Texas employs more Animal Control Officers (ACOs) than any other state, with roughly 1,350 officers. Historically, ACOs have been on the frontline of protecting communities and addressing public health concerns, such as preventing the spread of rabies. Their early role has now been dramatically expanded to include providing community support and outreach, investigating animal cruelty and neglect, and saving animals who are in immediate danger. They work alongside Texas first responders such as law enforcement, EMTs, and firefighters regularly, as well as during weather emergencies, natural disasters, and other catastrophic events. Yet ACOs are not recognized as first responders.

Over the last ten years, animal control officers have asked the Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN) to help pass a bill where animal control officers or animal care officers should be included in the definition of “first responders” under Texas law. 

This resource guide will describe examples of how they are already acting as first responders.

Image courtesy of Austin Animal Center

How are ACOs already acting as First Responders?

Cats are independent animals, but they still need a safe and comfortable place to rest, especially in harsh weather. If you have outdoor cats or want to provide shelter for strays, building an outdoor cat shelter is a wonderful way to offer them protection and warmth during the colder months. Here, we will walk you through the steps to create a cozy and cost-effective shelter for our feline friends.

1. Emergency Responses

ACOs often respond to urgent situations, and recognizing them as first responders acknowledges their vital role in emergency response. 

Inclement Weather.  City and county managers and leaders require ACOs to be at work during inclement weather. As we know, the rest of non-emergency city functions stop during inclement weather, but the animal shelter and its staff must always keep running to keep the animals fed and healthy. ACOs are required to respond to emergency calls after hours and weekends. Field officers are in more danger during these times because they must go out in the weather to respond to calls, like wrangling livestock that gets loose.  

Natural Disasters.  ACOs also act as first responders during natural disasters or weather emergencies. After natural disasters, ACOs help capture loose animals displaced to allow for other 1st responders and utility workers to safely work on restoring the town. Many ACOs are certified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for natural disasters. FEMA-certified people are considered first responders because they are trained to respond to emergencies. During Hurricane Harvey, many animal shelters assisted in setting up temporary shelters that housed hurricane evacuees and their pets. ACOs worked around the clock the entire time (a total of ten days) while the evacuees were housed in the shelter. They made sure their animals were cared for and kept safe with their owners.

As with all other first responders, ACOs prioritize calls that dictate their response times.

2. Same Work as Other Emergency Personnel

ACOs deal with the same things as law enforcement, fire, and EMS. Not only is it their job to protect public safety, but it is also their job to enforce city and state laws. They take oaths of office the same as other first responders. They leave their homes every shift knowing there is a chance they might not make it back, just as any other first responder does.

ACOs often work without protection, i.e., body armor or police backup, and frequently enter dangerous situations (human or animal). They provide a service that includes public safety, even if every call is not an emergency.

One tragic example is the recent deaths of two ACOs in Levelland, Texas.  Two animal control officers died in a crash while responding to an animal-related call. They were picking up an animal on the side of the highway when a pickup truck drifted onto the shoulder and struck them from behind. One was married to a fellow city employee, had a 15-year-old son, and had worked in the Animal Control division since 2019.

Image courtesy of the City of Leander

3. Medical Assistance for Animals

ACOs are frequently involved in providing immediate medical care or facilitating the rescue and transport of injured animals. Sometimes, they may need to administer first aid or coordinate with veterinary professionals. Considering them as first responders reflects their involvement in providing essential medical assistance.

4. Community Protection

ACOs contribute to community protection by addressing issues such as animal bites, rabies control, and removing potentially dangerous animals from public spaces.

ACOs are also frequently called upon to address emergencies, like animal attacks, accidents, or wildlife-related incidents. Designating them as first responders recognizes their role in safeguarding communities from animal-related threats.

5. Training and Preparedness

ACOs undergo specialized training to handle various situations involving animals, including those that pose risks to public safety. Considering them as first responders acknowledges the level of training and preparedness required for their role.

6. Legal Authority and Enforcement

ACOs may need to enforce animal-related laws and regulations, and they often have legal authority to intervene in situations where the welfare of animals or the public is at risk. Recognizing them as first responders reinforces their authority to take swift and necessary action when required.

Image courtesy of Cedar Park

Conclusion

ACOs provide valuable services to their communities and crucial support to other first responders when their professional expertise is needed. Unfortunately, they do not receive nearly as much acknowledgment or support because they are not recognized as first responders. Communities and local agencies should view and support their ACOs at the same level as other first responders and should provide the ongoing training, equipment, and resources necessary for animal control officers working at the frontlines of their communities.

Last updated August 2024