Animal control officers in Louisiana work with pets, livestock, exotics and wildlife.
The responsibilities and duties of animal control officers working in the state of Louisiana vary slightly, based on the specific rules and regulations in the parishes (counties) or cities that employ them. In general, animal control officers in Louisiana may be called upon to work with pets, wildlife, exotic animals and livestock.
Duties and Responsibilities
Animal control officers must understand and enforce animal laws.
The job of the animal control officer is to uphold the statutes, regulations and ordinances of the area applying to the treatment of animals. In Slidell, Louisiana, for example, the officer investigates animal cruelty cases, issues citations, inspects kennels, pet shops and other animal facilities and responds to and processes bite reports and vicious-animal calls.
Animal control officers also play a role in educating the public on animal care and assist in the placement of stray and owner-relinquished animals. The local police department may seek the assistance of an animal control officer if a warrant or case includes an animal or population of animals. The officer also enforces animal licensing and vaccination requirements.
Animal Skills
Animal control officers must understand safe and humane handling methods.
Animal control officers need to be able to capture and transfer stray animals, trap and transfer nuisance wildlife, and provide immediate care if necessary to animals in distress. They may also be called upon to assist in humane handling of sheltered or rescued animals. Considering the location and indigenous animal population of the state, knowing handle a wide variety of animal species is a preferred skill.
Scope of Knowledge
Continuing education seminars are available from LACA.
The Louisiana Animal Control Association (LACA) offers to its members regular seminars and educational opportunities. Some of the subjects that have been addressed include the skills necessary for chemical capture, in-field euthanasia, nuisance wildlife trapping and dog-fighting investigations.
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