Sowers is new dog law officer

On Jan. 8, George "Ted" Sowers was appointed dog law enforcement officer in Emporium Borough.

Sowers, who is also the president of the Cameron County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (CCSPCA) is able to do more with the position than most people because of his involvement with the organziation.

"He's perfect for the job," said Emporium Borough Chief of Police Rufus Jones. "He genuinely cares about the animals, and you have to. You can only be good at something that you care about."

Jones said that because of Sowers' involvement with the CCSPCA, he doesn't need a lot of training to interpret the borough codes. Brett Grimm, the dog warden for Cameron and Clinton counties, is assisiting Chief Jones in the on-the-job training that Sowers needs.

"I'm continually educating myself on dog law," Sowers told Endeavor News. "I'm on the internet learning more and more every day."

Some of the responsibilities of a dog law enforcement officer in Emporium include searching for lost and stray dogs, responding to barking complaints and enforcing the law.

"The main thing is getting them back to their owners," Sowers noted. He said that people can make his job a little easier by getting their dog registered and making the tag visible.

Sowers position on the local SPCA enables him to provide additional help for stray dogs. For example, whereas a dog law officer can only house and try to find the owner of a lost or stray dog, Sowers can actually provide it with medical treatment, try to place it in foster care until an owner can be established or even assume custody of the dog himself until a home is found.

Sowers says that there is one common tie between the two organizations, a love of animals.

"We're all in it for the animals," said Sowers on behalf of the CCSPCA. "We're their voice."

CCSPCA is a non-profit rganization dedicated to oproviding safe, healthy homes for domestic animals.

"We do fundraisers all year long," said Sowers. "We use that money for things like veterinarian care, food, supplies and leashes. It does take up a lot of time, so you have to do it because you have a love for animals."

Sowers expressed his appreciation for the support the community has given the local SPCA project.

Finally, Sowers noted that the group provides unique services, pitching in to help when a pet needs medical care, but the family can't afford to pay for it.

Those interested in becoming foster parents or in learning more about the CCSPCA can visit their website at petfinder. com/shelters/PA361.html.