Animal Control Questions & Answers

Does Pike County have an Animal Control department?

No, not at this time. During the Pike County Board of Commissioners regular monthly meeting on February 26, 2008, the commissioners unanimously voted to place on the November ballot an Animal Control referendum for the citizens of the county to vote on. The process of placing the referendum on the upcoming ballot is still being researched.

However, during the Board of Commissioners regular monthly meeting on June 24, 2008, County Attorney Rob Morton said he spoke with State Representative Billy Maddox regarding the animal control referendum. Mr. Morton explained that it must be done at the January 2009 session of the legislature, and a resolution would be needed from the Board of Commissioners. Since this is the required protocal, Mr. Maddox explained that the animal control issue will not be on the November ballot.

For now, it is our hope that these questions and answers may assist you.

If the animal has not been reclaimed or adopted by then, it is typically euthanized. What do most traditional Animal Control departments do?

Most Animal Control departments respond to animal-related complaints, such as picking up stray dogs or cats as necessary and addressing animal cruelty issues, etc. Most Animal Control departments run an animal shelter where these strays may be adopted by the public. Unfortunately, due to space limitations, most Animal Control departments have to limit the amount of time they will house an animal (typically a matter of days up to a week). If the animal has not been reclaimed or adopted by then, it is typically euthanized.

According to the American Humane Association, over five million animals are euthanized in the United States every year. "No kill" shelters exist, some run by private animal welfare organizations, while others are subsidized wholly or in part by local government agencies or private donations. These shelters are much more involved in public education and community outreach in order to find adoptive and foster homes.

What can I do to help prevent animal overpopulation?

The single, most important thing you can do to help prevent animal overpopulation is to spay or neuter every one of your own dogs and cats. A single unspayed female dog or cat, with her mate and her offspring can produce over 10,000 animals in only five years. For a list of low-cost spay/neuter resources, please visit the Spot Society website.

Another extremely important step is to ensure all your companion animals wear ID tags with a phone number on them. This will allow you the opportunity to get your animal back should it accidentally end up in a shelter as a stray.

Lastly, you can adopt an animal from an animal shelter or rescue group. Never buy an animal from a pet store or breeder, as that is financially supporting those who contribute to the problem. Remember, every animal that came from a breeder fills space in a home that could have adopted from a shelter or rescue group. If you want a special breed, that's not a problem. About one out of every four dogs in shelters is a recognizable breed or purebred. Also, there are many breed-specific rescue groups out there. For a list of breed-specific rescue groups, please visit the Spot Society website.

What should I do if I want to adopt a dog or cat?

Animal Shelters and Humane Societies everywhere love to find animals good homes. A great way to find a companion animal is to search the database at Petfinder.com. You can search by location, breed, and other characteristics.

What should I do if I have a problem with pest animals such as raccoons?

Prevention is the best measure against pest animals. The most important thing you can do is to remove the source of the problem by cleaning up areas where food waste is available, ensuring garbage is properly secured, sealing your home's cracks and crevices, etc.

If these methods do not fix the problem, you may wish to use a pest removal company. A few possibilities are below. Please keep in mind that Pike County is not affiliated with these companies in any way.

ACE (Animal Control Experts, LLC.)
www.Ace1Ace.com
770-707-2360
Adcock's Rid-a-Critter (Wildlife only)
www.RidACritter.com
770-258-8568
Trutech Inc.
www.TrutechInc.com
770-977-2034

What should I do if I have a problem with a vicious animal?

The most important thing is to safeguard yourself and your family however necessary. In extreme cases, you may need to call the Sheriff at 770-567-8431.

What should I do if I have a stray animal that I cannot keep?

If you are unable to find a good home for a stray animal, you may wish to inquire with surrounding county Animal Control facilities. For example, Butts Animal Control will accept strays from other counties for only a $25 fee when they have space available. Their phone number is 770-775-8013 and their address is 158 Bibb Station Road, Jackson, GA 30233.

Additionally, you may wish to contact the wildlife and pest removal companies listed above to see if they may be able to assist with animal removal.

Contact Friends of Pike County Animals to get more involved in these issues. What can I do to get more involved in the discussion regarding a possible Animal Control department for Pike County?

You may wish to contact a group called the Friends of Pike County Animals. They have been working on animal-related education, community involvement and awareness, and law enforcement assistance. They are also in the process of raising funds to help with possible animal shelter construction costs.

The Friends of Pike County Animals meets the last Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the library. You may also .