GENERAL ORDERS POLICE DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: SUPPORT SERVICES
TITLE: ANIMAL CONTROL
EFFECTIVE DATE: AUGUST 31, 2025
REVISION DATE:
ACCREDITATION: ALABAMA ASSOCIATION OF CHIEFS OF POLICE (AACOP)
APPROVAL: CHIEF
GENERAL ORDERS POLICE DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: SUPPORT SERVICES
TITLE: ANIMAL CONTROL
EFFECTIVE DATE: AUGUST 31, 2025
REVISION DATE:
ACCREDITATION: ALABAMA ASSOCIATION OF CHIEFS OF POLICE (AACOP)
APPROVAL: CHIEF
ANIMAL CONTROL
806.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines and procedures for interacting with animals and responding to calls for service that involve animals.
806.1.1 DEFINITIONS
ANIMAL - shall have its usual and customary meaning and shall include, without limitation, dogs, cats, fowl, livestock, and all mammals except humans.
ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER/ACO - The person(s) designated by the Chief of Police who shall be primarily responsible for the enforcement of city ordinances, state animal related law and animal control duties.
LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER / LEO- is a public-sector employee whose duties primarily involve the enforcement of laws, protecting life & property, keeping the peace, and other public safety related duties.
DOG - any domesticated canine, regardless of sex, age, or rabies vaccination status.
ENCLOSURE - the area where an animal is confined by fence, kennel, chained, or tethered. Kennels and fences need to be of adequate size for species and age, which provides adequate space for exercise and provides protection from the elements.
OWNER - Any individual who possesses ownership rights in an animal, harbors the animal, has it under their care, acts as its custodian, or allows the animal to remain on or about any premises owned or occupied by them for three consecutive days or more shall be considered the owner. The parent or guardian of an owner under eighteen (18) years of age shall also be deemed the owner. Additionally, anyone who exhibits custodial, supervisory authority, control, or otherwise takes care of an animal is included within this definition.
RUNNING AT LARGE - Unrestrained and not under the control of the owner or person-in-charge or person acting for the owner. Dogs, cats, puppies, or kittens shall always be kept on a leash while at or in any public places or facilities such as walking tracks, parks, public buildings, or streets, etc.
UNDER CONTROL - An animal secured by a pen / fenced-in area, a leash, rope, or chain sufficient strength to control the actions of such dog and not engaged in destructive activity.
806.2 POLICY
It is the policy of the 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.
806.3 ADMINISTRATION
The Chief of Police shall appoint personnel to the positions of Animal Control Officer.
All Animal Control shall report directly to the Chief of Police or his or her designee.
Animal Control Officers shall be provided with the necessary materials and safety equipment as required for the performance of their duties.
The Animal Control Officer shall assist the Chief of Police or his or her designee in budget preparation by submitting a request for all such permanent and expendable materials as required.
806.4 ANIMAL CONTROL RESPONSIBILITIES
Animal control services are generally the primary responsibility of Animal Control and include (Ala. Code § 13A-11-242): and city ordinances within city limits.
Animal-related matters during periods when Animal Control is available.
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. Follow-up on animal-related calls, such as locating owners of injured animals.
All Animal Control shall be responsible for completing daily/monthly report detailing calls and officer activity. This report shall be completed and submitted .
Animal Control Officers shall be responsible for requesting all supplies
Animal Control shall be familiar with the city ordinances and State of Alabama laws, pertaining to animals.
Animal Control shall call over the radio to the Communication Center on duty (10-41) at the beginning of their assigned shift and off duty (10-42) at the end of their assigned shift.
Law enforcement officers who respond to or assist animal control officers for calls of service should evaluate the situation to determine appropriate actions to control the situation. Due to the hazards of handling animals without proper training and equipment, responding LEOs generally should not attempt to capture or pick up any animal, but should keep the animal under observation until the arrival of appropriate assistance.
LEOs may consider acting before the arrival of such assistance when:
There is a threat to public safety.
An animal has bitten someone. LEOs should take measures to confine the animal and prevent further injury if possible.
An animal is creating a traffic hazard.
An animal is seriously injured.
The owner/handler of an animal has been arrested or is incapacitated. In such circumstances, the LEOs should attempt to find an appropriate placement for the animal.
1. This is only necessary when the arrestee is expected to be in custody for a 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, with the Animal Control Officers' approval.
Law Enforcement Officers that respond to animal control calls shall:
(a) Make contact with the complainant when possible. Try to ascertain, when possible, from the complainant who is the owner of the animal.
(b) Take a report from the complainant when possible.
(c) If an owner of the problem animal can be identified, the responding Officer will try to make contact with said owner.
Before any canine is taken into custody, the Animal Control Officer should be contacted and made aware of the details of the incident.
Animal Control shall be subject to after-hours callouts.
806.5 COMPLAINT FOLLOW-UPS
(a) Initial contact
Speak with the complainant and gather all pertinent information concerning the call.
Contact the complainant before leaving the area as to the status of the complaint.
If an animal is seized, leave a description of the animal picked up and request the owner's information in a notice left on the door of the owner's residence.
(b) Complainant unavailable
1.Patrol the area and make attempts to solve the problem. Return to the complainant's address and again attempt to make contact.
806.6 ANIMAL CONTROL VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT
The Police Department will retain vehicles for use by Animal Control. The primary usage of these vehicles will focus on and should be limited to animal control activities. Persons authorized to operate the animal control vehicles will, always comply with the department's regulations for the operation of vehicles under routine conditions.
Animal Control is responsible for all maintenance and upkeep of the animal control vehicle and all equipment stored in the vehicle to which they are assigned. The equipment which would typically be stored in the vehicles may include, but are not limited to:
Animal Traps and Transport Cages
Leashes and similar materials
Catchpole
PPE
Wildlife equipment
Pneu-Dart Projector (tranquilizer gun)
806.7 ENFORCEMENT OPTIONS
Animal Control and every Police Officer shall have the authority and discretion to enforce the City of Lineville Ordinances relating to animals by:
(a) Verbal discussions with the owner or person in possession or control of the animal, to resolve the dispute through informal means.
(b) Issuance of notification of the violation of a City Ordinance regulating animals or fowls. This notification may be left on the front door (if no one is present) or served in person by an officer.
(c) Report filed and summons Issued through the Lineville Municipal Court to the owner or person in possession or control of the animal.
(d) Impoundment of the animal.
806.8 ANIMAL CRUELTY COMPLAINTS
Laws relating to the cruelty to animals should be enforced, including but not limited to animal cruelty or dog fighting (City Ordinance: 6-7; Ala. Code § 13A-11-14; Ala. Code § 13A-11-243; Ala. Code § 3-1-29). Animal cruelty consists of many different forms.
An investigation should be conducted on all reports of animal cruelty. Animal Control should assist with the investigation of animal cruelty complaints, to confirm the complaint and determine the appropriate action to be taken.
All attempts should be made to work with the owner for the betterment of the animal's condition. The owner will be served with a written notice and have five days to remedy the condition of the animal. Legal steps should be taken to protect an animal that is in need of immediate care or protection from acts of cruelty.
Upon confirmation of animal cruelty, charges should be placed for incidents of mistreatment of animals. The owner will be advised of the charges being placed and issued the necessary citation for their appearance in court or arrest.
If the animal is seized, the owner can contest the seizure to the Animal Control Officer.
806.9 ANIMAL BITE REPORTS
ACOs investigating an animal bite should obtain as much information as possible for follow-up with the appropriate health or animal authorities. Efforts should be made to capture or otherwise have the animal placed under control and attempt to identify and notify the owner of the final disposition of the animal.
Animal bites are defined as instances when the victim's skin has been broken or penetrated by the teeth of an animal. The communications officer should obtain as much information as possible from the complainant, including, but not limited to:
(a) Complainant's name, address, and phone number. Circumstances that led to the complaint
(b) Location and description of the animal and/or owner, if known
Animal Control Officers who are dispatched to the complaint shall view the victim and determine whether an animal bite has, in fact, occurred. If so, sufficient information should be gathered to complete the Animal Bite Report. A patrol officer will be dispatched to the scene to complete a report.
Animal Control shall proceed as follows:
(a) If the owner of the animal is known, verify the animal's rabies vaccination record. If rabies vaccination cannot be verified, the health department will order the owner to confine the animal to a licensed veterinarians office for a (10) day quarantine or to be euthanized . If rabies vaccination is verified the health department will send a letter to the owner to home quarantine.
(b) If the owner is unknown, capture the animal and proceed with the animal's impoundment. If it is not possible to capture the animal, learn the area where the animal is frequently seen and monitor the area or deploy a trap until capture can be made or the property owner advises there is no longer a problem with the animal.
(c) Animal Control shall forward all information received concerning the animal's vaccination history to the victim at the earliest opportunity.
(d) When the victim is also the owner of the animal, they shall be instructed to quarantine the animal as described in this section.
(e) The victim shall be requested to seek medical treatment for the wound and to notify the Animal Control of the treatment received.
(f) If a wild animal caused the animal bite, the County Health Department shall be notified of the situation.
806.10 STRAY DOGS
If the dog has a license/tag or can otherwise be identified, the owner should be contacted, if possible. If the owner is contacted, the dog should be released to the owner and a citation may be issued, if appropriate. If a dog is taken into custody, it shall be transported to the appropriate shelter/holding pen.
806.10.1 ANIMALS RUNNING AT LARGE
Any animal observed running at large may be impounded and confined at the Police Department canine holding pens or a designated animal care facility.
If the animal has the name and address of the owner, or if such name and address are known, animal control personnel will contact the owner to advise them of the procedures for the release of the animal.
SPECIAL NOTE: If cattle and/or horses are running at large, notification to the owner shall be made. If the owner is unknown, appropriate measures should be taken to secure the animal(s) and monitor it, when possible, until the owner is identified.
806.11 DANGEROUS ANIMALS
In the event responding officers cannot fulfill a request for service because an animal is difficult or dangerous to handle, a supervisor will be contacted to determine available resources, including requesting the assistance of animal control services from an allied agency.
Dangerous Animals (City Ordinance: Article 4)
Complaints of vicious animals, especially running at large, need immediate attention and should be dispatched immediately.
When responding to a complaint of a vicious animal, the appropriate actions should be taken as soon as possible, to diminish the chance of injury to anyone. This may require but is not limited to:
(a) Verify that the animal is vicious. Identify who was attacked, where, when, and what injuries were received. Advise the victim to seek appropriate medical treatment, if necessary.
(b) If the situation is such that a citizen is being attacked or an officer is being attacked, destruction of the animal may be necessary. The safety of all parties involved must be of paramount consideration. Time permitting, appropriate approval should be obtained, as this is a last resort.
(c) The owner or custodian of the animal should be determined and instructed to restrain the animal. An appropriate citation (City or State) should be issued to the owner or custodian.
Suspected Rabid Animals (City Ordinance: 6-96)
Complaints of suspected rabid animals should be given immediate attention and should be immediately dispatched. The owner or custodian should be identified, and the vaccination status determined. The owner or custodian must be able to display a vaccination certificate, or the animal will be handled as though it has not been vaccinated.
Before an animal suspected of having rabies is handled, animal control personnel shall take the appropriate steps to protect against a possible bite from the animal (i.e., gloves, etc., will be worn).
In cases of suspected rabies where vaccination cannot be confirmed, (i.e., owner not sure or owner cannot be located), the animal shall be impounded and confined at a designated animal care facility. The animal will be placed in an empty cage at a designated animal care facility. The cage and the committal form will be marked in bold letters that there are "SUSPECTED RABIES."
Animal Control Officers shall notify the supervisor anytime the destruction of such an animal may be deemed necessary. Animal Control shall ensure that destruction is accomplished in the least public manner possible and as humanely as possible, ensuring that the head of the animal is not damaged and is preserved for analysis to confirm rabies. Animal Control shall then forward the head of the animal to the County Health Department for analysis.
806.11.1 EMILY'S LAW
Animal Control Officers and/or Law Enforcement Officers receiving a sworn statement regarding a dangerous dog should conduct an investigation and impound any dangerous animal pursuant to the requirements of Emily’s Law (Ala. Code § 3-6A-1 et seq.). In cases where a dog has caused serious physical injury or death, an officer shall conduct the investigation (Ala. Code § 3-6A-1 et seq.).
806.12 PUBLIC NUISANCE CALLS RELATING TO ANIMALS
Complaint calls concerning animal nuisance activities should be questioned regarding the owner's identity, the address at which the animal is kept, and a detailed description of the animal.
Animal control personnel responding to such nuisance complaints will determine if the complaint is justified and will attempt to identify the animal's owner. The owner will then be given a written notice which orders the owner to abate the nuisance within five days.
Animal control personnel shall issue a citation if additional complaints are received on the same dog for the same nuisance. Previous and/or current complainants may be summoned as witnesses.
If the owner cannot be identified and the animal can be captured, or if it is an aggravated or repetitive case, animal control personnel may elect to impound the dog and confine it in the Police Department shelter. The Animal Control Supervisor shall be notified immediately.
Barking / Howling Dogs (City Ordinance: 2-14)
Individuals who are bothered by loud barking, yelping, howling, growling, or other noise from dogs can file a report if these actions persist for more than ten minutes. Upon investigation, a summons may be issued. In cases where Animal Control or a Police Officer witnesses the disturbance, the owner of the dog may receive a citation. If a judge determines it necessary, the dog may also be impounded.
806.13 DECEASED ANIMALS
If you encounter a deceased animal, it is crucial that you take the time to check for any signs of potential criminal involvement. If the animal is discovered on a public right of way, the city's contracted Sanitation Company will be tasked with removing it. However, if the animal is located on privately-owned property, it is the responsibility of the property owner to handle its removal. Refrain from attempting to climb onto or under any privately-owned structures, as such actions could potentially result in harm to both you and the property in question.
806.14 INJURED/SICK ANIMALS
When an ACO/LEO becomes aware of an injured or sick 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 Control Officer shall transport the animal to a designated animal care facility.
806.14.1 VETERINARY CARE
When the owner or responsible handler of a domesticated animal cannot be located or is unavailable to provide care, or when the domesticated animal has been used in fighting and the domesticated animal is not an immediate danger to the community, it shall be taken to a veterinarian, humane society, or other animal welfare agency handling stray animals for care as may be reasonably necessary (Ala. Code § 13A-11-243; Ala. Code § 3-1-29).
806.15 DESTRUCTION OF ANIMALS
When it is necessary to use a firearm to euthanize a gravely injured animal or stop an animal that poses an imminent threat to human safety, the Firearms Policy shall be followed. An injured animal shall only be euthanized with the approval of shift Supervisor if urgent. The Animal Control Officer(s)shall ensure that destruction is accomplished in the least public manner possible and as humanely as possible.
806.16 TRANSPORTING UNWANTED ANIMALS
If an individual is in the position of needing to surrender an animal and they require the aid of Animal Control for transportation, the communications officer on duty will provide them with information regarding the earliest available time for transport. Additionally, any calls related to this matter will be directed to Animal Control for further support.
It is of utmost importance to ensure that the rightful owner of an animal is verified before transportation to an animal care facility is initiated. This essential step ensures that the animal is in the hands of its rightful owner and not being unlawfully transported. Moreover, the owner must sign a release form in person, as this serves as legal documentation that the animal is being transferred with the owner's consent.
The Animal Control Officer shall be contacted before taking the animal, to assure shelter facilities are accepting "owner surrenders" from our department.
806.17 ANIMAL TRAPS
Capturing stray or unruly animals is often done using live animal traps. These traps provide a humane method of confinement until the animal can be taken to an animal care facility. Baited traps are often the most effective way to catch stray dogs or any other animals that are causing issues within the community.
(a) Appropriate usage:
When it is not possible to catch the animal manually or using tools like ropes or catch poles, due to the openness of the area, such as fields or unfenced yards, capturing the animal is not feasible
(b) Initial Contact:
1. The property owner will be notified of trap placement and advised to keep their pets up.
2. Please note that the trap provided is designed for live animals and will be monitored by Animal Control. The decision to remove the trap will be at the discretion of the Animal Control.
(c) Animal Trapped:
1. In the event of an animal being trapped on their property, property owners should reach out to the Police Department Communications Center. It is also acceptable to notify Animal Control through email or other agreed-upon forms of communication. In the event of an animal being trapped after business hours, it is the responsibility of the property owner to contact the Police Department Communications Center. If the animal caught is not the intended target, the owner is allowed to release it.
2. Animal Control Officer is required to notify central dispatch of the number of traps left at an address that requested traps to be set.
(d) Follow-Up:
1. It is important for Animal Control to conduct daily checks on all animal trap locations.
(e) Setting Live Animal Trap:
1. Set the trap on the property of the person who has requested the live trap.
(f) Animal Removal:
1. If the targeted animal has been successfully trapped, it should be transported to an animal care facility.
(g) Trap Removal:
1. To have the trap removed, the property owner will arrange a suitable schedule with Animal Control. Animal Control will then make sure that the trap is devoid of any debris, such as old food, cans, leaves, or trash. Animal Control will also check if any repairs are needed and record the removal of the trap on the trap location log book.
806.19 WILD ANIMALS
If Animal Control faces any difficulties in capturing a wild animal, the Clay County 911 Center will immediately inform the designated wildlife officer or agency. In case of a successful capture, the animal will be transported and released, in accordance with State and local laws, back into its natural habitat without any delay. Per state law fur-bearing animals shall be humanly euthanized, excluding opossums. This ensures the safety of both the animal and the community.
806.20 PRIORITIZATION OF CALLS
Every day, Animal Control receives a diverse range of calls, each with its own unique level of urgency. Prioritizing these calls is crucial and must be done based on the specific circumstances. The severity of the situation will determine the level of priority, which can change from one call to the next. The community's well-being and safety is the primary consideration. To ensure calls are dealt with in the correct order, it is essential to gather precise and comprehensive information from the person reporting the issue.
(a) Emergency Calls
1. Loose bite animals
Loose vicious/dangerously behaving animals
Sick/injured animals
Suspected rabid animals
(b) Priority Calls
1. Potentially dangerous situation (i.e., stray in the schoolyard, public function, etc.)
2. Penned or trapped animals
3. Cruelty calls (based upon the type of complaint)
(c) Non-Emergency Calls
Loose animal complaint
Barking/Howling complaint
Wild animals (based upon animal activity at the time of complaint)
(d) Non-Emergency call routing
Non-emergency messages should be sent to AC@LincolAL.org
NOTE: Email should be monitored by the Animal Control Officer(s) and the Supervisor.
806.21 TRAINING
To effectively carry out their duties, Animal Control Officers are required to possess a thorough understanding of the city ordinances and the laws of the State of Alabama regarding animals.
(a) City of Lineville Animal Control Ordinances 2010-16
Sec. 2-10 Running at large prohibited; effective restraint and confinement of animals
2. Sec. 2 -13. Care of Animals
3. Article 3 section 1 - 6. Protection of Animals
(b) State of Alabama Canine laws
These policies and operating procedures are not designed to cover every possible scenario or situation in society, but rather to define standard operating procedures for members of the Police Department. These guidelines are subject to past, present and future judicial review. These guidelines can be amended and or repealed by the Chief of Police as necessary. The policies and procedures herein provided supersede all previous policies and orders.