Centralia Police Chief Makes Appeal to Pet Owners

The Chronicle, Centralia, Wash.
·2 min read

Oct. 15—Centralia Police Chief Stacy Denham made an appeal to Hub City pet owners Thursday, issuing a statement asking residents to take measures to ensure their animals don't escape.

"The Centralia Police Department is currently dealing with a large number of lost and stray animals," Denham wrote. "Due to our limited temporary kennel holding capacity, we are asking for help from pet owners. It is the goal of the Centralia Police Department to assist our community and reunite pets with their owners when they become lost. Nobody plans to lose their pets, but it does happen."

Denham asked pet owners to consider taking steps to prevent the "devastating experience of losing their animal."

Among his suggestions:

—Secure your pet in a fenced yard or on a leash.

—Use leashes on outings and walks.

—Never leave your pet unsupervised outside of your home. Many lost pets are bored and have found a way to escape from a yard or car. Unsupervised pets can also be stolen or maliciously released by ill intended individuals.

—Have your dogs and cats microchipped — this can be done by pet owners or your local veterinarian.

—Having your pet spayed or neutered can make your pet less likely to run off in search of a mate.

—Use pet collars with identification tags and your contact phone number.

Denham is also encouraging pet owners to license their animals with the city.

Centralia Municipal Code makes it unlawful for any person except licensed dealers to keep any dog two months of age or older in the city without procuring a license. The licensing of cats is not required but is still recommended.

Information on licensing a pet in Centralia can be obtained at the Centralia Police Department, 118 W. Maple St., Centralia, or by going to: https://www.cityofcentralia.com/FormCenter/Police-7/Dog-License-Application-48.

If you are trying to locate your lost pet, visit the Lewis County Animal Shelter website or the Centralia Police Department Facebook page:

Denham asked residents who can no longer care for their animals not to release them in the community. He suggested contacting a local rescue to start the process of rehoming pets. For rehoming services, residents can visit https://rehome.adoptapet.com.

"Pet owners should be aware of the pet overpopulation problems faced by most all areas of the country," Denham wrote. "It should be noted that there is financial assistance available for those who qualify."

Pet Connection can be reached at 360-748-6236, SPAY/USA can be reached at 800-248-7729, Northwest Spay & Neuter Center can be reached at 253-627-7729, extension 217, and Cat's Meow can be reached at 360-623-0820.