animal husbandry, handling, production, management, confinement, feeding, watering, protection, shelter, transportation, treatment, and when necessary, euthanasia, appropriate for the age, species, condition, size and type of the animal and the provision of veterinary care when needed to prevent suffering or impairment of health.

At large: To run at large or running at large or to go at large or going at large shall mean to roam, loiter, walk, run or be off the premises of the owner or custodian without being caged, physically carried or held by a leash, cord or chain by a person thoroughly capable, both physically and mentally, of controlling the animal.

Noisy animal: Any animal that has, by loud, frequent barking, howling or crying, or other noises, caused annoyance or disturbed the peace and quiet of any person or persons in the neighborhood, as witnessed by a duly registered complaint.

Owner: Any person, who has a right of property in an animal, keeps or harbors an animal, has an animal in his care, or acts as custodian of an animal.

The Wildlife Rescue League is a non-profit organization providing care for sick, injured and orphaned wildlife in order to return them to the wild. Our licensed rehabilitators, located throughout Virginia and suburban Maryland, work with animal shelters, humane societies, wildlife groups, nature centers and veterinary hospitals to provide care to creatures in need.

WRL operates a wildlife hotline in the Northern Virginia and surrounding areas to assist the public in obtaining information and assistance in locating a wildlife rehabilitator. WRL is also committed to educating the public about the natural history of native wildlife, coexisting with it and preventing the need for wildlife rehabilitation. We can provide brochures, educational material and educational programs to suit your needs.

If you are in Northern Virginia, or the DC Metro area and you find an animal that may need assistance, please call the Wildlife Hotline at (703) 440-0800 for advice. You can also read our online brochure: Does This Animal Need Help.

If you are outside our service area, please check the Resources page for some suggestions on how to find assistance.

The Wildlife Rescue League welcomes all who support the preservation of wildlife as volunteers and/or members. For more information about the Wildlife Rescue League, volunteer opportunities or to arrange for a program, here is how you can contact us: