Blue Springs Animal Control Officers (ACOs) work to provide residents with humane options for handling pets who may pose a danger to others or to property. ACOs patrol neighborhoods and respond to calls from
dispatch throughout the day. Though some calls result in officers having to place an animal in a temporary holding facility, this is not usually the case. “Most animals end up going back home pretty quickly if they have any kind of identification,” says Animal Control Officer Anita Byrd.
As the weather warms up, there is an increase in calls received for dogs locked in cars and lost pets. Though there is no ordinance prohibiting dogs being in a car, there are safety risks if precautions aren't taken. "Once a vehicle reaches a certain temperature, heatstroke is a concern," says Anita. "It can happen in minutes."