The Pet Tree House - Where Pets Are Family Too : Animal Control Officer The Pet Tree House - Where Pets Are Family Too : Animal Control Officer
Showing posts with label Animal Control Officer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Animal Control Officer. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 4, 2017

DC Council Passes ‘Standard of Care for Animals Amendment Act of 2017’


Law gives Animal Control officers additional tools to protect the animals of Washington, DC

Washington, DC – The DC Council voted today to pass the “Standard of Care for Animals Amendment Act of 2017,” a significant revision to the laws governing the humane treatment of animals in the District of Columbia.

The animal-welfare legislation provides the Humane Rescue Alliance’s Animal Control officers additional tools with which they can enforce the laws concerning the humane treatment of animals. The bill also creates and defines a standard of care for animals, including requirements of adequate care, food, space, shelter and water.

“This is an important moment for the animals of the District of Columbia,” said Lisa LaFontaine, President and CEO for the Humane Rescue Alliance.   “This bill establishes strong definitions for adequate care for animals and empowers the dedicated professionals that make up our Animal Care and Control team.  Moving forward, our officers now have more tools at their disposal to ensure that the animals of our city are protected and are able to prosecute those that choose to violate these laws effectively.”

“This comprehensive animal-welfare bill creates a ‘Standard of Care’ that all pet owners must comply with – something brand new for the District,” said Councilmember Brandon Todd (D-Ward 4). “By providing the authority necessary to holistically protect the health and safety of District animals, we can prevent others from suffering like Momma, a Petworth pit bull left outdoors in frigid temperatures whose inhumane treatment triggered an outpouring of concern and my introduction of an earlier version of this legislation. I thank the Humane Rescue Alliance for their advocacy and assistance in crafting this bill, and appreciate their commitment to protecting animal wellbeing in the District.”

The law will be known as “Ray’s Law,” a tribute to Vice President of Field Services Ray Noll, a longtime animal welfare advocate who was instrumental in crafting the legislation.  Noll, who passed away suddenly last 

week, had worked tirelessly for months to ensure the bill would effectively address the issues of adequate care and proper enforcement.

The amendment is the result of months of deliberation by city officials and Humane Rescue Alliance representatives to craft the new legislation.  The bill was introduced originally by Councilmember Brandon Todd as emergency legislation in February when concern arose over animals left outside in cold weather.  That bill, the Standard Care of Animals Amendment Act of 2017 passed its first reading by the Council in July.

Highlights of the amendment include the following:

·         Provides Humane Rescue Alliance officers with the authority to issue citations and warnings in cases of intentional or grossly negligent harm to an animal.

·         Defines “adequate shelter.”  When the temperature is at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, “adequate shelter” shall  mean that a the dog has access to a shelter large enough for the dog to stand up and turn around, that has an entrance covered by a flexible wind-proofing material or self-closing door, that contains a platform for the dog at least 4 inches off the ground, and that contains dry bedding, which must consist of an insulating material that does not retain moisture, such as straw, of sufficient depth for the dog to burrow.   When the temperature is at or above 80 degrees Fahrenheit, “adequate shelter” shall additionally mean that a dog has access to a shelter shaded by trees, a roof, a tarp, or a tarp-like device.

·         Clarifies that an animal cannot be outdoors for more than 15 minutes during periods of extreme weather without human accompaniment or adequate shelter. Extreme weather means temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit or above 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

·         Clarifies that an animal or animals shall not be left alone in a vehicle in such a way that endangers the animal’s health or safety.

In a related development, the DC Council has approved emergency legislation that will allow food establishments in Washington, DC to permit dogs in outdoor dining areas and unenclosed sidewalk cafés.  The emergency bill by the DC Council, along with the permanent Standard Care for Animals Amendment, further establishes Washington, DC as a proponent of responsible pet ownership.

About the Humane Rescue Alliance:                                               
The Humane Rescue Alliance has protected and served the animals of the community for more than 145 years and serves more than 60,000 animals annually. The broad range of programs offered include: rescue and adoption, humane law enforcement, low-cost veterinary services, animal care and control, behavior and training, spay-neuter services, humane education, and many others. The organization is dedicated to ensuring the safety and welfare of all animals, bringing people and animals together, and working with all communities to support these relationships.  HRA is based in Washington, DC, the only major urban area in the country that has all of its animal protection programs and services unified in one organization, making the Humane Rescue Alliance a model for the nation.




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Sunday, January 10, 2016

A Cat Was Found with its Paws and Legs Bound in Electrical Tape: Rescued by Santa Clarita Deputies During Their Search of a “Suspicious” Car


Two deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Santa Clarita Station have been credited with rescuing a cat that was found with its paws and legs bound in electrical tape, authorities said Sunday.

The alert deputies discovered the male cat during their search of a “suspicious” car that was parked behind a closed business on Saturday night, according to a post on the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station’s Facebook page.

“The occupants of the vehicle were in possession of narcotics,” the post stated.

When they located the cat in the vehicle, he was “buried upside-down” in his carrier, the post stated.

They were further stunned to discover that the feline’s paws and legs were bound together with electrical tape, sheriff’s officials said.

“The helpless cat could not move and was ‘meowing loudly in discomfort’ as the deputies worked quickly to free him,” the post read.

Animal Control officers responded and removed the cat from the unidentified owner, who faced “additional animal cruelty charges,” authorities said.

The cat’s condition was not immediately known.


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Friday, December 11, 2015

Animal Control Officer Rescues Pit Bull…And Then Adopts Him


Eagan, Minnesota - When Eagan Animal Control Officer Bob Kent recently was dispatched on a call, he had no idea that the dirty, emaciated stray he picked up would move from his truck... into the city impound... and then his home. Kent has rescued dozens of dogs, but there was just something special about Woody, a young pit bull with an undeniably sweet disposition. And as it would happen, the timing was pretty good too.

"We put our dog down early August," Bob explained. "We were not so much in the market for one, but we did have a vacancy at home."

Kent kept checking on Woody, and it soon became apparent the two were destined to be permanent pals. "He came in, he was dirty, he was starving, he was sick... but I just knew. I guess you can't really put it into words, It's just a feeling you get for him. He (Woody) found a place in our hearts, as well as our home."



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Friday, January 23, 2015

Keeping Your Dog Safe From Law Enforcement: A Police Officer Shares Insight


Keeping your dog safe from law enforcement may sound like a contradictory statement, but recently there have been several tragic stories which involve family dogs being shot by police officers.

Cheryl Goede, not only has firsthand insight as a police officer, but she is also an experienced dog owner, and has been in law enforcement for the past fourteen years.

She collaborated with her husband, Kevin, who has 20 years of law enforcement background in addition to being a dog trainer, and Cindy Earnshaw, a journalist and former LEO/Animal Control officer.

Together, this threesome came up with a plethora of knowledge to share with all dog owners. The following information was written by Cheryl and should be shared with all dog owners:

If people know that the police are coming, then every effort should be made to make sure that the dogs are restrained in such a manner that they won't be able to escape. Even if you think that nothing will happen and that your dog is friendly and will not charge the officer, bark at them, etc., always expect the unexpected. Things can happen and circumstances can change in the blink of an eye. So always restrain your dogs.

Do not EVER allow your dogs to roam your neighborhood. If your dog is unrestrained and the police come to your home unexpectedly and the officer asks you to restrain your dog, do so immediately.

USE YOUR VOICE to alert the officer to your dog's NAME and loudly announce "Let me put up my dog, I am putting up my dog!" If the officer is not comfortable with the method of you restraining your dog (a dog on a retractable leash or the dog is jumping up on the fence after being placed in the backyard) and there is a chance that it is making the officer uncomfortable, immediately offer to restrain your dog further.

When you see officers in the vicinity of your home and your dog is outside, ESPECIALLY if they appear to be searching for someone/something, bring your dog inside. If it looks as though police are actively going into yards to search, don't think "I'll help the police out" and let your dog OUT, keep them in until police presence is gone. It is also a good idea put signs on your fence to indicate that there are dogs at the house and possibly in the backyard, so that officers are not taken by surprise if they are searching for someone and jump the fence to find there are dogs there. If both the officer and the dog are taken by surprise, that would put them in all in a position of defense….not good.

Do what you can to discourage your dog's excitement towards any officer or other official who is in your presence. Never tempt fate by encouraging your dog's excitement towards the officer. Dogs react differently to people in uniform, and they can and may behave in an unexpected manner.

It is imperative to remember that the legal default presumption is always that the dog owners are ultimately wholly responsible for the welfare and control of their canines.

If an officer does what was allegedly reported by the owner of Cisco, file a lawsuit against the officer, the police department, and the municipality. Under certain circumstances and under local law, it may be appropriate to file charges of animal cruelty/abuse against the officer. I don't think there was really anything his owner could have said or done in order to prevent the shooting, other than what he already did, due to the fact that the officer was pointing a gun at him and basically telling him not to move.

Kevin is hoping to create a course to help educate law enforcement officials about better communication with pet owners. He also hopes to teach law enforcement about how to read a dog's body language.

Please take a moment to share this valuable information with anyone who owns a dog. It could prevent a tragedy. Many thanks to Cheryl and Kevin Goede and Cindy Earnshaw for taking the time to put this important information together.
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Friday, September 12, 2014

Possible Cougar Sightings in Fairfax County,Virginia


Alexandria, Virginia - Two potential cougar sightings have Fairfax County Police urging citizens to take precautions.

In both cases the reports described a large cat, possibly a cougar near Riverside Elementary School on Old Mount Vernon Road in Alexandria.

Animal Control officers have searched the area but have found no evidence confirming the presence of the animal, police said.

The cat was described as sand or orange color and was estimated to be the size of a large dog with a tail equal to the length of its body, police said.

Authorities are working to set up wildlife cameras around the area and animal patrol will be patrolling.

Teachers and parents have been notified to take the necessary precautions to keep children safe, police said.

Police advise, that if you see the cat, do no approach it. Go to a safe location and call the non-emergency number at 703-691-2131.







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