Animal Control

The County of Franklin Animal Control Department enforces local animal regulatory and state humane laws. Department Animal Control Officers are authorized to investigate possible animal related law violations and take appropriate enforcement action. Each year Department officers conduct thousands of investigations, ranging from relatively minor code violations to felony animal cruelty cases.

In some cases, our officers may promote voluntary compliance by educating owners about their animal care responsibilities; other situations may warrant administrative action and/or an arrest and criminal prosecution. Additionally, our officers rescue animals that are stray, sick or injured, or endangered or other situations. Abandonment of animals Section 3.2-6504 states that no person shall abandon or dump any animal. Violation of this section is a Class 3 Misdemeanor.

Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the release of an animal by its owner to a pound, animal shelter, or other releasing agency.