animal control

American  

[an-uh-muhl kuhn-trohl] / ˈæn ə məl kənˌtroʊl /

noun

1. 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.

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Etymology

Origin of animal control

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

A 25-year-old man is dead after a suspected rattlesnake bite last month in Irvine, prompting warnings from animal control officials in Orange County as rattlesnake activity ramps up across trails and open spaces.

From Los Angeles Times

The death comes as rattlesnakes are beginning to appear on trails across Orange County earlier in the season, according to outdoor enthusiasts and animal control officials.

From Los Angeles Times

Animal control officials say sightings tend to increase as temperatures rise.

From Los Angeles Times

According to McManus, it would probably be harder for rural areas — where animal control might be part of a local police department — to acquire such things.

From Los Angeles Times

Five days earlier, animal control officers in San Francisco captured a mountain lion within the city after an hours-long standoff.

From Los Angeles Times