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Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2017/11/28, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Santa Monica Police Department Animal Control - 1 Santa Monica Police Department Santa Monica Police Department Policy Manual Animal Control 809.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for Animal Control Officers (ACOs) and Santa Monica Police Department personnel in dealing with animal control related calls for service and to set forth protocol regarding animal control services, the handling of injured animals, and the abatement of animal nuisances. 809.2 POLICY It is the policy of the Santa Monica Police Department to be responsive to the needs of the community regarding animal -related issues. This includes enforcing local, state and federal laws relating to animals and appropriately resolving or referring animal -related problems, as outlined in this policy. 809.3 ANIMAL CONTROL RESPONSIBILITIES Animal Control Officers shall be under the operational control of the Strategic Services Division. Generally, animal control services are the primary respo nsibility of Animal Control and shall include: (a) 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. (b) Follow -up on an imal-related calls, such as locating owners of injured animals, animal bites, etc. (c) The appropriate handling of any stray, injured, or dead animal. . 809.4 MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES Members who respond to or assist with animal -related calls for service when an ACO is off -duty or otherwise unavailable, 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 attemp t to capture or pick up any animal, but should keep the animal under observation until the arrival of an ACO. Officers who are dispatched to animal -related call for service, may consider acting before the arrival of an ACO 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. Policy 809 Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2017/11/28, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Santa Monica Police Department Animal Control - 2 Santa Monica Pol ice Department Santa Monica Police Department Policy Manual Animal Control (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 requi re 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 appropriate animal control authority should be notified. 809.5 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 will be removed and properly disposed of by ACOs. When an ACO is not on-duty, members will remove deceased animals and transport them to the Animal Shelter unless otherwise directed. 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. 809.6 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, and the animal is not an immediate danger to the community, 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. 809.6.1 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. Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2017/11/28, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Santa Monica Police Department Animal Control - 3 Santa Monica Pol ice Department Santa Monica Police Department Policy Manual Animal Control (d) When handling dead or injured animals, Department members shall attempt to identify and notify the owner of the final disposition of the animal. Each incident sh all 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