Spring Valley Faces Fines Over Lack Of Animal Control Officer
SPRING VALLEY, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Spring Valley faces steep fines for apparently violating a state law requiring municipalities issuing dog licenses to have an animal control officer.
The Rockland County village hasn't had an animal control officer since January 1.
The president of the Hi-Tor Animal Control Center told the Journal News its contract with Spring Valley expired and wasn't renewed the first of the year.
She claims the town is a main source of abandoned cats and dogs brought to the county shelter every year.
Mayor Noramie Jasmin tells 1010 WINS if residents need animal control services they can be assisted by the nearby towns of Ramapo and Clarkstown in Rockland County.
Jasmin said Spring Valley can't afford to have a full-time animal control officer and would need state assistance to pay for one.
"If there's anything that the state would like the village to do they have to support us to carry that load because we cannot afford that much," Jasmin said.
The mayor said she also wants to avoid using taxpayers' money to fund that position.
According to the New York State Department of Agriculture and Market, Spring Valley will be fined up to $1,200 a month until a plan is in place.
