Animal Control Division

Lt. Raphael Foy

Deputy Jay Turney

The Animal Control Officer may be reached through the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 828-894-3001. Should you have to call after hours, then the dispatch operator will take a message and I will get back in touch with you as soon as possible.  Should this be an EMERGENCY, then simply call 828-894-3001 and speak with the dispatch operator.  Explain what the emergency is and exactly where you or the trouble is. The dispatch operator will then handle the emergency call accordingly. Please remember that the normal hours are from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. All calls will be answered as soon as possible as this office has only one officer to do this job. The average workload is normally 60 to 100 calls per week.

Following is a brief description of some of my duties.

It is my responsibility to investigate all bite cases, cruelty and abuse cases in a timely manner.

I handle suspected rabid animals and take them in for testing when needed. I also organize rabies clinics in different parts of Polk County and keep records of all animals seen at the clinics. I check for rabies vaccinations and issue citations or warrants as needed to assure domestic animals are vaccinated when due. 

When I find lost animals, I try to locate the owners of the animals. . Remember that ownership tags attached to your animal will make it easier to find you. This tag should have your name, address, and phone number stamped on it.

However, it is the Responsibility of the Pet Owner to try to find a new home for their unwanted pet or to take this animal to the Foothills Animal Shelter.

I have to coordinate picking up all stray or trapped animals during the hours that the Foothills Animal Shelter is open. We can provide you traps to assist in catching stray animals.

Sometimes I have to mediate problems and or complaints between neighbors concerning their pets.

It is my hope this has given you a better understanding of my responsibilities and duties as Animal Control Officer and hopefully clears up some of the misconceptions that people have about what an Animal Control Officer actually does.

Keep in mind that it is my first priority to protect and assist our animals and at the same time to serve  the citizens of Polk County.

Thank you for dropping by.

Raphael Foy
Polk County Animal Control Officer

CALLS FOR EACH MONTH OF 2005

TOTAL CALLS FOR 2001 ( 6 MONTHS) 1200
TOTAL CALLS FOR 2002 (12 MONTHS) 3330
TOTAL CALLS FOR 2003 (12 MONTHS) 3706
TOTAL CALLS FOR 2004 (12 MONTHS) 3245
TOTAL CALLS FOR 2005 (11 MONTHS 3500) ESTIMATED.

TOTAL CALLS LOGGED FOR THE YEAR 2005 IS 3,042..
I LOST ALL THE DATA FROM 9/13/05 TO 10/31/05 DUE TO A COMPUTER PROGRAMMER, SO THE NUMBER SHOULD BE ABOUT 400 TO 500 MORE.

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Animal Control Officer Captures Human Attention

Dear Abby:

I am your Animal Control Officer. I am not the dreaded "dogcatcher" or the "murderer" you call me. It is not I who allows your pet to roam the streets, to contract diseases from other free- roaming animals, to be hit by passing motorists, or poisoned by rotting garbage bags. I am the one who must look into those sick, pain-glazed eyes, try to remove the animal, without causing it further pain, and then humanely "put it to sleep" to put an end to its suffering.

It is not I, who allows your pets to breed, then dump the unwanted puppies and kittens on roadsides and in shelters. I'm the one who must find the tiny animals before they die of starvation, exposure or disease, and as an act of mercy, exterminate them. It hurts me to be forced to kill hundreds of thousands of animals each year, but because of your irresponsibility, I have no choice.

It is not I who abandons unwanted animals on farm road, telling myself some friendly farmer will surely take them in and give them a good home. But I am the one who must pick up the frightened animal who waits in vain for its beloved master, wondering why it has been abandoned. I am the one who must help that friendly farmer trap, tranquilize or kill that animal because it has begun to roam in packs with other abandoned hungry animals, killing livestock, fowl and game.

I am not the one who breeds and fights dogs in the name of "sport". But I'm the one who fights the breeders and participants, and must pick up the dead and dying animals that have been left behind.

It is not I who keeps a pet confined in an area too small - without food, water, shelter or exercise. But I must deal with the irresponsible owner who does.

It is not I who refuse to spend time and money to keep up regular inoculations that all pets require. But I am the one who must pick up the sick animal that is dying of a preventable disease.

So remember, the next time your child is bitten by a stray dog, your trash is dumped and scattered, your pet is lost, stolen, poisoned or hit by a car, it is the animal control officer you call - not the "dogcatcher". The next time your pet is picked up, or you are cited for neglecting or abusing it remember, I am only trying to get you to fulfill your responsibility to your pet, your neighbor, and yourself.

Do not scorn me. Respect me, for I am the product of your irresponsibility. I love animals, and I care.

Signed: ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER

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Dear Officer:

Thank you for a powerful message that needs to be repeated often. No pet should be allowed to breed indiscriminately. Please, please have your pet spayed or neutered. And if you have a dollar or two to spare, please send it to your local S.P.C.A. so it can feed and care for all those kittens and puppies a little longer -instead of exterminating them immediately for lack of funds.

I love animals, and I care, too,