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

An animal control officer went to the house of the person reportedly feeding the coyote on May 20, according to Sibal-von Debschitz.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 22, 2026

It wasn’t the first time his neighbors had put his birds in danger, he alleged to both The Times and an animal control officer who took his report.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 3, 2026

Also, the bill clarifies that an animal control agency, with the consent of a prosecutor, can place an evidence animal with a foster.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 8, 2026

Ask your typical elected or hired official, from the governor to the animal control folks, and they’ll tell you transparency is vital and sunshine in government a key value.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 25, 2026

“I found her and took care of her. I was even there when she got taken away by the animal control people.”

From "Wayward Creatures" by Dayna Lorentz

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