Since it is illegal for residents or Clarion PAWS members to take in strays, the Pennsylvania Dog Bureau advises county residents to call the local dog enforcement officer if they find a dog without identification.

In Clarion County residents should contact Dick Murray, dog enforcement officer, at 814-328-5047 between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Strays found and reported in Clarion County will then be transported to Erie to the Association for Needy and Neglected Animals Shelter Inc. in Erie .

With animals being taken so far from home, it is more important than ever for pet owners to make sure their dogs have the proper licensing and even better, microchips.

Sue West, director, Pennsylvania Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement, highly recommends owners have their pets micro-chipped.

“If he doesn’t have a collar, they will at least get their dog back,” said West adding most places will scan for identification. “If it doesn’t, it’s a whole lot harder to get the dog home.”

West said some veterinarians can scan for a microchip, locating the owners before they are transported to Erie .

Once an animal is taken to the Erie site, owners have approximately 48 hours before the animal is put up for adoption or other options, making a dog license imperative to the safe return of a pet.

Many have questioned if the Venango County Humane Society is taking strays from Clarion County . Although they will take animals from owners by appointment, they are not taking strays.

The ANNA shelter is located at 1555 E. 10^th Street , Erie , and can be contacted at 814-451-0230. Visit their website for a list of lost and found dogs at www.theannashelter.com.

For more information about Pennsylvania dog laws, call the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement at 717-705-8896 or visit www.agriculture.state.pa.us, click on bureaus then Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement.

Residents who are trying to find their pet can also check for them on www.petfinder.com.

In Western Pennsylvania residents can contact Brad Shields, the Western Pennsylvania Bureau of Supervisors for dog law, at 814-328-5047.

Clarion PAWS was formed in August in response to the announcement by the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals that it will close the Clarion County Humane Society facility Jan. 31.

Clarion PAWS founder Jan Ochs said all funds raised will be used to secure a shelter facility in the area and to provide adoption, foster care, and spay/neuter services for healthy and adoptable cats and dogs, as well as pet-retention programs for owners and educational programs designed to teach children about responsible pet ownership.

For more information or to become a Clarion PAWS volunteer, send an email to volunteer@clarionpaws.org or call 814-229-1231.