Lowndes County, Georgia– National Animal Care and Control Appreciation Week is happening this week, April 14-20, 2024, and the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners recognize the dedicated and hard work of the Animal Control Officers with Lowndes County Animal Services. This week of appreciation is designed to acknowledge Animal Care and Control's hard-working men and women. Like other public safety and law enforcement agents, Animal Care and Control personnel are devoted, compassionate people who risk their lives to ensure the safety and care of wild animals, pets, and people.

Lowndes County currently has five Animal Control Officers.

Animal Care and Control officers provide several services in Lowndes County, including: 

• Assisting with injured, sick, or stray dogs and cats
• Assisting with sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife
• Investigating animal cruelty cases
• Protecting and rescuing animals from provincial and federal laws related to animal care
• Educating the public about wildlife and their behavior
• Educating the public on the importance of pet identification with microchips or collar tags
• Investigating and enforcing Animal Control By-laws (e.g., off-leash dogs, barking, licensing of dogs/cats)
• Assisting other authorities, such as police or other emergency services and public health agencies when necessary, to protect animals and people
• Protecting the public from diseases such as rabies

“Animal Care and Control personnel rescue helpless animals from abuse, starvation, injury, and disease. While their jobs can be difficult and often thankless, we appreciate their dedication to protecting and rescuing animals,” said Lowndes County Manager Paige Dukes. Let us take a moment to appreciate the hard work, dedication, and love these officers pour into their roles every day."

For more information on Lowndes County Animal Services, visit www.lowndescounty.com.