BOULDER CITY – There is no question that people love their pets. The Boulder City Animal Shelter staff is always happy when someone adopts a pet or Animal Control Officers can reconnect lost pets with their owners. But there are situations when pet owners allow emotions to rule their judgement. To keep these moments from escalating, the City is taking steps to upgrade safety measures at the Animal Shelter.
Animal Control Officers are responsible to picking up stray dogs, responding to dog bites and investigating complaints of neglect and abuse. “When we arrive at a home, reactions range from elation that we are returning a lost pet, to frustration that we need to take an animal due to a dog bite or suspected animal abuse,” said Ann Inabnitt, Boulder City Animal Control Supervisor. “Pet owners need to understand that we are obligated to follow the law when a violation is reported to our department.”
To keep our employees safe, Boulder City is remodeling the front counter at the Animal Shelter in the coming weeks to allow safe exchange of animals to their owners. Starting on May 2, the shelter will be closed to walk-in visitors for three weeks to create a safer customer service counter. Improvements will include a glass partition between staff and the public and pass-through door for pet pickup. “Many communities have taken similar safety measures to keep staff safe,” said Taylour Tedder, City Manager for Boulder City. “The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) says higher-risk workers include public service workers, law enforcement personnel, and those who work alone or in small groups. Being proactive is important to everyone in our community.”
During the remodel, staff will continue to care for the shelter pets and respond to calls for assistance in our community; please call the shelter at 702-293-9283 or email animalshelter@bcnv.org for assistance. For those interested in adoption, please join the Friends of the Boulder City Animal Shelter on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/390887478636002, as adoption appointments will continue to be scheduled.
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