As a general rule, records generated by local government animal services programs are public records and state law guarantees the public a right of access to some of those records.
Are animal shelters public records?
Remember, only public shelters fall under public records laws. It’s usually clear if a shelter is run solely by the government. The name likely includes the name of the community followed by “animal shelter” or “animal control.”
What legal issues can be resolved by Animal Control Records?
Some of the most important legal issues that can be resolved or at least illuminated by animal control records are: Ownership of the attacking dog. A dog bite victim cannot recover any compensation if he cannot establish the ownership of the dog.
Are animal shelters public or private?
Public vs. Private Shelters It can be difficult to determine whether a shelter is public or private. Remember, only public shelters fall under public records laws. It’s usually clear if a shelter is run solely by the government. The name likely includes the name of the community followed by “animal shelter” or “animal control.”
Where can I find animal intake and disposition Records in Virginia?
State law requires that all animal pounds, shelters, and rescue groups keep records about the intake and disposition of animals in their care. The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services publishes this information online each year.
What is animal control record?
What happens when animal control refuses to give records to victims?
What are the legal issues that can be resolved or at least illuminated by animal control records?
Why is animal control important?
Do animal control officers have to subpena?
How do you check a dog's bite history?
The best method to get bite reports is for the victim or his family to request them. The request usually is informal. If that does not produce satisfactory results, however, one can make a request for the same under the state's freedom of information act, or public records act.
What do you do if someone won't give your pet back?
The pet owner's recourse follows two main courses of action: you can attempt to negotiate for the return of the pet. Or you can also file a court action to determine the legal ownership of the pet and mandate return of the pet to the rightful owner.
What does local animal control do?
THE ANIMAL CONTROL AGENCY IN YOUR COMMUNITY WILL: Operate shelter and adoption programs, to protect and find homes for unwanted animals. License animals to help identify and aid in the return of lost pets. Enforce ordinances, such as leash laws, laws governing vaccinations and humane treatment. Cruelty Investigations.
Who regulates animal rescues in Florida?
The Division of Animal Industry is responsible for enforcing animal health regulations in Florida and protecting the state from animal pests and diseases.
Does a dogs microchip prove ownership?
This means this person has legal responsibility for their dog and can be held responsible if the dog falls foul of any law, including straying or causing injury, but it does not prove legal ownership.
What is proof of ownership of a dog?
Proof of ownership of a dog will vary from family to family but can include such matters as evidence of a purchase, registration with the Kennel Club, evidence that the dog in question is micro-chipped with the micro-chip registered to the family, veterinary records, insurance etc.
How do you deal with a neighbors cat?
Here are five tips to help neighborhood cats and people co-exist peacefully.Provide Proper Vetting. ... Keep Feeding Stations Tidy. ... Prevent Trespassing. ... Provide Acceptable Litterboxes. ... Make Cat Shelters a Priority. ... More Lifesaving Resources.
What is a control animal?
Listen to pronunciation. (kun-TROLE A-nih-mul) An animal in a study that does not receive the treatment being tested. Comparing the health of control animals with the health of treated animals allows researchers to evaluate the effects of a treatment more accurately.
What does rescue only mean?
What does Rescue Only mean? Rescue Only means that the medical or behavior team has determined that the animal needs additional rehabilitation and recovery prior to being adopted into a home.
How many dogs can you own in Florida?
Does Florida have laws limiting how many dogs you can own? Where you live has the greatest impact on the number of dogs you can own. If you live in a rural area, the amount is virtually limitless, but urban areas typically restrict the amount to two to three dogs per household.
How long before a stray cat is legally yours in Florida?
FACA recommends a minimum holding period of five (5) working days for owned animals and three (3) working days for strays. An animal is considered owned if it possesses any form of identification.
How many cats can you own in Florida?
Florida. Florida is one of the best states to tag along with your feline companion, local states rules allowing ownership of up to three cats per household.
What can you do if someone takes your dog?
Take action immediately! Call your local police, sheriff, and/or animal control and file a report. Be proactive and persistent. Make a flier with your pet's name, color, markings, and breed. Include the location where your pet was last seen, and a contact or 24-hour phone/message number.
What can you do if someone steals your cat?
If you suspect someone's stolen your cat, file a report with the police straight away. Afterward, put up fliers with your cat's photo, register your cat as missing with local authorities, check with animal shelters and vets, and start posting your stolen cat's face on social media.
How long do you have to claim a lost dog in Texas?
Impoundment Period City and county governments write ordinances or laws that decide how many days a stray animal will be held after it is captured. Animals are usually held for a minimum of 3 working days to give owners a chance to claim their lost pets.
What to Do When Animal Control Comes Knocking - American Dog Breeders ...
What to Do When Animal Control Comes Knocking . by George J. Eigenhauser, Jr.. Author George J. Eigenhauser, Jr. is an Attorney at Law licensed in the State of California since 1979. George practices in the areas of civil litigation and estate planning. Dog owners and ethical breeders are increasingly being targeted.
Protocol For Dogs With A History Of Biting
Protocol For Dogs With A History Of Biting: Ganley/Lyon 2002 Evaluating whether dogs surrendered to UVHS with a bite history can be trained to
My Dog Has A Bite History Now What - PetPremium
PetPremium won’t exclude any dog from liability insurance.Read this short article to learn what to do if your dog has a bite history. If your dog has a bite history, the process remains simple!When you go to get a free quote online, you will be redirected to a pop-up that explains the next steps you should take to get a customized liability insurance quote.
Animal Incident Report - SCDHEC
DHEC 1799 (0 /20 ) SCDHEC, UST Management Division, 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201, PHONE (803)898-7957 FAX (803) 896-6245 www.scdhec.gov
Public Records
As a general rule, records generated by local government animal services programs are public records and state law guarantees the public a right of access to some of those records.
Records Retention
Like other components of local government, animal services programs are required to comply with records retention requirements issued by the State. See G.S. 121-5 and G.S. 132-8.
Shelter Records
Another common thread worth mentioning is the state regulations governing animal shelters. Shelters operated by local governments or by a private organization under contract with a local government are subject to oversight by the state’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The shelters must comply with requirements in G.S.
Conclusion
While working with staff and volunteers from the animal services field over the last decade, I’ve been struck by their professionalism as well as their profound commitment to the work.
What is animal control?
Animal control and animal sheltering services can help communities in a variety of ways, including rescuing animals in distress, reuniting lost pets and their owners, and responding to nuisance complaints. Animal control officers may work for, or with, police or sheriff departments, parks and recreation departments, and health departments.
Why do communities need regional animal control?
The benefits of this arrangement include more resources and coverage of a larger area. While a regional agency may provide a more uniform and improved level of service, a plan is needed to address potential conflicts between all partners.
What is ASPCA Pro?
ASPCA Pro — A professional association for animal welfare professionals and veterinary personnel. Also provides tools and resources to volunteers in animal welfare and animal rescue organizations.
What is RCW 16.54.010?
RCW 16.54.010 states that an animal is considered abandoned when:
What is Everett Animal Shelter?
Everett Animal Shelter — Provides shelter for strays from more than 15 neighboring jurisdictions
How does Washington State control animals?
Local governments in Washington State administer animal control in various ways, including directly, through an animal services department, or through partnership with external agencies or another local government or a combination of these. Several jurisdictions have found that partnerships allow them to streamline processes and provide more efficient, and in some cases, expanded animal control services for their communities.
What is the primary law enforcement agency charged with investigating animal cruelty?
Police, whether state or local, are generally the principal law enforcement agency charged with investigating complaints of animal cruelty, animal fighting, or any other crime relating to animals. Nuisances, such as barking or off-leash dogs, can also be the source of complaints.
Why is an animal seized?
Seizure:An animal is “seized” or taken from a situation often because of cruelty allegations
Which state has the weakest public records law?
Note: Alabama has one of the weakest public records laws in the country. There is no timeframe by which officials must respond to requests.
What is the law in Virginia for animal shelters?
Note about Virginia: Virginia has one of the strongest animal shelter recordkeeping and reporting laws in the United States. State law requires that all animal pounds, shelters, and rescue groups keep records about the intake and disposition of animals in their care. The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services publishes this information online each year.
Is an animal shelter funded by the government?
It’s usually clear if a shelter is run solely by the government. The name likely includes the name of the community followed by “animal shelter” or “animal control.”. However, some shelters that appear to be private are also partially funded by government dollars and hold the government contract for animal sheltering.
Is a shelter a public or private organization?
It can be difficult to determine whether a shelter is public or private. Remember, only public shelters fall under public records laws. It’s usually clear if a shelter is run solely by the government. The name likely includes the name of the community followed by “animal shelter” or “animal control.” However, some shelters that appear to be private are also partially funded by government dollars and hold the government contract for animal sheltering. For example, the Humane Society of Washington County in Hagerstown, Md. holds the contract for Washington County. Even though a shelter is incorporated as a nonprofit, it still might be considered a governmental body for the purposes of a public information request.
Do you have to pay for a copy of a record?
Requesters sometimes have to pay for copying costs or, more rarely, the staff time used to find the records. Oftentimes, records are given at no charge, especially if the records can be sent electronically. You could also view the records in person to avoid copying costs , but in most cases, you will want a permanent copy of the records.
Physical Address
Online Services /departments/neighborhoods/animal-care-protective-services/resources Get your dog's tag and much more...
PetSmart National Adoption Event Weekend November 13, 2021
National Adoption Week is November 8th - November 14th. We will be holding FREE Adoptions this weekend at our local PetSmart!
Pawtobefest Free Adoption Special October 8, 2021
We are celebrating Pawtoberfest with free adoptions on all adult dogs and cats!
What is animal control record?
Animal control records often include registration cards which provide the name and address of the dog owners. (See Ownership of a Dog .) Prior history of viciousness. Whether or not the accident happened in a statutory strict liability state, it is important to show that the attacking dog had a history of viciousness.
What happens when animal control refuses to give records to victims?
When animal control departments refuse to give records to the victim, a freedom of information act request can be made, which will force compliance with the request.
What are the legal issues that can be resolved or at least illuminated by animal control records?
Some of the most important legal issues that can be resolved or at least illuminated by animal control records are: Ownership of the attacking dog. A dog bite victim cannot recover any compensation if he cannot establish the ownership of the dog.
Why is animal control important?
Animal control records can be very important to your case. The animal control officer in the field frequently will take statements from the owner of the dog and neighbors. These might prove to be an important source of information during the handling of the claim. Some of the most important legal issues that can be resolved or at least illuminated ...
Do animal control officers have to subpena?
When asked for copies of records, these officers have been heard to say, "You will have to subpena them.". The officers either do not realize, or intend, that a lawsuit must be filed for an attorney to obtain a subpena for records in a civil case.
Overview
- Animal control and animal sheltering services can help communities in a variety of ways, including rescuing animals in distress, reuniting lost pets and their owners, and responding to nuisance complaints. Animal control officers may work for, or with, police or sheriff departments, parks and recreation departments, and health departments. Local governments in Washington S…
Washington State Statutes
- Title 16 RCW— Covers regulations related to animals and livestock, including county dog licensing and dog control zones, stock-restricted areas, reporting of animal diseases, and dangerous wild an...
- WAC 246-203-121— Addresses the disposal of dead animals
- Ch. 18.92 WAC— Addresses the establishment and regulation of veterinary medicine, surger…
- Title 16 RCW— Covers regulations related to animals and livestock, including county dog licensing and dog control zones, stock-restricted areas, reporting of animal diseases, and dangerous wild an...
- WAC 246-203-121— Addresses the disposal of dead animals
- Ch. 18.92 WAC— Addresses the establishment and regulation of veterinary medicine, surgery and dentistry, including animal care societies/ humane societies
Court Decisions
- Clarke v. Tri-Cities Animal Care & Control Shelter, 144 Wn. App. 185 (2008) Three cities formed an animal control agency by interlocal agreement. That agency then contracted with a private business for animal control services. A citizen, citing the public records act, sought euthanasia records from the private business and from one of the cities. T...
Administrative Organization and Procedures
- Cities or counties can elect to independently offer animal control services (including a shelter) to the entire jurisdiction. The benefits to this approach are increased (dollar and staff) resources, faster response time for responding to complaints, community-wide visibility, and a clear structure and chain of command.
Contracts For Animal Control and Animal Shelters
- One approach is for a municipality to contract for animal control services with another local government. While this arrangement can make sure all animal control needs are covered, the successful coordination between governments requires clear communication of roles and responsibilities. A community may decide to partner with other local governments to create a re…
Disaster Planning
- For information on caring for pets and animals during an emergency (and planning to care for them), see the following resources: 1. American Veterinary Medical Association:Disaster Preparedness 2. Clark County Regional Emergency Services Agency (CRESA): Animal Care Emergency Plan(2008)
Animal Abandonment
- RCW 16.54.010states that an animal is considered abandoned when: An animal can be abandoned by its owner for a variety of reasons including death, foreclosure, and major life changes such as loss of job or sever and sudden decrease in income. An animal may also be abandoned when its behavior becomes disruptive or threatening. Most municipal shelters are le…
Complaint Handling
- Police, whether state or local, are generally the principal law enforcement agency charged with investigating complaints of animal cruelty, animal fighting, or any other crime relating to animals. Nuisances, such as barking or off-leash dogs, can also be the source of complaints. Below are some examples of how jurisdictions allow constituents to report animal-related complaints. 1. K…
Recommended Resources
- International City/County Management Association (ICMA): Animal Control Management: A Guide for Local Governments— For-purchase publication covers all the animal control issues that local governmen...
- The Humane Society of the United States: HumanePro— Resources for professionals including training opportunities, grant opportunities for municipal agencies and nonprofit organization…
- International City/County Management Association (ICMA): Animal Control Management: A Guide for Local Governments— For-purchase publication covers all the animal control issues that local governmen...
- The Humane Society of the United States: HumanePro— Resources for professionals including training opportunities, grant opportunities for municipal agencies and nonprofit organizations, community o...
- ASPCA Pro — A professional association for animal welfare professionals and veterinary personnel. Also provides tools and resources to volunteers in animal welfare and animal rescue organizations.