BY JEFF CHUDZINSKINorth Country This Week

MASSENA -- The Massena Humane Society is now managing the dog control position for the town of Massena following public outcry after two dogs died in the village earlier this month.

Residents began to raise concerns last week after reports circulated the two dogs died in the heat after being tied to poles with no food, water or shelter for several days. 

Though photos circulated across social media platforms, North Country This Week was unable to verify the validity of the photos. 

Numerous Facebook posts claimed residents had attempted to contact the town's former dog control officer Maurice LaRock to no avail, with one poster saying he "refused to go check on them because it was after 5 p.m." 

Others said they had called the Massena Police Department who referred them to LaRock.

Others attempted to contact Janet Collier of the Department of Agriculture, never receiving a response, according to posts.

Town officials confirmed the change was approved following an executive session after the regular board meeting on Aug. 19. 

Humane Society officials issued an official announcement the following morning. 

"Effective immediately the Massena Humane Society will be managing the Dog Control position for the Town of Massena. Jenna Johnson has been appointed DCO for the Massena area," they wrote. 

To contact Johnson, the public are encouraged to call 680-239-0519, saying the number "will be available at all times on our answering machine. 

Humane Society officials also provided a refresher on when to contact Dog Control and when to contact Law Enforcement. 

They encouraged the public to read the regulations for both to ensure calls are directed to the appropriate party. 

Under Article 7 of New York State Agriculture and Markets Law, dog control officers would be responsible for the following: 

• Any dog which is not identified and not on the owner's premises, 117.1a
• Any dog which is not licensed, whether on or off the owner's property, 117.1b
• Any licensed dog not in control of owner or if there is probable cause to believe the dog is dangerous, 117.1c
• Any dog which poses an immediate threat to public safety, 117.1d

Under state law, a dog control officer has no authority to seize, capture or transport any animals other than dogs. The dog control officer also has no authority to investigate, seize or prosecute for animal cruelty or neglect complaints. 

For law enforcement, under Article 26 of New York State Agriculture and Markets Law, all animal cruelty and neglect complaints should be directed to law enforcement. 

In the village of Massena, residents should contact Massena Village Police, officials said. 

In the town of Massena, residents are encouraged to contact the State Police. 

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