Etowah County Animal Control

 

 

Etowah County ’s legal responsibly regarding animal control consists of the following items in the unincorporated areas of Etowah County and all town or municipalities less than 5,000 in population:

 

1.         The provision of a facility for the impoundment of animals found running at large without proof of rabies vaccinations and the providing of an impound officer.

 

An “at large” animal means an animal not on the owner’s property and not under the direct control of its owner.

 

The County would like for all citizens to call the County’s Animal Control Officer concerning stray animals.  Citizens should not attempt to capture or collect these animals themselves.  The Animal Control Officer is trained and equipped to safely capture and transport all animals, and citizens should not expose themselves to potential risk. 

 

 

Once captured, the animals will be transported to the Calhoun County facility where they will be under the control of Etowah County ’s Impound Officer for seven days.  The animal will NOT be available for adoption nor will it be euthanized during that seven-day period.

 

All attempts will be made to identify and notify owners of impounded animals.  Etowah County will post pictures of impounded animals on their web site within that seven-day period. That web site address is www.etowahcounty.org

 

2.         Missing Animals:  Should citizens need to inquire about missing animals, call the Animal Control Officer to inquire about your animal.  There is no need to travel to the Calhoun County facility, as our Animal Control Officer has full access to all impounded animals. Should your animal have been impounded, we will make the necessary arrangement to reunite you with your animal after payment of all legal costs. 

 

3.         Animal Cruelty: The Etowah County ’s Animal Control Officer has no legal authority regarding animal cruelty.  We will investigate and should it be necessary, we will report cases to the proper law enforcement personnel for further action.

 

4.         Wild Animals/Wildlife/Varmints:   Etowah County has no legal jurisdiction over wild animals, wildlife or varmints.  Again, we will be glad to assist the citizens in directing them to the proper authorities. 

 

5.         Animal Bites:  The Animal Control Officer will investigate potential animal bites. Please note that ALL bites should be reported to the Etowah County Health Department.  By law, an animal bite is not considered a confirmed bite until it is certified by a physician.  If the suspected animal is found running at large without proof of current rabies vaccination, whether it is owned or not, it will be impounded.  If the animal bite is confirmed by a physician and the owner is not known, the impounded animal will be quarantined at the Calhoun County facility.   Should the owner be known, then it will be the owner’s responsibility to make quarantine arrangements under the provisions of the law.  

 

6.         Owner-surrendered Animals.  Although Etowah County has no legal responsibility for owner-surrendered animals, we will gladly assist the County’s residents with their animals.  Please contact the Animal Control Officer with your needs.

 

7.         Adoption:  Etowah County will strive to make all eligible animals available for adoption.  The Calhoun County facility has an exceptional adoption ratio and we will be assisting them in making animals available for adoption in Etowah County through several venues.

 

Animal Control Officer:

Telephone Numbers:

Toll free – 1-866-588-6820

Direct Number 549-8146