Policy Text
Policy
813Fremont Police Department
Animal Control
813.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for interacting with animals and responding
to calls for service that involve animals.
813.2 ANIMAL CONTROL RESPONSIBILITIES
Animal control services are generally the primary responsibility of Animal Control and include:
(a)Animal-related matters during periods when Animal Control is available.
(b)Ongoing or persistent animal nuisance complaints. Such complaints may be
scheduled, if reasonable, for handling during periods that Animal Control is available
for investigation and resolution.
(c)Follow-up on animal-related calls, such as locating owners of injured animals.
813.3 MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES
Members who respond to or assist with animal-related calls for service should evaluate the
situation to determine the appropriate actions to control the situation.
Due to the hazards of handling animals without proper training and equipment, responding
members generally should not attempt to capture or pick up any animal, but should keep the
animal under observation until the arrival of appropriate assistance.
Members may consider acting before the arrival of such assistance when:
(a)There is a threat to public safety.
(b)An animal has bitten someone. Members should take measures to confine the animal
and prevent further injury.
(c)An animal is creating a traffic hazard.
(d)An animal is seriously injured.
(e)The owner/handler of an animal has been arrested or is incapacitated. In such
circumstances, the member should find appropriate placement for the animal.
1.This is only necessary when the arrestee is expected to be in custody for a
time period longer than would reasonably allow him/her to properly care for the
animal.
2.With the owner’s consent, locating appropriate placement may require
contacting relatives or neighbors to care for the animal.
3.If no person can be found or the owner does not or cannot give consent, the
animal should be taken to a designated animal care facility.
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813.4 DECEASED ANIMALS
When a member becomes aware of a deceased animal, all reasonable attempts should be made
to preliminarily determine if the death of the animal is related to criminal activity.
Deceased animals on public property should be removed, sealed in a plastic bag, and properly
disposed of by the responding member.
Members should not climb onto or under any privately owned structure for the purpose of removing
a deceased animal.
When handling deceased animals, members should attempt to identify and notify the owner of
the final disposition of the animal.
813.5 INJURED ANIMALS
When a member becomes aware of an injured domesticated animal, all reasonable attempts
should be made to contact an owner or responsible handler. If an owner or responsible handler
cannot be located, the animal should be taken to a veterinarian and notice shall be given to the
owner pursuant to the requirements of Penal Code § 597.1.
813.5.1 VETERINARY CARE
The injured animal should be taken to a veterinarian as follows:
(a)During normal business hours, the animal should be taken to an authorized veterinary
care clinic.
(b)If after normal business hours, the animal should be taken to the authorized Veterinary
Emergency and Critical Care Services Clinic.
(c)An exception to the above exists when the animal is an immediate danger to the
community or the owner of the animal is identified and takes responsibility for the
injured animal.
Each incident shall be documented and, at minimum, include the name of the reporting party and
veterinary hospital and/or person to whom the animal is released.
If Animal Control is not available, the information will be forwarded for follow-up.
813.5.2 INJURED WILDLIFE
Injured wildlife should be referred to the Department of Fish and Wildlife or the Marine Mammal
Center as applicable.
813.5.3 RESCUE OF ANIMALS IN VEHICLES
If an animal left unattended in a vehicle appears to be in distress, members may enter the vehicle
for the purpose of rescuing the animal. Members should (Penal Code § 597.7(d)):
(a)Make a reasonable effort to locate the owner before entering the vehicle.
(b)Take steps to minimize damage to the vehicle.
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(c)Refrain from searching the vehicle or seizing items except as otherwise permitted by
law.
(d)Leave notice on or in the vehicle identifying the location where the animal has been
taken and the name and Department of the member involved in the rescue.
(e)Make reasonable efforts to contact the owner or secure the vehicle before leaving the
scene.
(f)Take the animal to an animal care facility, a place of safekeeping or, if necessary, a
veterinary hospital for treatment.
813.6 STRAY / IMPOUNDED ANIMALS AFTER ANIMAL SERVICES OPERATING HOURS
Periodically, a Police Department employee may have to transport a stray or impounded animal
to the animal shelter. In that event, the following procedure will be followed:
(a)The Police Department employee shall transport the animal to the Tri-City Animal
Shelter. The animal shall be placed in one of the night deposit cages located at the
north side of the animal shelter.
(b)The transporting employee shall fill out a night-deposit form located in the box adjacent
to the night deposit cages; the completed form shall be placed in the mailbox located
near the cages. If a