The Animal Control Unit of the Weld County Sheriff’s Office now employs five full-time officers. Monday through Thursday we have three officers on duty between the hours of 6am and 10pm. Friday through Sunday we have two officers on duty, covering the same hours. There is not an Animal Control Officer on duty on Major holidays. In 2006, our two vehicles were driven between 45,000 - 53,000 miles. For 2007, we have added a third vehicle.
In 2006, our officers responded to and handled approx. 2,931 calls for service, in 2005 that number was approx. 2,767. In addition to the calls for service we get from our dispatchers, we also handle 10 – 15 phone calls from the public per day. As the human population of our county increases, so does the animal population, which causes an increase in animal related problems and concerns. Recently, our unit has gained a valuable tool in helping to locate the owners of lost and stray animals. We currently have two microchip scanners, and are looking to get a third. This will allow for a scanner to be present in each vehicle.
Our officers handle animal related complaints for the county. The ACO unit deals ONLY with calls in the unincorporated parts of the county. If you live inside the city limits of your town, you should contact your local police department or your town hall for these problems. As a general rule, if your city or town has a mayor, then our ACO does not handle calls in your town.
COMMON ACO CALLS INCLUDE:
- Dog-at-Large
- Contained Animal
- Animal Bites
- Animal Welfare Checks
- General Animal Complaints - (A wide variety of calls fall under this area)
The members of the ACO Unit receive training throughout the year on topics such as Animal Cruelty/Neglect, Animal Fighting, Meth Lab Recognition, Animal Handling, Chemical Immobilization, and several other topics. We also play host and organize a local "academy" for officers from smaller communities to receive training. Twice a year, with help from the MaxFund (http://www.maxfund.org ) we have been able to hold a low cost vaccination and spay/neuter clinic for our residents in the communities of Aristocrat Acres, Galeton/Gill/Camfield, and River Valley Village/Longview Estates.
