Agenda - Council - 12/14/2021 - Laserfiche WebLink

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LAW ENFORCEMENT REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE — North Metro Animal Care and Control will continue to respond to assist law enforcement on a 24/7 on call basis, when requested by an officer and when needed to help with a public safety issue or to accomplish a law enforcement objective. Police, Sheriff's Deputies and Community Service Officers and/or Reserve Officers and Deputies shall have 24/7 access and may continue to transport animals to our facility in accordance with established procedures. Or, in the alternative, Law Enforcement Officers may request North Metro Animal Care and Control personnel to meet them at a designated location to take custody of an animal. STRAY CATS —North Metro Animal Care and Control's contracts specify that it will pick up and hold companion animals found to be in violation of Minnesota State Statutes or Local Ordinances. There is no Minnesota State Statute that regulates or prohibits cats from being at large or requiring them to be licensed. Theref ore, a local ordinance must exist in order to grant legal authority to impound a stray house or outdoor access cat. North Metro Animal Care and Control will accept cats under the following circumstances: • Cat is of the domesticated variety and NOT FERAL. • Cat is in violation of a local ordinance which specifically prohibits cats being allowed to roam outside and off the owner(s) property. AND/OR • The Cat is declawed, ill, injured, or otherwise unable to defend itself and return home on its own. • Weather conditions pose a risk to the health and safety of the Cat that it must be sheltered for its survival. • A cat has bitten someone or poses a threat to the public safety. Impounded Cats will be held for the same period as for impounded dogs to allow owner(s)to claim them. In communities without a stray cat ordinance, if the finder is willing and able, they would be best advised to post signs in the immediate area where the cat was found, post on local social media and talk with neighbors in the area to find where the cat belongs and return it home. If the cat requires veterinary care, or the finder cannot locate an owner, they will need to make arrangements with the Animal Humane Society or their local open access animal shelter to admit the cat. In some cases, there may be a significant waiting period to have the cat admitted to the shelter. If the finder cannot care for the cat, and it is able to fend for itself it may be best to release the cat where it was found and allow it to find its way home.