June 2, 2010
An Open Letter to the Community from the LAPD Animal Control Division...
After recent mailing of an informational brochure sent to residents, some members of the public have contacted us to relay concerns that the police department has changed the way it intends to enforce nuisance animal complaints. The brochure was mailed out in May in order to address the 300-500 barking dog complaints that the police department handles each year.
We would like to take this opportunity to clarify our position and the information contained in the brochure. We have not changed any policies regarding the nuisance animal ordinance, and we will continue to enforce the nuisance animal ordinance reasonably and fairly as we have always done in the past. The process we use to enforce the ordinance is as follows:
When an animal control officer receives a complaint of a barking dog that is creating a nuisance, they will respond and try to determine why the dog is barking and how long the dog has been barking. The officer will then attempt to make contact with the dog owner to advise them of the disturbance and see what steps can be taken to alleviate the problem.
Animal control officers are aware that dogs bark occasionally in the natural course of the day, and it would be unreasonable to enforce or promote a “no bark policy.” It is not the intention of the animal shelter staff to create an impression that dogs are never allowed to bark. The occasional bark from a dog will not result in enforcement action.
However , frequent or incessant barking does create a nuisance for other neighborhood residents. If the officer determines that the noise is EXCESSIVE and is indeed creating a neighborhood nuisance, he/she will issue a warning notice to the animal owner. If the owner demonstrates to us that he/she has taken reasonable steps to alleviate the problem, they will be allowed a second warning notice. Examples of “reasonable steps” might include: keeping the dog inside when owners are away, having the dog stay with a friend when owners are on vacation, or purchasing a no-bark collar. Most situations are resolved upon issuance of a second warning. In the few cases that are not resolved, if subsequent complaints are received by animal control officers and follow up visits determine that the dog continues its excessive barking, the owner will receive a citation to appear in Municipal Court. It is important to note that, although we receive several hundred barking dog complaints each year, the actual number of citations we issue are less than a dozen per year. Most dog owners desire to be good neighbors, and may not even be aware that their dog is barking when they are away from home. Once concerns are brought to their attention, they will voluntarily address the issue and resolve it without any need for further police enforcement or citations.
During the summer months, residents like to spend more time in their back yards, as well as wanting to enjoy the cool breeze during the evening hours by having the windows open to their homes. Our goal is to try and promote an enjoyable summer environment for the entire community by ensuring that dogs are not disturbing the peace, and by trying to alert dog owners to take proactive steps that will prevent their pets from being a neighborhood nuisance.
If you have any questions regarding nuisance animals, the approach outlined here, or the language of the ordinance, please contact the Los Alamos Animal Control Staff at 662-8179 or 662-8222. We would be happy to visit with you about the ordinance and our approach to resolving animal noise concerns.
Sincerely,
P.S.A. Sgt. Charles Lujan
The Role of the Animal Control Division
The Animal Control division is responsible for providing animal control services in the County. This includes enforcement of state and local laws and ordinances regarding animal welfare, impounding stray domestic animals (dogs and cats), and animal shelter operations - which consists of animal intake and release, animal care, volunteer programs and adoption of animals.
Public Safety Aides (PSA's) are available to visit with citizens about animal control issues seven days a week:
7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Friday
7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday
Call the main police station number at 662-8222.
Contact Numbers
Los Alamos County Animal Control deals only with domestic animals. We are also available to assist you with other animal issues and concerns. The following is an abbreviated list of surrounding agencies that we frequently call upon:
- Santa Fe County Animal Control – 424-2050
- Santa Fe Animal Shelter – 983-4309
- Santa Fe Emergency Vet – 984-0625
- Espanola Animal Control – 753-4630
- Espanola Animal Shelter – 753-8662
- NM State Game and Fish – 827-7899
- Espanola Wildlife Center – 753-9505
Please contact us at 662-8179 if you would like information that is not provided here.
The Animal Shelter: Hours of Operation
Monday through Friday, 10 am to 1 pm and 4:30 pm to 6 pm.
PSA on duty subject to respond to calls.
Saturday & Sunday, 10 am to 1 pm.
Other times by appt: call 662-8222 or 662-8179.
Shelter Fees
The owners of animals we pick up roaming are charged a capture fee plus a boarding fee.
Pick-up fees:
- 1st offense - $10
- Boarding fees: $5 per day
All fees are per animal, and do not include other assessments imposed by the courts.
- Adoption fee: $35
- Sterilized animal $60 for an animal sterilized by the Los Alamos County
Cash, or check payable to Los Alamos County accepted.
Animals given to the shelter are available for adoption immediately. Please provide veterinary information when possible. Animals are accepted from within Los Alamos County only.
Animals found roaming become eligible for adoption if their owners haven't claimed them after 10 days.
The Animal Shelter staff works with a local organization, The Friends of the Shelter, to care for animals that are eligible for adoption. The County has a very high animal adoption rate -- good news for the stray or roaming animals picked up in our County!
Volunteer Opportunities
The Los Alamos County Animal Shelter has an extensive volunteer program. The volunteers walk dogs, socialize cats, groom and bathe animals, and foster animals that have been at the shelter for too long a period of time. Volunteer times are Monday or Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings.