Local Government’s Responsibility for Animal Control

It is mandated by state law that local municipalities provide certain animal control functions. The responsibility for animal sheltering and control is approached in many different ways. Sheltering functions and animal control field services functions may fall under a single agency, or they may be handled by separate agencies. The functions of animal control field services often reside within a police department or a sheriff’s office, but sometimes they are contracted to a non-governmental organization. The responsibility of sheltering is usually contracted with local nonprofit animal welfare organizations. State law has the final say in animal control mandating hold times, vaccination requirements, and  standards of sheltering care.

What Citizens Want from Animal Control

Citizens want the government to ensure safe and humane communities for people and pets. Local governments often face tough decisions around regulations to ensure the safety of citizens, such as:

• Sterilize and vaccinate healthy stray animals, and return them to where they were captured (trap-neuter-vaccinate-return or TNVR)

• Impoundment by shelter staff, followed by lethal injection for any animal not adopted

• Do nothing: Leave stray animals alone to fend for themselves

Reckless Owner and Habitual Offender Ordinances

Local governments may restrict or ban high-risk pet owners from having pets. Illinois became the first state to restrict convicted felons from owning unsterilized dogs. Ohio has enacted similar provisions around convicted felons, and some counties in other states have followed suit.

Some municipalities have created ordinances regulating “problem pet owners.” A person who commits three or more animal control violations in a 24-month period could be declared a problem pet owner and not be allowed to own any animals for a period of time. 

Mandatory Spay/Neuter

Some local governments require mandatory sterilization for owned pets. However no major animal welfare organization (including the ASPCA, the American Veterinary Medical Association, and the Humane Society) promotes or endorses local laws that mandate the sterilization of all cats and dogs. These organizations support community outreach to give citizens the information they need about spay/neuter and facilitate access to these services.

Pet Limit Laws

Many pet limit laws are designed with the intention of preventing animal hoarding. However, these laws have proven to be overly broad and ineffective. For example, one neglected dog chained up in a backyard could create disruption, while four dogs responsibly cared for by their owner may never generate any issues. Many local governments have discarded pet limit laws in favor of solid animal cruelty and neglect ordinances. 

Comcate’s Animal Control Software Designed for Local Government

Comcate software streamlines animal services administration. Cases move from documentation to investigations and inspection, and finally reporting in a streamlined manner. Whether you’re reuniting animals and owners, educating the public, or helping animals in need, Comcate's field-ready software lets you do more with the resources you have.

Animal Services staff need cloud-based software that works well in the field so they can connect animals with locations and owners faster. Comcate software supports officers into the field with software optimized for mobile devices including features like mobile inspections, photo uploads, case notes, and notices of violation.

Schedule a Meeting with Comcate Today!

Learn how Comcate can help make government delivery simple, and offer a modern digital experience to help you increase transparency, efficiency, and performance across your departments. If you have any questions about implementing our software, please schedule a meeting with our team, or  call us directly at (415) 632-1248.