Animal Control is a division of the Sheriff’s Office. Animal Control provides services to rural Union County and the cities of Imbler, Cove, North Powder, Summerville, Union, Island City, and outside Elgin city limits. La Grande contracts 50% of the time of the Animal Control Officer and pays into the budget for Animal Control.
Services include but are not limited to, investigation of possible animal abuse or neglect, the capture of loose dogs or livestock, removal of dead domestic animals from the roadways, and issuing citations for violations of the county ordinance or state law.
To contact Animal Control, call the Sheriff’s Office at 541-963-1017 or come to the office at 1109 K Ave., La Grande.
Barking Dogs
Few things in life are as annoying as having to listen to the constant bark, howl, whine or cry of another person’s dog. The noise from barking can disrupt sleep, lower the quality of your leisure hours, disturb your work, and make being at home not enjoyable. The first reaction of many people faced with a barking dog problem is to call the authorities. Believe it or not, this is not always the best route to resolve the problem. This problem has been looked at nationally and the conclusions reached have been uniformly the same: Barking is a neighborhood problem. Here are a few facts about the owners of barking dogs that may help you deal with what is a neighborhood problem:
- The owner of a barking dog often doesn’t know the dog is barking. Owners may leave for work with a quiet dog in the backyard and return home to a quiet dog. The dog may only be barking because its owner is gone.
- The dog barking may be a comfort to the owner. Barking may tell the owner the dog is well and the property is protected. The owner may assume it gives the neighbor the same feeling.
- The owner may be desensitized to the barking. People who are around barking dogs all of the time learn to tune out the noise.
- The owner may assume that if it is daylight, everyone must be awake and it is okay to make noise. Owners may not think about people who sleep in the daytime, or that peace and quiet may be desired during normal working hours.
- The owners may assume that because they haven’t had anyone complain about the noise the dog is making, the barking doesn’t bother anyone.
Owners of barking dogs falling into the above categories are best dealt with as neighbors. Letting an owner know, on a personal level, that the dog’s noise is disrupting your life can be very effective. People who do not first attempt to solve the problem as neighbors often begin long-term neighborhood feuds. Tell the person, very politely, in person, in writing or by phone exactly what the nature of the annoyance is. Communicate things such as “I can’t sleep”; “I can’t hear my television”; “I work nights and sleep days” or “I can’t study because of the noise your dog is making”. Neighborhood communication is a very important part of neighborhood security. Even the act of telling someone his or her dog is bothering you can further communication.
Do not try to silence the animal yourself or wait until you can no longer handle the barking. Tackle the problem early on. Animals are family and disciplining someone else’s family member can result in violence.
If these methods fail then you should call Animal Control at 541-963-1017. The Deputy may ask you to fill out a Barking Dog Log. This allows the Deputy to determine if the barking is a violation of county ordinance and also gives them solid proof that there is a problem. Simply telling the Deputy that “my neighbor’s dog barks all the time” won’t be sufficient to issue a citation.
Animal Bites and Aggressive Dogs
Dog and cat bites are the most common types of animal bites, and many can be avoided by paying attention to the pet’s behavior and actions.
Don’t approach a dog or cat that is eating, fighting or mating.
If you must break up a fight, use a water hose or blanket to separate the animals. Do not get involved.
Don’t startle a sleeping pet.
Don’t leave small children alone or unsupervised with pets.
If a dog approaches in a threatening manner, stop walking and in a loud, firm voice command the dog to “sit,” “go home,” or “lay down.” Do not run. This may trigger an instinctive “chase reflex,” especially in stock or hunting dogs. Back away from the dog, continuing to speak in a loud, firm voice, until you are in a safe area. If you are riding a bicycle, dismount and keep the bike between you and the dog.
If a dog bites you, even your own, consult with your doctor for wound care and call Animal Control at 963-1017. State law requires all dog bites to be reported to the proper authority. All other animal bites should be reported to Public Health at 962-8800.
Blue Mountain Humane Association
BMHA serves Union County by providing a safe haven for unwanted pets.
From their website:
We are a 501(c)3 non-profit animal shelter and rescue committed to providing a safe, humane, high-save environment to connect all animals with their forever family and reunite lost animals with their rightful home.
BMHA is committed to working with local UCSO and the community at large to provide an educational resource for animal management and care. Saving animal lives, one at a time.