JCH-NACA Animal Control Officer Practice Test

When an officer responds to a recurring loose dog complaint, what should they do after assessing the situation with the pet owner?

1. Issue a citation

2. Help with spay/neuter surgery and fence repairs

3. Suggest the owner give up the dogs

4. Contact animal control services

The correct answer is: Help with spay/neuter surgery and fence repairs

In the context of addressing a recurring loose dog complaint, helping with spay/neuter surgery and fence repairs is a proactive and supportive approach. This option focuses on solving the root of the problem rather than simply punishing the pet owner. By assisting with spay/neuter surgery, the officer promotes responsible pet ownership, which can help reduce the likelihood of the dog running loose again. Providing support for fence repairs directly addresses the issue of the dog escaping, creating a safer environment for the pet and the community. This solution fosters cooperation between the officer and the pet owner, establishing a relationship based on assistance rather than adversarial enforcement. It also aligns with community-oriented policing principles, which emphasize collaboration and positive engagement with the community to resolve issues effectively. On the other hand, the other choices primarily focus on punitive measures or do not directly address the underlying causes of the loose dog situation. Suggesting that the owner give up the dogs does not provide a constructive solution and may lead to further problems, while issuing a citation could foster resentment without addressing the behavior that led to the complaint. Contacting animal control services might escalate the situation without providing immediate support or solutions to the pet owner.