Animal Complaints Policy PDF

**ANIMAL COMPLAINTS** **POLICY:** It is the policy of the Omaha Police Department (OPD) to work in conjunction with the Nebraska Humane Society (NHS) to handle animal complaints. Primary responsibility for animal complaints rests with the NHS, however, OPD has concurrent responsibility in some are...

**ANIMAL COMPLAINTS** **POLICY:** It is the policy of the Omaha Police Department (OPD) to work in conjunction with the Nebraska Humane Society (NHS) to handle animal complaints. Primary responsibility for animal complaints rests with the NHS, however, OPD has concurrent responsibility in some areas. **DEFINITIONS:** [Animal:] Per Nebraska Revised Statute (**NRS)** [§**28-1008**](https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=28-1008); **Means any vertebrate member of the animal kingdom. Animal does not include an uncaptured wild creature or livestock animal as defined in statute** [§**54-902**](https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=54-902)**.** [Animal Cruelty:] Per **NRS** [§**28-1008**](https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=28-1008)**;** To knowingly and intentionally kill, maim, disfigure, torture, beat, kick, hit, strike in any manner, mutilate, burn, scald, or otherwise inflict harm upon any animal. [Animal Neglect:] Per NRS [§**28-1008**](https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=28-1008)**;** To fail to provide any animal in one's care, whether as owner or custodian, with food, water, or other care as is reasonably necessary for the animal's health. [Animal Abandonment:] Per NRS [§**28-1008**](https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=28-1008)**;** To leave any animal in one's care, whether as owner or custodian, for any length of time without making effective provision for its food, water, or other care as is reasonably necessary for the animals' health. **NOTE:** NRS [§**28-1008**](https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=28-1008) also defines other terms related to animal cruelty, neglect, and/or abandonment, including "humane killing," "mutilation," "owner or custodian," "police animal," "repeated beating," "serious injury or illness," and "torture." **PROCEDURE:** **I. Animal Cruelty, Neglect, and Abandonment** **1. If NHS is not already on scene, contact them immediately. (See** [**Appendix A**](https://powerdms.com/docs/2370634) **for phone number)** **2. Investigate and/or coordinate with NHS to investigate the alleged violations.** C. NHS officials and/or supervisors will take whatever measures they deem appropriate. **II. Animal Bites** **III. Protection Against Injury by an Animal** **IV. Animals Struck by a Vehicle** **V. Assault on an Officer of the Nebraska Humane Society** **VI. Destruction of Dangerous Animals** **VII. Emergency Phone Numbers** **VIII. Loose Wild Animals or Livestock** **IX. Noise Complaints** **REFERENCES:** **I. Nebraska Revised Statutes** **II. Omaha Municipal Code** A. Omaha Municipal Codes [6-74](https://library.municode.com/ne/omaha/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIIMUCO_CH6AN_ARTIVGE_S6-74PUNU) and [6-159](https://library.municode.com/ne/omaha/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIIMUCO_CH6AN_ARTVIIDOCA_S6-159DEDAANLA) are referenced in this policy. **III. Previous OPD Orders** **IV. Other** A. PPM Monthly Updates: \#3-2020.