animal control

[ an-uh-muhl kuhn-trohl ]

/ ˈæn ə məl kənˌtroʊl /

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noun

a government entity that takes custody of stray domestic animals and facilitates their return to or placement in a home environment, defends animals from abuse and neglect, and protects the public from aggressive or dangerous animals: Someone needs to call animal control to deal with the feral cats in this neighborhood.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Also called animal control agency, animal control service .

Origin of animal control

First recorded in 1980–85

Words nearby animal control

animal, animal behavior, animal black, animal charcoal, animal companion, animal control, animal control officer, animal cracker, animalcule, animal faith, Animal Farm

How to use animal control in a sentence

If you see a snake that could be venomous, call your local animal control office or wildlife center for advice on what to do.
The best ways to wrangle, repel, and just get snakes out of your home|Natalie Wallington|October 1, 2021|Popular-Science
Your local animal control department and wildlife rehabilitators are good places to start, but depending on the time and your location, they may not be able to arrive quickly and assist you.
How to escort a bat out of your home|John Kennedy|August 12, 2021|Popular-Science
In that case, look for a wildlife rehabilitator in the area or contact your local animal control agency.
How to help an injured bird|Purbita Saha|October 15, 2020|Popular-Science
So Matthew rode along to the fire, where the pint-sized firefighter played a crucial role in animal control.
Eight Year Old Rides to a Blaze With His Firefighter Grandfather|Michael Daly|January 19, 2014|DAILY BEAST

From teachers to animal control, everyone in Greece is striking to protest the looming austerity cuts.
As Austerity Cuts Loom, Greeks Strike, But More Cuts Are Demanded|Barbie Latza Nadeau|September 25, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Lawmakers in Ohio last month dismantled a 25-year-old animal control law that defined pit bulls as "vicious."
Spate of Pit Bull Attacks Has Nation on Alert|Jamie Reno|June 22, 2012|DAILY BEAST
But the second time he had been caught by Fadakar, the chief of animal control, before he could lock up the delinquents.
Storm Over Warlock|Andre Norton