What Do You Need To Be An Animal Control Officer

Animal Control

Animal Control Officers (ACO's) joined the Citrus Canton Sheriff's Role on September one, 2009, and are a part of the Patrol Segmentation Special Operations Unit. ACO'south answer to complaints involving domestic animals and livestock, including calls involving animals that are driveling, dangerous or a nuisance to the citizens of Citrus County. They have the authorisation to remove these animals and upshot citations for violations of the county's Animal Command ordinance.

Normal operating hours for the Sheriff's Office ACOs volition be from 8 a.m. to viii p.m., seven days a week. Officers volition be on phone call from viii p.m. until 8 a.m. for any emergencies that may ascend. Citizens may phone call the non-emergency number (352-249-2790) to report animal complaints, or simply punch 9-1-i to enquire for assist during an emergency.

The Animal Control Unit of measurement consists of 6 full-fourth dimension officers as well every bit a working supervisor.

Officers are divided into ii teams –
Blastoff & Bravo - with 3 ACO's on each team.

Officers respond to calls for service betwixt the hours of viii:00 am & 8:00 pm vii days a calendar week.
One Officer remains "on-phone call" to respond to emergency calls afterwards hours.
ACO's work closely with the Citrus County Beast Shelter but are not employees of the shelter. ACO's cannot brand decisions regarding shelter fees, adoptions or intendance & disposition of animals at the shelter.

What you need to know:

Fauna Control Officers (ACO's) are available to respond to routine calls for service between 8:00 am & 8:00 pm seven days/week including holidays. Emergencies are responded to 24 /7.

Requests for service should exist made to CCSO Acceleration Middle at 352-249-2790 or merely by dialing 9-1-1.

ACO's do not respond to wild fauna calls unless the fauna is ill or injured and an FWC canonical wild animals rescue group is unable to respond.

ACO's are employees of the Sheriff'southward Office. The Citrus County Animate being Shelter is nether the Board of Canton Commissioners. While both organizations piece of work closely together, they are split up entities.

Common Questions almost Animal Control:

What types of calls practice ACO'southward respond to?

Whatever phone call regarding domestic animals, including livestock.

Mutual calls include:

Neglected or abused animals.
Loose animals
Wellness checks
Nuisance animals (ambitious animals, barking dogs, animals tearing upwardly garbage, etc.)
Animate being Bites (to humans or other animals)
Beast hoarding
Stray animals (either loose or confined for pickup)
Loose livestock
Animals in distress

ALL OF THE To a higher place Telephone call TYPES PERTAIN TO DOMESTIC ANIMALS AND LIVESTOCK Simply. NUISANCE WILDLIFE MUST Be REFERRED TO A NUISANCE TRAPPER.

What should I do if my pet is missing?

Check the shelter website here to encounter if your pet has been brought to the shelter.

If so, contact the shelter at 352-746-8400. Check frequently every bit animals are added throughout the day. If non, you may as well contact CCSO Dispatch (352-249-2790) to give a description of the pet, as well as your proper name, address and phone number.

Where can I find the Canton Animal Control Ordinance?

Y'all may access the Citrus County Animal Ordinance via the BOCC Website at www.citrusbocc.com or straight at http://library.municode.com/alphabetize.aspx?clientID=12785&stateID=9&statename=Florida.

What should I do if I am issued a warning citation?

Proof of compliance for the violation must be presented in person at the County Shelter within the specified menses of time. Failure to do so will result in a fine and/or courtroom appearance.

What should I do if I am issued a citation?

Citations must exist paid at the Animal Shelter within thirty days of issuance. If payment is not received, the commendation volition be sent to the Clerk of Court and attack the docket to be heard by the judge. You will be notified via summons regarding the appointment and fourth dimension of court appearance.

How can I make a complaint regarding an animal or animal possessor?

Call the Dispatch Middle at 352-249-2790. Give as much data every bit possible, including a description of the owner's residence, brute, etc. Include a contact number for yourself in example the ACO needs boosted information.

Important Facts:

All dogs, cats & ferrets over iv months of age are required to have a rabies vaccination and Canton License YEARLY.
Whatsoever domestic dog or cat sold in the country must have a Health Certificate, regardless of animal'due south age.
Dogs may not be tied unless a person is present and tin can see the tethered animal at all times. Tethers must be on a minimum of 20' tether w/ shelter & water at all times a, per Canton Ordinance. Dogs may non be tethered using a asphyxiate chain or prong/training neckband.
All dogs kept outdoors must accept access to a shelter with a floor, roof, and 4 walls at all times.
All animals should have access to fresh, clean water AT ALL TIMES.
Animal Services can microchip your pet for permanent lifetime identification ($15.00). All stray animals are scanned in the field to place and locate the owner.
The ternion constabulary does non only apply to dogs. It includes CATS, livestock, chickens, and all other domestic animals & states animals must be on owner's property at all times. In order for dogs to be off the possessor's holding, whether on public or private holding (without the property owner's permission) they must be on a leash and under the control of a responsible person at all times.
The Crimestoppers Program can exist used for brute related calls. Tipsters remain bearding and may be eligible for rewards.

What if my pet is picked up by Animate being Control?

Your pet may be reclaimed by:

Go to the Citrus Canton Animal Shelter during business hours.
Identify your pet and show photo identification (Drivers License or State Identification Carte du jour)
Bring proof of a current rabies vaccination. (If you are unable to show proof, one volition be given while at the shelter, or a alert or violation citation may be issued).
Show proof of a current Citrus County Animal License. (If you are unable to show proof, you will be asked to purchase one, or a warning or violation citation may be issued).
Sign and receive whatever notice of violation citations that may be attached to your pet.
Pay all fees for impoundment, board, or other charges for your pet.
Pets will exist held five (5) days from the date of impound before becoming County property.

What do I exercise if a warning citation is issued?

Warning notices may exist issued for lack of rabies vaccination, county license, proper shelter, proper veterinary care and/or other violations of County ordinance. Your pet does Non take to be impounded in guild for y'all to receive a warning citation.

If you receive a warning citation, you must correct the violation within the prescribed time limits and present satisfactory proof to the Citrus County Animate being Shelter.

If you exceed the time limit specified without presenting proof of compliance to the Citrus County Animal Shelter, the alarm citation will automatically turn into a citation & fine. Yous volition then have two options.

Pay the assessed fine inside xv (15) days of the engagement the warning expired, or
Contest the fine by appearing in county courtroom. The court will notify you of the date and time. Should you be found guilty, additional court costs will exist assessed.

What do I practise if I receive a citation for a violation that my pet was involved in?

If a mandatory court appearance is listed on the citation you are required to become to county court on the date the Clerk of the Court's office notifies yous.

If a fine has been assessed, y'all take two options:

Pay the assessed fine within xxx days from the original appointment the commendation was issued, or
Contest the fine by appearing in county court. The court will notify you lot of the date and time. Should y'all be plant guilty, additional court costs will exist assessed.

If you neglect to practice ane of the to a higher place options, a judgment may exist placed confronting you, your driver'due south license may be suspended or a warrant may exist issued for your arrest.
Refusal to sign a citation is a misdemeanor in the second degree per F.S. 775.082 and may be charged with a fine of $500.00 and/or 60 days in jail. Signing a citation is NOT an access of guilt and you accept the option to contest the commendation as outlined above.

How can I be a responsible pet owner?

Take your pet vaccinated by a licensed veterinarian. Rabies vaccinations are required by country law and county ordinance. Other vaccinations are recommended for the health of your pet.
Purchase your Citrus County Animal License annually or as required past county ordinance and have your pet wear the license tag so you tin be notified if the pet is lost.
Creature Services can microchip your pet for permanent lifetime identification ($15.00).
Pets must take access to wholesome food, clean water, proper shelter, and veterinarian care by state constabulary and county ordinance. Do not allow your pet to become a nuisance to your neighbors.
Dogs may not be tied unless a person is nowadays and can come across the tethered animal at all times. Tethers must be on a minimum of xx' tether w/ shelter & h2o at all times a, per County Ordinance.
Stray animals impounded at the Citrus County Animal Shelter are held for three (3) days to allow owners to locate and claim them. At the end of that time, the animal becomes the property of Citrus County Animal Services.
Contact the Citrus County Animal Shelter past calling 352-746-8400 or online at: www.citruscritters.com