Animal Control

 In 1993, the position of Animal Control Officer was created in the Columbia Police Department under the supervision of the Support Services Division. The position started as a thirty hour a week part-time job. The increase in calls for service that year made it a full time position in 1994. Columbia Animal Control handles most of the normal animal complaints for the city of Columbia.  The Animal control Officer is in charge of picking up strays, answering animal bite complaints, picking up surrendered pets, investigating animal cruelty cases, and responding to the general animal complaints from Columbia’s citizens. 

            Current city ordinances that are strictly enforced include but are not limited to:

1. City License (3-202)- No person shall own, keep or harbor any dog or cat within the city limits unless such a dog or cat is licensed as herein provided.  Written application for such license shall be made to the City Recorder, or such agents as shall be designated by the City Manager, and shall state the name and address of the owner and the name, breed, color, age and sex of the dog or cat.  A license fee shall be paid at the time of making application in the amount of $5 (Five Dollars) per dog or cat (with the exception of kennels as outlined in 3-202 (3), a numbered receipt shall be given to the applicant, and a numbered tag shall be issued to the owner.  This does apply to all animals over 6 months of age, and is good for a period of one year. 
2. Rabies Vaccination (3-208) - All dogs shall be vaccinated for rabies over the age of 3 months, and cats over the age of 6 months, annually. 
3. Animals on Private Property (3-204-1c) - The owner of any animal that is not on its property, but is on another citizen’s private property can be cited for allowing their animal to run on private property. 

There are many more state laws and city ordinances that pertain to animals in this city, but space permitting, can not be listed here.

If a citizen in Columbia city limits has an animal complaint that is of immediate response they can contact the Police Department at 931-388-2727 or call Animal Control at 931-490-8500 (Mon-Fri 8-4) all other calls will be handled the next business day. 

If a citizen has an animal that is missing they can contact Paws of Maury County (Maury County Animal Shelter) at 931-540-0897 (Tues-Sat 11am-5pm).