The things many residents love about living in Lake Orion, the natural settings, trees, lakes and creeks, could be a cause for concern for some others.
This environment allows a variety of animals to reside in Lake Orion, too, and officials in the village want to make sure only the right critters are around.
‘We’ve never had a rat problem that’s come to the attention of the police department,? Police Chief Jerry Narsh said, adding it doesn’t mean residents shouldn’t take proper precautions.
‘Normally, when there’s one, there’s many,? he noted.
Narsh reported to the village council last week, after resident Vicki Wood expressed concerns over vermin in the area of N. Broadway to council in early March.
Wood also addressed council back in the fall of 2006, during a time when some village residents? pets became sick.
At that time, police advised residents against putting any sort of feed (excluding raised birdfeeders) outdoors.
Narsh noted that some animals, like squirrels and raccoons, will often eat dog or cat food if it is left outside.
Naturally, some of these wild animals are also attracted to garbage.
‘If you can use a hard can, that’s usually the best way to go,? Narsh said. ‘Our existing ordinance allows for bags to be set out, but we would encourage residents to use garbage cans.?
Narsh wasn’t the only one at the meeting to offer garbage-disposal advice.
‘On my street, about 90-percent of the garbage isn’t put out in containers,? said Councilman John Ranville. ‘I think that’s a big part of the problem, especially in the summertime.?
Council noted that it’s also important for businesses in the area, particularly apartments and restaurants, to secure their Dumpsters.
Narsh said residents that have an issue with some of these wild animals should call police, rather than trying to solve things themselves.
‘We don’t want people setting out poisons,? he said, noting that most of the time it’s unsuspecting pets that get into them.
Narsh added that the village has been actively enforcing their loose dog ordinance, and said owners must pay close attention to their pets.
‘Everyone needs to understand that the village has a two-pet per household ordinance,? Narsh said. ‘If you have more than that, you need a kennel license.?
The ordinance applies specifically to dogs and cats.