We impound stray dogs, sick or injured animals and respond to citizen’s complaints. We also adopt healthy and behaviorally sound animals to the public and provide animal protection. We are not a no-kill facility in the sense that we can not house animals for indefinite periods of time or if the animals deteriorate in health or mental well-being. This goes back to public safety issues and we have a
responsibility to not place aggressive animals back into the community. The staff at Animal Control as well as the Town of Trumbull can be held liable if we place animals that are potentially dangerous or have known propensities for aggression. Since we impound stray animals that come in with unknown histories, frequently with little or no training, and sometimes behavioral issues, we try the best we can to figure out the animal and place them in the most appropriate home but there are times when we will euthanize animals for medical or behavioral issues. Duties of Animal Control Officer:
One of the most important roles animal control plays in a community is rabies control. We investigate animals that have bitten people or other animals. Dogs and cats that are not currently vaccinated for rabies when they bite someone have to be quarantined for 14 days. We will from time to time have animals here for quarantine. These are generally owned pets that will be returned to their owners after the quarantine unless there is a dangerous dog investigation pending. Since our primary duty is to impound stray dogs, we must accept any dog that is found roaming. Here in Trumbull about one half of all the dogs impounded as strays are redeemed by their owners within a matter of hours or a day or two. The others may have been abandoned or dumped in Trumbull. State law mandates, after two (2) days, that we advertise in the newspaper (CT Post) and hold any strays for seven (7) days to give the owner a chance to claim their pet. If the animal is not claimed after that time, for a total of nine (9) days, then they may be offered for adoption. We sometimes will accept owner surrendered pets from Trumbull residents if they are adoptable and we have cage space. We investigate citizen complaints that range from dogs roaming, barking dogs, injured animals, aggressive animals, animal cruelty or manner of keeping, animal bites and any violations of animal laws. We also enforce violations of animal laws such as failure to vaccinate a dog or cat, failure to license a dog, allowing a dog to roam or to bark excessively and we can issue infractions for these offenses. In addition we prosecute offenders of the animal cruelty laws. Most of the animal laws are state laws but Trumbull has a few ordinances regarding animals which include; a leash law for dogs, a pooper scooper law for pets, a dangerous dog law, and the keeping of noisy animals. Stray Cats:
Animal Control does not routinely impound stray cats because there are no laws regarding cats roaming. We will impound cats that are sick, injured or have bitten someone. We do not have the proper facilities to house cats for any length of time but have plans for an addition where we will be able to house some cats for adoption. Wildlife:
We only respond to calls for sick or injured wildlife or a wildlife species that may have had contact with pet. Generally sick or injured wildlife are euthanized unless it is the type that can be taken to a wildlife rehabilitator. We receive numerous wildlife calls in the spring and summer regarding animals that residents consider a nuisance but we will not remove healthy wildlife from private property. We will offer humane solutions to help people and animals coexist peacefully. Residents wanting wildlife removed from their properties can contact nuisance wildlife operators. Adoptions:
As mentioned earlier Animal Control adopts animals that are not claimed by their owners or animals that have been surrendered by their owners provided these animals are medically and behaviorally sound. When citizens coming to the shelter are interested in adopting a dog, the entire family must meet the dog to ensure everyone will get along. We are very particular with families with young children as some adult dogs do not do well with very young children. If citizens have other dogs at home, the dogs must meet each other as well. Trumbull also has a policy that Trumbull residents who provide applications on dogs will get first choice over applicants from other towns. Volunteering:
Trumbull Canine Shelter is assisted by the volunteer group Trumbull Animal Group (TAG). If you like to jog and need a jogging buddy, or live in a place that doesn't allow animals, then volunteer your time at the Trumbull Canine Shelter. Please call John Marshall, the volunteer coordinator, at 203-380-2540, to schedule an orientation meeting (Must be 18 to volunteer). http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.petfinder.com%2Fshelters%2FCT18.html&h=ed5cd
Community Service:
If your child needs to fullfill community service hours to graduate from school, then Trumbull Canine Shelter can assist with that requirement, as long as spots are available. Duties would include washing dishes, doing laundry, cleaning dog, cat, and exotic animal runs. There will be no handling of dogs by community service kids. If you are interested in becoming an Animal Control Officer, you can learn more about it at the National Animal Control Officers Association website. www.nacanet.org
