The week of April 14-20, 2024, marks the Animal Care and Control Officer Appreciation week. The dedicated personnel of the City of Douglas Animal Control play a crucial role in our community by enforcing animal control laws, safeguarding the public from diseases such as rabies, rescuing vulnerable animals that have suffered from abuse and neglect, and educating the community about the proper care of pets and animals.
"Taking care of animals for public safety requires a kind-hearted individual, and we are grateful to Tim Gay, our Animal Control Officer, for his service," says Georgia Henderson, the Community Development Director. “Tim was awarded Animal Control Officer of the Year by his peers and rightfully deserved the recognition. He goes the extra mile by investigating and collaborating with local agencies to address issues related to neglected and abandoned animals. The City of Douglas values Tim's hard work and dedication towards meeting the needs of animals, and we appreciate the long hours he puts in every week."
The Animal Control Division of the Community Development Department plays a crucial role in the community by educating the public on animal control ordinances. This includes ensuring proper care of pets, enforcing Douglas' Animal Control Ordinances, and protecting citizens from diseases such as rabies. The Animal Control officer has the authority to enforce penalties on pet owners and confiscate the animals of owners who violate the ordinance that addresses the care and shelter of pets. The office is also responsible for removing domesticated animals within the city limits. Tim undergoes over 40 hours of training each year in Animal Cruelty Investigation. Last year, animal control responded to 1,114 calls, which included rescuing 342 puppies/dogs, 397 kittens/cats, removing 214 dead animals, and attending to 161 miscellaneous calls.
