The week of April 14-18 is designated as Animal Care and Control Officer Appreciation Week. The dedicated staff of the City of Douglas Animal Control play a vital role in the community by enforcing animal control laws, protecting the public from diseases such as rabies, rescuing vulnerable animals that have suffered from abuse and neglect, and educating the community about responsible pet and animal care.
The Animal Control Division of the Community Development Department plays an essential role in our community by educating the public about animal control ordinances. This includes promoting the proper care of pets, enforcing Douglas’ Animal Control Ordinances, and protecting citizens from diseases such as rabies. Animal Control officers have the authority to impose penalties on pet owners who violate these ordinances and can confiscate animals from owners who do not meet the standards for care and shelter. Additionally, the division is responsible for removing domesticated animals within city limits.
“Taking care of animals for public safety requires compassion, and we are grateful to Tim Gay, our Animal Control Officer, for his service.,” says Georgia Henderson, Community Development Director. “Tim goes above and beyond by investigating issues and working with local agencies to address concerns about neglected and abandoned animals. The City of Douglas values Tim’s hard work and dedication to meeting the needs of these animals, and we appreciate the long hours he dedicates each week.”
Tim undergoes over 40 hours of training each year in Animal Cruelty Investigation and recently became a new board member with the Georgia Animal Control Association. Last year, Animal Control responded to 1,272 calls, including rescuing 378 puppies/dogs and 383 kittens/cats, removing 272 dead animals, and attending to 239 miscellaneous calls.