Animal Control

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Coyotes Are Among Us

updated: Monday, May 14, 2012

Today we are in the grips of a resurgence of coyotes in the urban area, including St. Louis Park. Inevitably when larger animals (think deer 30 years ago) increase their populations in densely populated areas, conflicts with humans arise. Unfortunately the coyote is no exception.
Coyotes will sometimes approach humans when a dog is present, particularly during the mating season, which runs from January through March (dogs of any weight, shape and size serve as threats to mating male coyotes). 
Extensive studies show that coexistence is the only effective relationship for humans and urban coyotes and one of the best ways to coexist with coyotes is to prevent conflicts with them. Do not let them get accustomed to you or your neigbhorhood; habituation of humans and our surroundings creates coyote conflicts!
Another way to coexist with coyotes is through hazing. Hazing is a method that makes use of deterrents to move an animal of an area or discourage undesirable behavior or activity.
Some things to keep in mind about coyotes:
  • Coyotes will sometimes approach humans when a dog is present, particularly during the mating season, which runs from January through March (dogs of any weight, shape and size serve as threats to mating male coyotes)
  • Extensive studies show that coexistence is the only effective relationship for humans and urban coyotes and one of the best ways to coexist with coyotes is to prevent conflicts with them.
  • Do not let them get accustomed to you or your neighborhood; habituation of humans and our surroundings creates coyote conflicts

Examples of hazing include:

  • Yelling and waving your arms while approaching the coyote
  • Noisemakers: Voice, whistles, air horns, bells, soda cans filled with pennies or rocks, pots and pans banged together
  • Projectiles: sticks, small rocks, cans, tennis balls, rubber balls
  • Other: hoses, water guns with vinegar water, spray bottles with vinegar water, pepper spray, bear repellant, walking sticks
 To print and display a flyer with the above information, click here.

 

See more about: coyote conflicts  coyotes  hazing  living with coyotes   Coyotes Are Among Us

Animal cruelty

updated: Wednesday, May 09, 2012

Minnesota law allows police officers to take an animal to a shelter if the animal

  • is not protected from heat, cold or inclement weather
  • has not been given food or water.

If an animal is left in a hot car and its health or safety is endangered, officers are empowered to use reasonable force to enter the vehicle and remove the animal.

Engaging in dog fighting or pitting animals against one another is illegal.

See more about: animal cruelty   Animal cruelty

Animal Bites

updated: Wednesday, May 09, 2012

If your cat or dog bites someone, identify yourself and tell the victim whether your pet's rabies vaccination is current. The city requires that your pet be quarantined - usually inside your home for 10 days. After 10 days, a city staff member will contact you to confirm if your pet is still in good health.

Rather than quarantining the animal, the pet owner may choose to release the animal to a veterinarian who will euthanize it. The veterinarian will arrange to have the University of Minnesota examine the animal for evidence of rabies. The owner is responsible for all costs.

Be sure to report any animal bite: call the St. Louis Park public safety dispatcher at (952) 924-2618.

See more about: animal bites   Animal Bites

Wild Animals as Pets

updated: Friday, March 16, 2012

City ordinance prohibits residents from keeping any animal prohibited by state or federal law as well as non-domesticated animals such as skunks, bobcats, wolves, venomous snakes, etc. For more information, call the animal control officer (952) 924-2133.

See more about: snakes  wild animals   Wild Animals as Pets

What to do if Your Pet is Missing?

updated: Friday, March 16, 2012

Did you know the St. Louis Park Police Department’s CSOs (Community Service Officers) double as Animal Control? If you have lost an animal, contact the Police Department’s dispatch line at (952) 924-2618 and area animal shelters.
 
State law requires all impound facilities to hold stray animals for a minimum period of five days to give an owner the opportunity to locate their pet. Be sure to contact all animal impound facilities and shelters in the area where your pet was lost.
 
City ordinance requires dogs older than 16 weeks to have a dog license and valid rabies vaccination. Owners can obtain a dog license at City Hall when providing proof of vaccination and a license fee payment. An off-leash permit must also be obtained from the city before using off-leash dog areas.

See more about: animal control  found cat  found dog  missing cat  missing dog  missing pet   What to do if Your Pet is Missing?

Stray or Unwelcome Animal Intruder

updated: Thursday, February 16, 2012

To report a stray animal, call the St. Louis Park public safety dispatcher at (952) 924-2618. Please be ready with the animal's description and general location.

Occasionally, a squirrel, raccoon, skunk, bat or bird finds its way into a home. If you can't get the animal to leave through an open door or window, call a company that specializes in animal removal (see Yellow Pages under "Pest Control").

If you feel immediately threatened by the animal or are unsure what to do, call the public safety dispatcher at (952) 924-2618 or the animal control officer at (952) 924-2133 for advice.

See more about: raccoon  stray animal   Stray or Unwelcome Animal Intruder

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Phone Numbers

Emergency: 911

Non-emergency:
(952) 924-2618

Animal Control:
(952) 924-2618

Records/Administration:
(952) 924-2600

Fax Number:
(952) 924-2676

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