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Many people have a misconception of what an Animal Control Officer is all about. In addition to handling K-9's, they are also responsible for investigating the humane treatment of animals, to include live stock in the area. They are also responsible for checking their jurisdiction for proper vaccinations and tags for the animals owned in the county.
Our pets look to us for care and love. Responsible owners spade or neuter their pets unless they are breeders. It takes much more than just feeding an animal to care for it. They need space to play, love and care, and shots to keep from spreading diseases. Before you get a pet, no matter how cute and cuddly it is, find out about the breed you have selected. There are plenty of books about all types of animals and their particular traits and care. Be responsible, make sure this is an animal right for you.
The following is a paper written by an anonymous Animal Control Officer expressing their view point on their job.
I am your Animal Control Officer. I am not the dreaded "dog catcher" or the "murderer" you call me.
It is not I who allows your pet to roam the streets, to contract diseases from other free-roaming animals, to be hit by passing motorists or poisoned by rotting garbage. I am the one who must look into those sick, pain-glazed eyes, try to remove the animal
without causing it further pain, and then humanely "put it to sleep" to put an end to its suffering.
It is not I who allows your pets to breed, then dumps the unwanted puppies and kittens on roadsides and in shelters. I'm the one who must find these tiny animals before they die of starvation, exposure, or disease and as an act of mercy exterminate them. It
hurts me to be forced to kill hundreds of thousands of animals each year, but because of your irresponsibility, I have no choice.
It is not I who abandons unwanted animals on farm roads, telling myself some friendly farmer will surely take them in and give them a good home. But I am the one who must pick up the frightened animal who waits in vain for its beloved master, wondering why it has been abandoned. I am the one who must help that friendly farmer trap, tranquilize, or kill that animal because it has begun to roam in packs with other abandoned, hungry animals, killing livestock, fowl, and game.
I am not the one who breeds and fights dogs in the name of "sport". But I am the one who fights the breeders and participants, and must pick up the dead and dying animals that have been left behind.
It is not I who keeps a pet confined in an area too small--without food, water, shelter, or exercise. But I must deal with the irresponsible owner who does.
It is not I who refuses to spend the time and money to keep up regular inoculations that all pets require. But I am the one who must pick up the sick animal that is dying of a preventable disease.
So remember, the next time your child is bitten by a stray dog, your trash is dumped and scattered, your pet lost, stolen, poisoned, or hit by a car, it is the Animal Control Officer you call, not the "dog catcher". The next time your pet is picked up, or you are cited for neglecting or abusing your pet, remember, I am only trying to get you to fulfill your responsibility to your pet, your neighbor,
and yourself.
Do not scorn me. Respect me, for I am the product of your irresponsibility. I love animals, and I care.
You can contact the Prince Edward County Animal Control Officer through the County Administrator's Office at 434-392-8837, or in an emergency, through the Prince Edward County Sheriff's Office at 434-392-8101
