The most visible part of a Gladstone
Animal Control Officers job is ordinance enforcement. They are
responsible for enforcing the City's leash law which requires all dogs
to be restrained on a leash, chained to an unmovable object or kept in
an enclosed fence. The ordinance is designed to protect both the
animal and the public. Free roaming dogs can be injured by cars or
other dangers and can be a menace to walkers and joggers.
In addition to the leash law, Gladstone
requires that all dogs be licensed. Any dog over the age of six months
must be licensed, regardless of whether the dog is kept inside or
outside the house. To obtain the license the dog must have a current
rabies vaccination. Like the leash law, this ordinance protects both
the health of the dog and the public by requiring regular rabies
vaccinations.
Two other City ordinances regulate the
treatment and sanitation of animals. City Code specifies that any
animal kept outside must be provided adequate shelter and a constant
supply of water. During harsh weather pet owners should also provide
bedding (straw is recommended) for outside animals. City ordinance
also requires animal owners to clean-up any feces from their pets.
This requirement applies to both public and private property. To
encourage compliance, sanitary disposal stations are provided in
several City parks.
Along with basic care and sanitation,
pet owners are responsible for the noise their animals make. Owners
may not permit their pets to habitually bark, howl or be a public
nuisance in any other way. Violation of this ordinance may result in a
citation and a court fine.
While ordinance enforcement is the most
visible part of an Animal Control Officers' job, animal care is by far
the most time consuming. Homeless and unwanted animals are kenneled
and provided veterinary care at the Gladstone Animal Shelter. The
Officers work to successfully find the animals new homes by providing
information and suggestions to make the best possible match between
animal and owner. The animals are also given vaccinations, a physical
exam and a spay or neuter before being adopted.
Gladstone's Animal Control Officer's
also conduct public education programs. They often talk to areas
schools, neighborhood associations and childcare facilities. The
Officer's make presentations on a variety of topics including animal
safety and wildlife cohabitation.
The Gladstone Animal Shelter is open
from 12:30 PM to 5:30 PM, Tuesday through Saturday. The Shelter is located at
3960 NE 76th St. (just north of Happy Rock Park). For questions about
animal care, animal adoption, City code violations or to schedule an
educational presentation please call (816) 436-1810.
Adoption fee on cats and kittens is
$96.64, which includes a veterinary check, vaccinations, feline
leukemia testing, worming, spay or neuter, microchipping and adoption fee. Adoption
fee on dogs and puppies is $113.64, which includes a veterinary check,
vaccinations, a heartworm check, worming, spay or neuter, microchipping and adoption
fee.
