Module 4.1

Question 1

What is the role of animal services/law enforcement?

Answer 1

Respond to service calls
Investigate alleged violations of county ordinance or state statute violations involving animals
Objectively document observations (court only considers what can be proven)

Question 2

Ordinance-Jurisdiction Specific

Answer 2

Laws enacted by local governments to address specific activities
Punishable by monetary fine only
Can be more strict than state statutes, but not less.

Question 3

State Statutes-Statewide Jurisdiction

Answer 3

Laws enacted by state government to address specific activities
Punishable by period of incarceration and fine
Misdemeanor/felony

Question 4

Federal Laws-Nationwide Jurisdiction

Answer 4

Laws enacted by the federal government to address specific activities
Punishable by the most lengthy periods of incarceration and fines
Minimum/mandatory sentencing

Question 5

To investigate

Answer 5

Try and ascertain the facts
To obtain information
To observe/study by close examination and systematic inquiry
Latin word investigare: “to track”
In-toward; vestigium-footprint
Circa 1510
Obtaining information to recreate circumstances

Question 6

What constitutes a crime?

Answer 6

Variable
Lack of appropriate food/water/shelter (some states exclude certain species)
Lack of vet care
Unsanitary conditions
Lack of space
Sales without record
Falsifying records
Practicing vet med without a license (ex: hoarding/retail pet sales)
Possession of certain meds without supervision of vet (controlled)

Question 7

What species have protection?

Answer 7

Depends on state
Animal definition can change depending on state, usually includes the words “living dumb creature”
Dumb-inability to communicate

Question 8

Legal Status

Answer 8

Animals=chattel property
Rights holder is the pet owner
Jurisdiction must ensure that rights of animal owner are held in highest regard