What Is an Animal Precinct Officer?
When there is a problem with an animal in our neighborhood, most of us call "animal control." It could be a dog bite, a stray getting into garbage or a neighbor's pet that was run over by a car. The animal precinct officers come and deal with the situation and usually go on their way. We don't really give these workers much thought until we need their services again. However, their job descriptions include much more than dealing with the random stray problem.
Other People Are Reading
-
What is an Animal Precinct Officer?
-
An animal precinct officer is a specially trained representative of the local humane society or animal control division. They investigate problems related to animals, such complaints of dog bites and strays, but they also investigate allegations of animal cruelty and neglect and perform animal rescues.
Training
-
The basic requirements needed for becoming an animal precinct officer vary among cities, counties and states. Entry-level animal precinct positions will require a high school diploma or GED. A valid, unrestricted driver's license will also be a requirement. In addition to these, there may also be a physical examination required, a written exam and an age requirement. These, of course, are the bare minimum requirements. A degree in animal science or a related field, along with a predetermined number of years of experience, is usually required for advancement.
-
Duties of an Animal Precinct Officer
-
The duties of an animal precinct officer will vary greatly by location and also the experience and expertise of the officer. Some animal precinct officers have an assigned route to follow in an area of the city. They follow the route daily, looking for animals that have escaped their chains or pens and are running loose in the neighborhood. If the officers are able to locate their owners, they are issued a citation for which they have to appear in court and pay a fine. If the officers encounter strays, they will collect the animal and take it to the shelter for its owner to come and claim later or eventually place it up for adoption.
Animal Cruelty Investigations
-
If you suspect that an animal is being abused or neglected, you will probably call your local animal control office first. Animal precinct officers will investigate the situation and, if enough evidence is found, file the necessary paperwork with the courts for seizure of the animal and for filing the applicable charges against the owners for the abuse or neglect. If and when the case proceeds to a court of law, the animal precinct officers will be called upon to give testimony to support the abuse claims.
Animal Rescues
-
Animal precinct officers are called upon many times by other agencies of first responders to perform animal rescues. Livestock that has become tangled in or broken through fencing is a common rescue situation for animal precinct officers. When a natural disaster occurs, such as a hurricane or flood, animal precinct officers will patrol the affected areas and rescue stranded animals from rising flood waters or debris, then take them to a shelter to be cared for until their owners can be notified or new homes found for them.
-
