• Enforcing all city ordinances and state and federal laws governing animals
• Apprehending and/or investigating animal complaints
• Protecting citizens from dangerous or nuisance animals
• Investigating complaints of animal cruelty

Under the direction of the supervisor, the Animal Control Division ensures that the shelter is properly maintained and sanitary, and that food, water, and medications are provided for all animals housed within the shelter. Furthermore, the shelter manager will determine at which facility any sick or injured animal will be treated.

Currently, the Animal Control Division employs two, full-time officers who are responsible for apprehending or investigating animals that are dangerous or a nuisance to the citizens of Stillwater. Furthermore, these two officers investigate complaints of animal bites or inhumane treatment of animals.

Operations

The animal shelter is open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (CST). Should you have an emergency after hours, or on weekends/holidays, please contact the Stillwater Police Department directly at (405) 372-4171.

SPD’s Animal Control staff prepares reports on all captured animals that are brought to the shelter, including the reason for impoundment. An important point to note is that SPD’s Animal Control officers use only humane apprehension methods. Furthermore, citizens can rest assured that every reasonable attempt will be made to attempt to locate the owners of impounded animals. Upon their identification, animal owners will be notified of the violation, and the procedures to be taken for redeeming the animal.

In situations where animals have been abandoned or surrendered by their owners, or where no known owner exists or has been located, animals in good health may be adopted by Animal Control. After the prescribed impoundment time has elapsed, and provided that there is room, they may then perform an agency transfer and move an impounded animal over to the Humane Society.

Many times, Animal Control officers come into contact with wildlife that has managed to come within the city limits, causing potential danger or harm to either the animal itself or to general population. Therefore, Animal Control’s staff also works closely with local Game Rangers, the Payne County Agriculture Dept., the State Wildlife Dept., and the State Agricultural Dept. to ensure the safe handling and return of such animals to the wild.

Training

Upon their employment, SPD’s Animal Control staff receives 80 hours of training at an accredited Animal Control Academy. Some of the many topics covered during this two-week school include:

• Officer’s Ethics
• Constitutional Rights
• Report Writing
• Investigative Techniques
• Animal Restraint/Apprehension Tactics
• Small and Large Animal Behavior
• Zoonosis (animal-to-human disease transmission)
• Officer Safety Issues/Self Defense Tactics

Furthermore, Animal Control’s staff receives year-round, continuing education on numerous topics to ensure that the staff remains current on the most up-to-date information. Some of the topics covered during these training sessions include information regarding rabies, laws/ordinances, equipment use, and investigative techniques.