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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

animal control

If a coyote attacks, the department recommends fighting back and then calling animal control or 911.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 19, 2026

According to an animal control report, Matson said his neighbor’s young son told him their dog was responsible.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 3, 2026

The teen told animal control officers that he was helping the owners move out of their home when the incident happened, according to the petition.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 13, 2026

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 ● Mar. 13, 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

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