Animal Control Technician
The Salt River Police Department’s Animal Control Technician provides an essential service and has a vital role in the Community and the job can be both challenging and rewarding due to the many circumstances that People come into contact with our animals. The Animal Control Technician has the responsibility of Enforcing Animal Control Ordinances and regularly seeks out loose dogs, or aggressive/stray animals as well as investigates reports of complaints from the public and other agencies regarding nuisance, strays, and uncontrolled, dangerous or diseased animals. As many know, sometimes loose, stray and other animals may carry disease, illness or may be injured, therefore the care, humane control and regulation of animals is an important value as well as for the health, safety and welfare of the Community.
On a routine day, our Animal Control Technician apprehends, traps and transports domestic, farm, exotic and wild animals that are stray, injured and diseased to specialized facilities when necessary or the Maricopa County Animal Care and Control (MCACC) facility for medical care, housing and disposition. Animals that are healthy and not taken in by the Maricopa County Animal Care and Control (MCACC) facility or other specialized facilities may be relocated out of the populated areas and safely released into a more suitable environment. Our SRPD and Animal Control Technician utilize humane and safe methods to capture, contain, control and transport animals, including a new truck with customized transport compartments each that are environmentally controlled for the humane and safe transport of animals all consistent with guidelines and training found in American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), Arizona Humane Society (AHS) and the National Animal Care And Control Association (NACA).
DOMESTICATED DOGS & CATS
The Animal Control Technician particularly stays busy dealing with Domesticated Dogs and Cats and the owners of these types of animals.
Some of these activities include:
- Removing dead animals (domestic and small wild) from roadways and properly disposes of the remains.
- Investigating animal cruelty, animal bites and neglect charges and performs related duties to promote compliance with animal treatment ordinances and regulations. Inspects premises where animals are kept to ensure that animals’ food, water, sanitation and housing are adequate. Removes animals from inhumane conditions and transports animals to shelters for treatment and care.
- Provides verbal warnings to animal owners and animal handlers who have violated ordinances and regulations related to animal control. Prepares and submits investigative reports and daily activity reports. Collects evidence including photographs on animal-related cases and appears in court when required.
- Ensures the humane euthanasia of animals that are high-risk, rabid, critically injured, or sick animals in the field using approved methods.
- Explains the laws and regulations to the public in relation to the care and control of animals. Conducts presentations or training on animal control issues and behavior within the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community as necessary.
WHERE IS MY DOG OR CAT?
If you suspect your domesticated animal may have been removed from the Salt River Indian Community by the SRPD Animal Control Technician or a Salt River Police Ranger, you may be able to locate your pet at the Maricopa County Animal Care and Control (MCACC) facility located at 2630 W. Rio Salado Pkwy, Mesa, AZ, phone (602) 506-7387 or visit their website Maricopa Animal Care and Control for additional Information on a lost pet, found pet.
The Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC) is contracted with the Maricopa County Animal Care and Control (MCACC) facility for all Dogs and Cats that are transported to their facility for care, housing and handling. The SRPMIC does not have an animal holding facility within the Community.
COMMONLY USE ORDINANCES
We often receive questions on Animal Control Ordinances and regulations; below are some of the more common ordinances used on a daily basis to address stray or vicious animals; click the link below to be directed to the SRPMIC’s Code of Ordinances Chapter-12 Animals and Fowl to review all sections.
Sec. 12-9. Restricting roaming animals.
(a) It is prohibited for any person owning or having charge of domestic animals who permits them to run at large in any locality or within the boundaries of the Community.
(b) Any person who violates this section shall be subject to a fine not to exceed $150.00 per violation, with costs. This violation is Civil in nature and is handled by the community Consulate Generals Office.
Sec. 12-44. Dogs to wear collar with tag.
Any dog over four months of age running at large shall wear a collar or harness to which is attached a valid vaccination tag. Vaccinations can be obtained from Community Health and Human Services by members living in the community at no charge.
Sec. 12-54. Control of behavior of vicious dogs.
(b) Definition. The term “vicious dog” means a dog that:
(1) Has attacked or bitten a person.
(2) Has killed or mauled another dog or cat.
(c) Vicious dogs not permitted at large. A vicious dog shall not be permitted at large. Vicious dogs shall be confined within an enclosure on the owner’s property, or secured so that the dog is confined entirely to the owner’s property, or on a leash not to exceed six feet in length and directly under the owner’s control when not on the owner’s property. This violation is handled by the Tribal Prosecutors office if the violator is Native American.
ANIMAL CONTROL TECHNICIAN’S TRAINING
Recently; the Salt River Police Department’s Animal Control Technician Received an Animal Control CERTIFICATION.
From June 19th through June 23rd, 2017, our very own Animal Control Technician, Ms. Traveleah Chavez attended and successfully completed the Basic Animal Control Certification Training School that was hosted by Nationally Accredited Animal Control Training Services (ACT) that was held in Marana, AZ. This course consisted of 40 hours of instruction that covered a variety of materials to include: Federal, State and Local Laws, humane and safe care, capture and restraint of animals, handling of aggressive and dangerous dogs, Animal Control Officer safety, interpersonal communication, report writing, Courtroom testimony, animal control investigations, evidence collection and use of equipment. Successful completion required mandatory attendance during all the training and a minimum passing score of 80% on a written examination to receive Certification as an Animal Control Officer (ACO).
REQUESTING THE ANIMAL CONTROL TECHNICIAN TO RESPOND TO AN ANIMAL ISSUE
The Animal Control Technician currently is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
For Service: Call the Salt River Police Department Dispatch Center at 480-850-9230 (Non-Emergency line)
Please provide your name, address, location of concern and any other pertinent information to the Dispatcher at this time. The service call will then be dispatched out to the Animal Control Technician or Rangers to respond.
If it is an Emergency, call 911 (in progress animal attack, medical attention needed or similar)
General inquires may be directed to the Salt River Police Department 480-850-8200