animal control

[ an-uh-muhl kuhn-trohl ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a government entity that takes custody of stray domestic animals and facilitates their return to or placement in a home environment, defends animals from abuse and neglect, and protects the public from aggressive or dangerous animals:
Someone needs to call animal control to deal with the feral cats in this neighborhood.

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Word History and Origins

Origin of animal control¹

First recorded in 1980–85

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Officers from the Santa Ana and Westminster police departments, along with Santa Ana’s Animal Control Division, searched Acosta’s home in the 2300 block of West Wilshire Avenue on Wednesday morning and took him into custody.

From

The outlet reported that police said the woman was making “incoherent statements” and that the dog charged at one of the officers before animal control officials or the fire department could get to the scene.

From

The Wetlands & Wildlife Care Center recommended people to call their local animal control office or find more information online.

From

When the responsible party is identified and the case is completed, the Animal Control Unit will determine what citations will be appropriate.

From

After the investigation is complete, the Animal Control Unit will quarantine the dog for 10 days, according to police.

From

animal companion animal control officer

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