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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
give 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 certain animal laws on the City, County and
State levels.
Animal control officers
were once called Dog Wardens and their sole purpose was to prevent
the spread of rabies by picking up stray dogs. Today the threat
of rabies has diminished. However, citizens deserve to feel safe
and not deal with nuisance animals that should be under someone's
responsibility. Animal control benefits the animals as well as
the community. The typical day is filled with responding to nuisance
complaints, such as barking dogs, stray cats, dogs running at
large, and possible animal neglect. Most problems can be dealt
with civilly. However, occasionally, people must be cited 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 upon properties?
ANSWER: Once an animal has been seen running at large the violation
has already occurred. 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 upon
the property to impound the dog. Also if the animal is in danger
AC can enter upon 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 intervene 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 vacate,
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 occasional raccoon, snake,
groundhog, bat or opossum will get in the house. If it is an
emergency situation and AC is available, they can assist by 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 Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Licensed Trappers:
Jennifer Huff 606-735-3627, Vicki Rawe 859-635-0037, or other
licensed trappers for your nuisance wildlife.
"What happens if I don't comply with dog violations and
requests made of me by Animal Control?
ANSWER: Failing to comply will lead to civil citations and/or
court. Typical judgments 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 do not like being 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
if it is a "good dog". Keeping your pet under constant
control is required. 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
legally. Any where else in the city you will receive 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 by biting. Your animal needs your
supervision to keep from getting into these situations. All dogs
can bite. It 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 Fort 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 and do not 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 bark 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 Fort 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 deer 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.
