City issues press release on animal control issue

The City Council adopted animal control ordinances most recently in 1998 to assist in stray animal population control, state rabies regulations and dangerous dog sections of State law. The Center Police Department is responsible for enforcing those ordinances and responding to animal complaints including nuisances and dangerous animal situations.

Due to the exhibited and unacceptable conditions of the holding facility Tuesday via social media, the Center Police Department was directed Tuesday evening by the City to suspend activities for animal control capture or impoundment until the situation was resolved and adjustment to procedures for alternative approaches to enforcement can be presented and reviewed. The Center Police Department participated with investigation of conditions from holding of stray and abandoned animals and initiated action to address animals on site. The facility is on City property, not operated by the City but has been allowed to be utilized as a temporary holding facility by individuals providing contract services as a vendor for animal control activities. Subsequently, the contracted vendors providing services were charged for the conditions at the site. The animals that remained at the holding facility were either rehomed or have been scheduled to be sheltered. The site will be vacant and unavailable for any use. Actions were taken to address the unacceptable conditions while initiating administrative review of this situation and related operations. This matter remains under continued investigation.

The Center Police Department will not be responding to any abandoned or stray animal complaints during this period but will respond to emergency situations. State and local laws will be reviewed or amended by City Council as appropriate and a thorough examination of alternative approaches to enforcement of those revised statutes will be evaluated including anticipated partnerships with potential or existing animal shelter operations.