Animal Complaints

Animal Complaints Policy

• The Omaha Police Department (OPD) works with the Nebraska Humane Society (NHS) to handle animal complaints.
• Primary responsibility for animal complaints is with NHS, but OPD has concurrent responsibility in some areas.
• Animal is defined as any vertebrate animal (excluding wild, uncaptured creatures or livestock animals).
• Animal Cruelty: Intent to harm an animal (e.g., killing, maiming, torture, beating, hitting, striking, mutilating, burning, etc.).
• Animal Neglect: Failure to provide adequate food, water, or care for an animal.
• Animal Abandonment: Leaving an animal without appropriate provisions for its care.

Procedure for Animal Cruelty, Neglect, and Abandonment

• OPD officers should contact NHS if they aren't already on scene.
• Investigate and coordinate with NHS to investigate alleged violations.
• OPD officers can issue citations to owners/custodians instead of arresting them (under certain Nebraska statutes).
• Act as a witness to protect NHS officers in case of false accusations.
• Provide physical protection to NHS officers if necessary.
• If an animal is abandoned, notify NHS for animal care immediately.

Animal Bites

• On arrival at an animal bite scene, OPD officers need to immediately notify NHS regardless of the animal's condition for immediate reporting (confined or running at large).
• Complete an Incident Report (OPD Form 189) and describe the animal as best possible for review to the NHS.
• OPD officers may not give procedural information regarding the animal, but must inform the animal's owner that NHS personnel will explain the procedures to them.
• Return to service once the NHS procedures have been followed.

Protection Against Animal Injury

• If an officer believes an animal poses a threat of injury or death to themselves or someone else, appropriate measures will be taken to stop the animal.
• This may include destroying the animal.
• Destruction is only justified in cases of imminent danger.
• NHS is responsible for the animal in all other circumstances.

Animals Struck by a Vehicle

• If an animal is injured by a vehicle, every effort should be made to contact the appropriate agencies(NHS, zoo personnel etc,) regarding protocols for animal disposal.
• Destruction of vicious/injured animals will follow standard protocol.
• Nebraska Game and Parks Commission procedures must be followed for claiming road-killed deer or antelope.

Permit to Possess Road-Killed Deer or Antelope

• Officers will have permits for citizens to obtain.
• Two-part tags provided by Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
• Part 1: details about the animal, location, time, officer information.
• Part 2: includes animal type (deer or antelope), name, address, signature of the applicant and issuing officer; and expiration date (not to exceed 90 days).
• The permittee will be advised to retain the permit.
• Guidelines about who gets first priority in cases of possession of the animal are included (resident who was involved in the crash first, then possible public institution, followed by non-profit, and other individuals)

Animal Assault on an Officer

• If an NHS officer is assaulted, OPD will complete an incident report.
• Arrest or citations will be made if there is probable cause.
• Situations with past or present threats to NHS officers may lead an OPD officer being dispatched.

Destruction of Dangerous Animals

• Omaha Municipal Code (Article VII) provides procedures for ownership, insurance, and confinement of animals, notably dangerous animals.
• Omaha Municipal Code §6-159 details instructions for the destruction of at-large dangerous animals.
• Capturing or confinement duty is not the responsibility of the Omaha Police Department

Emergency Phone Numbers

• Humane Society and Henry Doorly Zoo contact numbers provided via Appendix A.

Loose Wild Animals or Livestock

• If a loose animal is located in Omaha, the Nebraska Humane Society is responsible for capture and care of the animal.
• OPD officers will request NHS assistance for those animals which are difficult to handle.
• OPD officers will control traffic and pedestrians around loose animals, keeping a sizable distance for safety.

Noise Complaints

• If an OPD officer is dispatched for a noise complaint (e.g., barking dog), they need to locate and contact the owner to address the situation and, if necessary, contact NHS for follow up.
• OPD Officers will complete an incident report to document the events and information provided.
• If the incident occurs in the presence of the owner, a Criminal Citation under Omaha Municipal Code § 6-74(c) "Public Nuisance" might be issued.

Previous OPD Orders

• General orders and monthly updates (as referenced in Appendix)

References

• Specific Nebraska Revised Statutes & Sections are cited(e.g., NRS 28-1008, 29-422 to 29-429, and Omaha Municipal Codes 6-74 and 6-159) are listed

This quiz covers the Animal Complaints Policy established by the Omaha Police Department in collaboration with the Nebraska Humane Society. It outlines the definitions of animal cruelty, neglect, and abandonment, as well as the procedures officers must follow when dealing with such cases. Test your knowledge on the responsibilities and actions related to animal care and welfare.