ACO’s must effectively communicate with animals and people to resolve problems. They may inspect animal-related complaints to be sure that animals are receiving adequate care, rescue trapped or injured animals, investigate animal bites and cruelty complaints, issue citations and file for prosecution of people who violate laws concerning animals. ACO’s work to protect stray, injured, abused and unwanted animals, and will never abuse or mistreat any animal nor allow another person to do so. 

To accomplish all this, Animal Control Officers require knowledge of anti-cruelty and control laws, proper animal care standards, common animal diseases and treatments, and basic rules of criminal procedure.

Animal Bites

ACO’s investigating animal bites are to instruct the owner to quarantine the animal for a period of ten (10) days, regardless of any vaccinations. The animal must be quarantined and under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian who will determine whether the animal is free from rabies. All expenses shall be the responsibility of the owner. During quarantine, the animal cannot be sold, given away, or moved to another state or location.

• ACO’s will remain very familiar with Title 3-7-1, Chapter 7 pertaining to the State law on rabies. ACO’s who investigate animal bites will present a copy of page 42 of the law to the owner of the animal. This page covers the confinement of animals which have bitten humans, particularly Section 3-7-9

Humane Society

The ACO staff maintains a close relationship with the Baldwin County Humane Society, The Haven, and the Safe Harbor Animal Coalition.

Wildlife Removal

The Daphne Animal Shelter or Animal Control does NOT handle wildlife removal calls for nuisances such as alligators, snakes, bobcats, birds or fox. If you need assistance in removal of wildlife, please call a professional wildlife removal service or the US Fish and Wildlife office.