130 N.
Ft. Thomas Ave.
Ft. Thomas, KY 41075 |
|
Animal
Control works 35 hours a week on Patrol, and available on call
for emergencies 24/7.
(Emergency
calls are mostly done at a Police Officer's request.
Most Call outs are injured animals, vicious animals or traffic
hazzards.)
Kentucky Revised Statutes
gives Animal Control Officers the powers of a peace officer excluding
the power to arrest and of course they do not carry a gun. They
are in radio contact with police in case assistance is needed.
An Animal control officer's job is to enforce animal laws on
the City, County and State levels.
Animal control officers were once called Dog Wardens and their
soul purpose was to prevent the spread of rabies by picking up
stray dogs. Today the threat of rabies has reduced. However,
citizens deserve to feel safe and not deal with nuciance animals
that should be under someones responsibility. Animal control
benefits the animals as well as the community. The typical day
is filled with responding to nuciance complaints, such as barking,
people who find strays, dogs running, and possible animal neglect.
Most problems can be dealt with civily however, on occasion we
must cite people to court.
Paperwork is essential also. Keeping track of all the animals
and where they come from is a normal part of the job.
- When can Animal Control
enter properties?
ANSWER: Once an animal has been seen running at large
the violation has already occured. Even if the dog now retreats
back onto its property, it is obviously not contained. It will
more than likely leave the property again. In pursuit I can enter
the property to impound the dog. Also if the animal is in danger
AC can enter the property. An example is if a dog is entangling
itself with the chain, runner or tie out. A dog that is attempting
to jump or climb a fence and is chained up, risks hanging itself.
AC could interven to save the dog. Also if the police or fire
departments need to gain entry but animals are not allowing it
or getting in the way, AC can enter. If a legal eviction has
taken place and the animals are left after the date to vaccate,
AC can remove the animals. Search and Seizure warrants can also
be obtained to gain entry.
- What do you do with an
animal when you pick it up?
ANSWER: All animals are taken to Campbell County
Animal shelter. 859-635-2819. Injured animals will be taken to
a local vet or emergency clinic. You can contact animal control
through dispatch 859-292-3622 if you need to locate your pet.
- What types of animals
does Animal Control handle?
Dogs and cats are the main focus. The occational raccoon, snake,
goundhog, bat or opossum will get in the house. If it is an emergency
situation and AC is available, they can assist with trying to
catch it. AC has caught iguanas, domestic rabbits, ferrets and
snapping turtles. Animal Control DOES NOT trap nuisance wildlife.
- Who can I call to deal
with animals for which Animal Control does not handle.
ANSWER: Contact Kentucy Fish and Wildlife Licensed
Trappers: Jennifer Huff 606-735-3627 Vicki Rawe 859-635-0037
for your nuisance wildlife.
- What happens if I don't
comply to dog violations and requests made
of me by Animal Control?
ANSWER: Failing to comply will lead to civil citations
and/or court. Typical judgements can range from fines, probated
jail time and denial of the right to own an animal for a period
of time.
ANIMAL
CONTROL TIPS:
by
Terri Baker - Animal Control Officer
1.) Leash laws apply to
dogs and cats. For cats it is more a confinement law. Keep it
inside. Most cats freak out on a leash and could entangle themselves
and choke. There are some patient cats and owners out there that
have mastered it.
Dogs need a leash even it is a "good dog". Keeping
your pet under constant control is what we ask. Yelling at the
dog to come here, is not needed if the leash is attached. We
now have a dog park at Highland Hills Park if you want to let
your dog run off leash without a citation. Any where else in
the city you will recieve a citation if your dog is not under
your control. This also means you have to be holding the leash.
You can not attach the leash to the dog and go for a walk unless
you are holding the other end.
2.) Roaming dogs and cats
get into garbage, get hit by cars, cause traffic accidents and
leave stool in neighboring yards. It is your responsibility to
make sure your pet is confined to your property . Your dog may
decide to guard the entire block and bite someone, or find a
mate and try to protect her and bite someone. Most people when
told their pet bit or scratched are shocked. "My pet would
never do that. Are you sure it was my dog/cat?" Your animal
needs your supervision to keep from getting in these situations.
All dogs can bite. It just depends on how they react or handle
a situation they may not be familiar with.
3.) The pet over population problem has been a huge problem for
years. There are more animals than there are homes. The City
of Ft. Thomas is trying to battle this by issuing a $50 unaltered
fine to any animal running at large that is not spayed or neutered.
If the owner claiming the animal chooses to have the pet altered
within 30 days their $50 will be refunded. This encourages owners
to spay and neuter. It also places more of a financial burden
on the owners creating the problems for animal control, by allowing
their intact animals to roam and reproduce.
4. ) Always carry plastic bag, etc to pick up your pets stool
while on a walk. Be a good neighbor. Don't leave this behind
for kids or adults to happen upon.
5. ) All dogs that are outdoors need a dog house and water available
at all times. This applies to dogs "only out while you are
at work" as well.
6.) Any dog that barks and creates a disturbance is in violation
of the nuisance ordinance and the owner can be
fined.
7.) If your animal is aggressive to people or domestic animals
you are required to muzzle that animal to prevent injury and
to protect yourself from liability.
8.) Pit Bulls and Pit Bull Mixes are prohibited in the city of
Ft. Thomas.
9.) If you find a wild animal such as a baby deer, bunny, squirrel
etc. it is best not to touch it or move it until you get some
advice from a professional. Every year baby deers are picked
up away from their mothers and placed in rehabilitation for no
reason. Most wild animals do not lay with their babies like dogs
and cats. Just because you don't see a mother at the time, does
not mean the animal is an orphan.
10.) If you think an animal is being abused or neglected, please
report it. Sometimes it is just a matter of educating the owner
on proper care. You could save that animals life. ALWAYS
CALL. Animal Control will check into it and take the
appropriate action. Animals don't have a voice to speak up for
themselves so we must rely on concerned citizens to let us know
if there is a problem.
|
|
