If someone knocks on your door and*says he*is an animal control officer, you won*t immediately know if he is at the wrong address, is someone
impersonating an ACO or if he has legitimate cause to knock on your door. *Regardless, your response should be the same: *Do not let the person into your home unless he produces a warrant granting him entry. *If you decide you feel safe speaking to the ACO face-to-face, get your house key, a pen and paper, and secure any loose pets. *Inform the ACO*you will be coming outside and politely ask him to step back from your door. *Lock the door behind you.
Once outside, listen to whatever the ACO has to say. *Do not answer any questions*outside of your name. *Do not lie. *If necessary, reiterate the fact that you are
not giving permission for the ACO to enter your home. *Exercise your right to remain silent. *Do not admit owning any banned breed or pets over the local limit. *Do not defend yourself against any accusations. *Remain silent. *Write down the ACO*s name, badge number, and the agency he represents (county animal control, city police department, etc.). *If there is more than one person present (another ACO, a police officer, a humane society staffer, a neighbor who saw what was going on and came over, etc.), write down all their names and organizations.
If*the ACO had no warrant and you refused him entry and refused to answer his questions, you should expect a return visit. *In the meantime, find a family member, friend or other safe place for*any dogs who may fall under a local breed ban as well as any pets in your home that put you over the legal limit if your area has one. *Tidy up your animals, crates, x-pens, litter boxes and your home in general. *Make sure your animals* records are in order so that you can produce documents if required (e.g. proof of rabies vaccination, proof of neuter if your area has MSN, local license if applicable). *Don*t panic. *Contact an attorney for advice if you are able.
For detailed advice that goes beyond the basic points mentioned here, read “
What to Do When Animal Control Comes Knocking” by attorney George J. Eigenhauser Jr.
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