Cruelty/Complaint Investigation

The Kent County Animal Shelter investigates complaints of animal cruelty and neglect. Animal Control Officers visiting the scene of suspected animal abuse, cruelty or neglect will determine if such a situation exists as defined by Kent County Animal Control Regulations.

Animal Control Officers may issue a civil citation in cases where cruelty or neglect is found to have taken place (or if a dog is not licensed); removing the animal from the owner's home is generally done only in extreme cases, where the animal's life may be in imminent danger, or the owner has been cited for cruelty numerous times previously.

Barking dogs are generally covered by local city and township ordinances, and should be reported to your local law enforcement agency (if you live in a city with a local police department) or the Kent County Sheriff (if you live in a city or township without a local police department). Local law enforcement officers may issue a civil citation to owners whose barking dogs violate local noise or nuisance ordinances.