Are our dogs safe in Rye?

I took Bugsy to the vet yesterday to be checked for a skin rash (he now has a shaved head and is on some antibiotics, he should be fine in a week). The vet did some annual blood work and as we were speaking, I was amazed to find out that heart worm was spread to dogs by infected mosquitoes (much like West Nile Virus and EEE). This concerned me, as Bugsy lives in Rye, spends a lot of time on Milton Point, and swims on Hen Island.

As many of you may know, I have been very vocal (to say the least) in Rye for the last seven years regarding the horrific conditions the past two Rye City administrations have irresponsibly allowed to continue on Hen Island.
Hen Island is home to Westchester County's worst mosquito infestation on record. In fact, last year Hen Island tested positive for West Nile Virus in July. New York State mosquito control regulations require follow up testing when positive test results have been found. That never happened on Hen Island, for fear of loss of attendance at the nearby clubs and Rye Nature
Center.

I have always realized the threat West Nile had on children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems, but until today, I had no idea that the Hen Island mosquito infestation could also threaten the lives of our dogs. I realize how important our dogs are to us, so if you would like to learn more, please click the below link from the AHS:
http://www.heartwormsociety.org/pet-owner-resources/canine-heartworm.html

Obviously, mosquitoes know no boundaries, and it is common knowledge that they fly more than 5 miles from their breeding site. The positive tests
results on Hen Island were found among the roughly 75 unpermitted and illegal water storage tanks which hold 33,000 gallons of stagnant standing water (the perfect breeding environment) that the City of Rye allows to
continue. This presents an incredible risk/exposure factor for not only those on Hen Island, but also for our pets, residents and children that attend the summer day camps on Milton Point, the Rye Nature center, Rye Golf
Club, or really anywhere in Rye, Mamaroneck, and all the other local Sound
Shore Communities.

If you are concerned about the health of your family members and/or your pets please take the time to watch this short video about how 34 selfish homeowners on Rye's Hen Island increase the health threat to our families and pets every day during the summer and fall months.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VT2FHXxz8xg&list=UUSKIv_k38Xqk1FmYNjQDnzA

On August 4th Mayor Sack has created an Agenda Item for Hen Island. All are invited to address the Rye City Council concerning the health and
environmental threats on Hen Island and voice their opinions. Please come. I
know many of you will be at the meeting already to speak about the off leash
law for our dogs in Rye Town Park, so please consider saying a few words to the City Council about the important role our pets play in our families and how their health and safety is also paramount in our day to day living.