Posted
For Immediate Release: Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Animal Services Celebrates First-Ever National Animal Control Appreciation Week
Recognition week is April 12 – 18, 2009
Hillsboro, Oregon -- Forget the Walt Disney images of the evil dog catcher. The reality is that animal control officers save the lives of dogs, cats and other creatures – and make their communities a safer place for people and animals. Washington County Animal Services is proud to participate in the first-ever National Animal Control Appreciation Week from April 12—18, 2009. This promotion, sponsored by National Animal Control Association (NACA), brings awareness to the service that men and women provide in keeping residents and animals safe.
"We're honored to be recognized for our profession and the work we do in the community," says Animal Control Officer Jeannette Nachbar. According to NACA, animal control officers face more one-on-one contact with the public than any other public safety employee. On any given day, a Washington County animal control officer might investigate animal neglect or apprehend a roaming and dangerous dog in a neighborhood. Last year in Washington County, animal control officers responded to 8,500 service calls, including 360 dog bite and 330 animal neglect investigations. They also responded to over 900 barking dog complaints and 670 requests to locate and transport dangerous dogs to the Bonnie L. Hays Small Animal Shelter. Officers also rescue stray dogs and transport injured dogs and cats to veterinarians for emergency care.
"We have six animal control officers who serve our county's human population of 515,000 and an estimated dog and cat population of over 230,000," says Animal Services Manager Deborah Wood. "Their job at times can be overwhelming. We welcome you to stop by and join me in thanking the animal control officers for their life-saving work of the animals," adds Wood.
For more information on this recognition week, call Washington County Animal Services at 503-846-7041.
Washington County & Bonnie L. Hays Small Animal Shelter provides care and protection for over 7,000 homeless, unwanted, abandoned and abused or neglected dogs and cats each year. We serve an estimated 110,000 dogs and 120,000 cats and their owners in Washington County, an area that encompasses 727 square miles and a human population of about 505,000. Adoption, lost and found, emergency veterinary rescue services, cruelty investigations, humane and safety education, and pet identification are just a few of our services. All donations are tax deductible.