Animal Control Officer

About the role

At the direction of the Operations Lieutenant, enforce County and State animal ordinances and cruelty laws pertaining to licensing and dog control in the protection of County citizens and their property and ensures the humane treatment of animals.

Responsibilities

• Conducts investigations of dangerous dogs and/or exotic hybrid complaints in accordance with Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) Chapter 609 and Klamath County Code (KCC) 403; assesses animal temperament; makes recommendations to the Court on the issue of declaring the animal dangerous; and testifies in Court as an expert witness
• Investigates cruelty, abuse, or neglect complaints pertaining to dogs; interviews witnesses and suspects; gathers evidence and may seize or impound the animal
• Receives calls requesting assistance or investigation of violations and patrols the County looking for violations, dogs running loose, unlicensed dogs; dogs destroying livestock; initiates investigations; makes referrals to local law enforcement, or issues citations to violators as appropriate
• Represents the Animal Control program to the public, civic and educational groups interested in dog care, bite prevention, safety and other related topics
• May assist law enforcement officers in situations involving animals; provides instruction in animal control techniques, apprehension and control of dangerous animals and accidents involving animals; arranges transport of injured animals to appropriate treatment facilities
• Maintains program equipment and supplies such as vehicles, radios and catch poles. Ensures the operability of all equipment and maintains supplies in sufficient quantity within department standards
• Maintains activity logs of citations issued and dogs transported calls received in current records management system