Recently, the MPOA office has received several calls from frustrated residents regarding neighborhood pets roaming the community, doing their business in residents' yards and being a nuisance.  Unfortunately, it is virtually impossible for the MPOA to verify a complaint against a resident who allows their pet to roam and defecate and/or urinate on other people's property.  We encourage those with complaints to speak directly with the pet owner and make them aware of the problem.  Prince William County authorities have more avenues available to enforce laws that exist regarding animal control.  Citations can be issued and animals can be taken from the owner if laws are broken.  Below are some county codes from an Animal Control brochure.

It is AGAINST the law to:

Allow within the county prolonged or intense barking or other harsh or excessive noises to be made by animals and pets under one's ownership at any time (Section 14-3)

Allow your animal to trespass on someone's property after being requested by the owner of the property not to trespass (Section 4-4)

Allow your animal to knowingly or willfully urinate or defecate on private property of other persons or publicly owned property except parts of parks posted as dog run areas (Section 4-11 & 4-26)

Allow your animal to run at large within the county unless engaged in supervised, formal obedience training classes, or show, during formally sanctioned field trails or engaged in lawful hunting during open hunting season (section 2-23)

Have knowledge of an animal which has bitten someone and not immediately notify the Animal Warden (Section 64)

The number for Prince William County Animal Control Bureau is (703)792-6465.

As a pet owner, you know the companionship, loyalty, love and fun that a pet can add to your life; however, you must also realize your responsibility toward your neighbors.

Put yourself in your neighbor's place to see how your pet's habits affect them.  During inspections this year, the Covenants Inspectors are finding that many pet owners are not picking up after their pets in their own yards.  Keep in mind that the smell does travel-especially during warm summer months.  Please clean up after you pets even if it is your own yard.

Montclair Residents and Homeowners: Brandi Langeneck would like to thank you for your continued support over the past two years here at MPOA. Brandi has resigned from her position as the Montclair Covenants Director to further her career in Property Management.  She was happy to be a part of ensuring the harmony and beatification of the Montclair Community and enjoyed working with the members within Montclair. Brandi's last day will be May 31, 2007 and her position will be taken over by the former Assistant Covenants Director, Mrs. Denise Sancarranco.  As we say farewell to Brandi, please welcome Denise as your new Covenants Director.