Indianapolis Animal Care & Control has 19 animal control officers patrolling the streets of Marion County. The most serious issue the agency faces is pet overpopulation. In 2008, it is estimated that IACC cared for nearly 18,000 homeless, abused, abandoned, surrendered and neglected animals.
Animal control officers enforce all animal-related ordinances in Indianapolis & Marion County. IACC's field operations department models the Humane Society of the United States. Animal control officers perform the following services for the city and county:
- Patrol the community 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week
- Impound animals running at-large
- Issue citations to people found in violation of animal ordinances
- Conduct inspections for the licensing of facilities that sell, groom and kennel animals
- Investigate cruelty, neglect and dog-fighting cases and handle all complaints related to animals and animal welfare
- Rescue animals in distress or danger on an emergency basis; and
- Educate the public about responsible pet ownership
In 2006, Animal Control Officers responded to close to 38,000 service calls.