Animal Control Officer

Assists with enforcement of Animal Control ordinances and the NLR codes relating to animals within the City limits as well as operations of the Animal Shelter by performing the following duties.

The list of essential functions is not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary. Other duties may be assigned. Regular and predictable attendance and punctuality are essential functions of this position.

Enforces Animal Control Ordinances and the NLR Codes : Investigation : Conducts preliminary or complete investigations; locates and questions witnesses and potential witnesses; interrogates suspects in the field; takes statements or depositions; serves search warrants and searches premises or property; marks physical evidence for later identification; sends evidence to lab for analysis; takes custody of animals involved in pending abuse cases; issues misdemeanor citations for people violating the City animal control ordinances or state statutes; testifies in court as necessary. Inspection : Inspects kennel pens and premises of NLR residents prior to issuance of approval for Breeder’s and/or Litter licenses; coordinates and conducts joint inspections (i.e., chicken coop and animal establishment permits) with other City departments when complainant involves overlapping areas of authority.

Keeps Records and Prepares Documents : Maintains accurate written documentation describing all enforcement investigative activities pertaining to bite reports, incident reports and daily activity reports; creates documentation to track the disposition of each animal impounded to Animal Control; completes forms for adoption, reclaim or surrender of animals; keeps records of citations and charges against violators; prepares charges for court docket and case files for prosecutors; keeps precise records of drugs that are open to inspection from the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Public Relations : Gives presentations at area schools about City ordinances, the care and responsibilities of owning animals; provides information to general public about animal care and laws and regulations governing the ownership and care of animals; assists with advertising adoptive animals through the mediums of radio, TV, and local newspapers; participates in national Adopt-A-Thon drives.

Animal Control : Apprehends and impounds animals running at large; investigates reports of bites from domesticated animals and wildlife; follows State regulations in impounding animals that have bitten humans and ensures animals are properly quarantined to observe for signs of the rabies virus; determines status of aggressive dogs and issues appropriate court citations for vicious dog citations; apprehends wildlife; picks up and disposes of the bodies of dead animals; chemically immobilizes dangerous or potentially dangerous animals.