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

After the shooting, a sheriff’s supervisor and animal control officers responded to the scene and notified the homeowners.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

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 • Feb. 24, 2026

Multiple monkeys are on the loose in St Louis, Missouri, sparking confusion and concern from the city's animal control officials, who said they do not know where the primates came from.

From BBC • Jan. 12, 2026

Despite search efforts, the primates had not been found as of Sunday evening, the city's health department, which handles animal control, told BBC News.

From BBC • Jan. 12, 2026

“This animal needs medical attention. That’s what animal control can provide. And it’s a wild animal, so you cannot take it to a vet.”

From "Wayward Creatures" by Dayna Lorentz