The State College Borough Council discussed dog-related health and safety violations last night in response to public concern.

The borough has issued 113 verbal warnings and 15 citations to dog owners since August, said Mark Henry, borough health officer.

"The biggest items of concern are dogs being on a leash. Dogs off a leash are considered at large and can be picked up and a citation may be issued to the owner," Henry said.

Unleashed dogs can cause safety problems for pedestrians and bicyclists throughout the borough, said Council Member Catherine Dauler.

"I received a call about dogs on bike paths and walkways — big dogs that can be a danger to small children," Dauler said.

Restraining these animals is for their own safety as well, Henry said.

"We do have rabies in the raccoon population. This summer a dog killed a raccoon that tested positive for the virus," Henry said.

Vaccinating dogs every three years against the virus is another cause of concern of residents, he added.

Council discussed the importance of enforcing leash and rabies ordinances, as well as other ordinances that require owners to clean up after their dogs, suppress barking and license their animal annually.

Through reporting offenses, citizens themselves can aid in the enforcement of these ordinances.

"We've had 60 dog-related complaints just since last month," Henry said.

These ordinances should be followed for safety, but they are also intended for courtesy to others in the community, he added.

"Be good neighbors. Do what you have to do to keep your dog in line," Henry said.

Council Member Elizabeth Goreham raised the point that dog-related violations occur more often then those of other animals.

The ordinances regarding dog safety do not concern other types of pets, she added.

"Cats can roam free in the borough just like God intended," said Mayor Bill Welch.