How We Enforce

Animal Control Officers enforce laws regarding the care and safety of animals. When officers respond to a complaint, they conduct a thorough investigation, prepare reports, and if needed will refer cases to the District Attorney's Office. However, our goal is to achieve voluntary compliance with animal owners by working together to resolve issues before enforcement actions are needed.

Below outlines common actions the department may take on an animal owner. Please note this is not an exhaustive list of actions and the department may use other tools not listed.

VERBAL/WRITTEN EDUCATIONS

Officers work with the animal owner to address complaints received from members of the public. We strive to resolve concerns regarding the care and keeping of animals through the education of State Humane Laws and local ordinances.

COMPLIANCE

Officers investigate the complaint. If no information is verified, an animal is not located, or a complaint is deemed unfounded, the complaint is closed. If a complaint has merit, we work with the owner to take corrective action. The owner is given specific requirements and timelines to achieve our goal of voluntary compliance.

NOTICE OF COMPLAINT

A notice officially communicates required corrective action discussed, or establishes communication with an owner an officer has not been able to reach otherwise. When mandating corrective action, timelines for compliance are established through a Notice of Complaint.

VIOLATIONS OF STATE HUMANE LAWS

Impoundment Notice: It is a legal notice advising of intent to seize or immediate seizure of animals under PC 597.1 for permitting animals to go without care. This notice outlines the owner's right to due process. Failure to comply would warrant seizure of the animals.

VIOLATIONS OF COUNTY CODE

Issuing Citations / Private Persons Arrest: Citations may be Issued if adequate progress is not made. For violations regarding the containment of dogs, a citation may be issued when a violation has been observed and properly documented. The arresting party may be an animal control officer or a private party witnessing the violation.

ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION: DANGEROUS DOG DECLARATION

A Dangerous Dog Declaration is pursued if a dog has bitten and broken skin on a human two times within a 48-month period, or one time causing sustainable injury.

ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION: PUBLIC NUISANCE DECLARATION

A Public Nuisance Declaration is pursued when there is documented history of a dog running at large, or a dog running at large and causing property damage, or when an animal owner has chronic sustained complaints under County Code.

CONCLUSION

The Department of Animal Services' top priority is to protect the health, safety and welfare of people and animals. To accomplish this, the department's strategy is to respond to the needs of the community and animals, promote the humane and responsible care of companion animals, and reduce the euthanasia of sheltered animals.