An animal control officer ensures the health and safety of animals in the community.
A humane officer, animal services officer or humane investigator are all titles that can apply to an animal control officer. Just as the titles may vary, so do the job duties, depending on the employing agency. All of the duties revolving around the title of animal control officer contain the same basic responsibilities--to ensure the safety and health of the animals and humans in the community.
Animal Protection Services
The job description of an animal control officer can include providing care for injured, stray, abused, unwanted or ill animals. An officer can remove animals and place them in protective custody until they are released by court, find an adoptive home or are humanely euthanized.
Humane Law Enforcement
Abusing animals is against the law. Being an animal control officer includes the ability to remove abused or neglected animals from their homes and to prosecute the owner. The animals are normally placed in protective care until the abuse or neglect charges are settled. The animal will then either be reunited with its family or be adopted to another home.
Public Education
A major part of animal control personnel is to educate the public on proper pet care practices, the laws of the state and municipality and the importance of responsible pet ownership. An animal control officer might visit public schools or other organizations to educate the community.
Other Duties
An animal control officer also can be called upon to investigate cruelty cases, dog bite claims, wild animal encounters and can issue citations for people that do not adhere to the laws concerning animals. Sometimes, she may face dangerous situations by needing to handle aggressive pets or wildlife, or irrational and irate owners.
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