Police Protocol for Animals

Police in some jurisdictions are responsible for enforcing animal laws.

Police protocol for animals varies with each agency, and depends on the situation and the officer's training. Most patrol officers have little to no training specific to animals. Animal control officers are trained in animal behavior and carry equipment to handle animals humanely.

Animal Control

In some jurisdictions, animal control is the duty of the police department. In these cases, the department usually has a dedicated animal control division. Animal control officers have the equipment and training to capture most stray animals--even aggressive ones--without harming them. They do not carry firearms, as the police do, but they do use guns, catch poles, humane traps and leather gloves.

Vicious Dogs

Aggressive dogs can be deadly, and police officers often encounter them in the course of their duties. Police protocol requires the safety of officers and of the public to be preserved, which sometimes means the unfortunate shooting of an attacking dog that cannot be restrained.

Animal Crime

Some crimes involving animals include abuse and neglect, theft of animals, and possession of species or breeds that are illegal. Police protocol in these cases is based on the crime, with impoundment of the animals, if necessary, done by animal control professionals.

References

• TampaBay.com: Untrained in Animal Control, Police Pull Guns When Attacked
• City of North Las Vegas Police Department: Animal Control Division