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by Suzyn Barron, President of Warwick Valley Humane Society, Inc.
Did you know last week was Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week? Are Animal Control Officers to be appreciated? If you knew what their job entailed, I think you would agree that at the very least, one week should be set aside to recognize them. The old term “dog catcher” brings to mind the cartoon of the guy chasing the dog with a net. That doesn’t happen. You can chase a dog all you want and never catch it because they have four legs to our two. Technically, in New York State, they are referred to as Dog Control Officers because the law only requires that dogs be licensed, and local towns impose dog ordinances to prevent loose dogs, dangerous dogs, and nuisance behaviors like chronic barking and damage to property. The term Animal Control now refers to a much broader range of job description.
Our ACOs enforce our local town dog ordinances, pick up stray dogs and are on call 24/7 for any animal emergencies such as an animal hit by car whether a dog, cat, hawk, rabbit etc. Our ACOs assist local law enforcement on welfare checks to contain any animals in the home or bring them to the shelter for safekeeping if the owner requires hospitalization or is deceased. Our ACOs are called to remove dogs from cars due to DWI arrests, have accompanied the police on raids, responded to house fires where pets are involved, and investigate suspected animal neglect and cruelty situations. Our ACOs inspect proper housing for dogs left outdoors, conduct enumeration (dog census) to ensure dog licensing, handle complaints of dog ordinance violations with mediation; issue court appearance tickets to non-compliant owners, and offer suggestions to improve conditions and neighbor issues. ACOs also assist with proper seizure of animals in hoarding and neglect cases and testify at court hearings.
Keep in mind, in most instances Animal Control Officers respond to situations involving strange dogs. They work long hours, in inclement weather and often in dangerous situations. They are not Peace Officers and cannot carry firearms, so their only tools are a slip lead, catch pole, treats and their patience and understanding of dog behaviors. Their goal is to safely capture and prevent injury to the animal and to themselves. I responded to the police request for an abandoned Pitbull named Chaos. When I arrived, the police had their guns drawn. I baby talked him off the porch. He came barreling towards me and immediately went belly up at my feet, thankful for the rescue. Rarely do ACOs know what they will encounter until they get there and figure it out. The stories are unique to each animal and situation.
So, Animal Control Officers enforce animal laws, are the animal experts in the community, often provide the services of social workers, and mitigate neighbor conflicts. They work closely with the prosecutors, judges, law enforcement agencies, the health department, veterinarians, and social service agencies. Animal Control Officers perform essential work that ensures public safety for both humans and animals and really should be appreciated year-round.
Pet of the Week
male terrier mix found as a stray at another
shelter 3 years ago. He was adopted to a local
person who recently became ill and passed
away. Buddy needs to feel safe and trusting
in an adult only home as an only pet. He is a
happy, little guy with a few quirks that an
experienced dog person can handle.
Adoption applications are available
to download at wvhumane.org or call
845-986-2473 for more information.
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