The Animal Control Department protects the public from animal related health hazards. Animal Control also impounds stray dogs, cats and livestock. They trap animals that have become a nuisance and provide round-the-clock coverage for citizens in the county, responding to hundreds of complaints and calls each month, including holidays and weekends.

One important aspect of the Animal Control Director’s job is to arrest animal abusers. Catching animal abuses is difficult and requires close contact with the community. The prosecution of such abusers is a fairly recent phenomenon and demands a close working relationship with the State Attorney’s office as well as with local law enforcement agencies. The Animal Control Department also cooperates with the Environmental Health Department when it investigates domestic and wild animal bites or rabbis cases.