Putnam County SPCA Dog Control Division

08/26/2026

Since our last Dog Control update at the end of June, the division has received approximately 60 calls for service throughout the communities we serve - The Town of Putnam Valley, The Town of Southeast, and The Village of Brewster.

During that time:

• 7 verbal warnings were issued
• 4 lost dogs were successfully reunited with their owners
• 4 additional dogs were transported to safety
• Numerous nuisance complaints were investigated, including barking dogs, dogs running at large/off leash, aggressive dogs, and potentially dangerous dogs
• Multiple reports were received involving lost dogs and owners attempting to locate their pets
• Calls were also received involving cats, wildlife, sick or injured animals, and loose farm animals — including a lost goat!

Unfortunately, our Dog Control Division has also responded to incidents involving dogs that were struck by vehicles and either injured or deceased. These incidents can require locating and notifying an owner, scanning an animal for a microchip, assisting other responding agencies, and ensuring the animal is handled appropriately.

Calls for Dog Control assistance come from many different sources. While many are received directly from residents, our division also receives calls and referrals from Putnam 911, municipal governments, and other public safety agencies.

Animal related incidents don't only happen during normal business hours

Our Dog Control Division is also a resource for our public-safety partners. The New York State Police, Putnam County Sheriff's Office, local police departments, Putnam 911, and other agencies may contact our Dog Control Division for assistance or guidance when they encounter dog-control-related situations.

Another important advantage is the ability of our Dog Control Division and SPCA Law Enforcement Division to work directly with one another.

Many animal related calls overlap. A Dog Control Officer may respond to a routine complaint and identify circumstances requiring an animal cruelty investigation. Likewise, an SPCA Law Enforcement Officer may respond to a complaint that is ultimately determined to be a Dog Control matter and can refer it directly to the appropriate officer.

Whether it's a lost dog in the middle of the night, an animal in the roadway, an aggressive-dog complaint, an injured animal, or assisting another public-safety agency, our Dog Control Division is an important 24 hour resource for the municipalities and residents we serve.

06/26/2026

While many people know the Putnam County SPCA (NY) for its Law Enforcement Division, our Dog Control Division is also hard at work responding to calls throughout Putnam County and assisting in investigations as needed.

As of June 26, 2026, our Dog Control Division has received over 350 calls for service, including loose dogs, dangerous dog complaints, dog on dog attacks, dog bites, licensing enforcement, and rabies compliance. The Putnam County SPCA Dog Control Division is on call 24/7, 365 days a year.

Recent activity includes:

• Responding to numerous reports of dogs at large in the Village of Brewster, Town of Putnam Valley, Town of Southeast, and along major travel corridors including I-84, I-684, and the Taconic State Parkway in those specific jurisdictions.

• Investigated multiple dog on dog attacks and dog-on-human attacks.

• Enforced multiple incidents of lack of New York State dog licensing and rabies vaccination requirements in accordance with New York State Agriculture & Markets Law.

• Receiving numerous calls involving wildlife. Most wildlife-related concerns fall under the jurisdiction of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). Residents are encouraged to contact 1-844-DEC-ECOS (1-844-332-3267) for injured, orphaned, or nuisance wildlife.

• Reunited multiple families with their lost dog.

• Responded to and retrieved multiple lost dogs and transported them to shelter at the Putnam Humane Society.

• Responded to nuisance complaints of excessive barking and issued verbal warnings, written warnings, and when necessary summonses.

• We would also like to thank Putnam 911 Dispatch and the New York State Police for providing critical information regarding a dog involved in a major commercial vehicle accident along I-84/I-684. Through this coordinated effort, the truck driver was safely reunited with his dog later that week.

Responsible dog ownership protects everyone. If your dog has aggressive or dangerous tendencies, please take responsibility by ensuring your dog is properly confined on your property and always leashed—and, when appropriate, muzzled—while off your property. These steps help prevent injuries and keep both people and animals safe.

This is just a small snapshot of the work being performed by the Putnam County SPCA Dog Control Division. We remain committed to protecting public safety, promoting responsible pet ownership, and serving the residents and animals of Putnam County.

📞 Dog Control: (845) 531-7915

06/02/2026

UPDATE:
Due to public concern.

Regarding yesterday’s motor vehicle accident on I-84/I-684, the dog seen at the scene of the crash has been safely located.

A Good Samaritan noticed a dog roaming on their property and reported it. A big thank you to them, the Putnam 911 dispatcher who provided information regarding reports of a dog involved in the crash, and the New York State Police who assisted in identifying the owner. This was truly a team effort.

We are happy to report that the dog is safe, and well.

04/23/2026

03/30/2026

Please contact the Putnam County SPCA Dog Control Division with any sightings of Oreo. He was last seen on March 28th on Peekskill Hollow Road, Putnam Valley.
845-531-7915