Edgewood ANIMAL CONTROL

Welcome to the Town of Edgewood's Animal Control Division, where we provide the highest quality of service to enhance the health and welfare of both the citizens of Edgewood and all owned, lost or stray animals within the community.  Functions performed by the Animal Control include the impounding of stray animals, the placement of animals for adoption and relieving the pain and suffering of unadoptable animals.  Public education, promotion of responsible pet ownership and providing assistance and information to our citizens. 
ANIMAL ABUSE AND NEGLECT

Neglect of an animal can come in many forms. Usually neglect is caused by owners not understanding their pet’s needs. However, some owners neglect their pets because they simply don’t care. Education, in many instances, helps solve the problem of neglect. Some examples of neglectful situation are not increasing the size of the collar as the dog or cat grows resulting in the collar growing into the animals skin and ultimately causing death if not dealt with. Not grooming a dog or cat, especially long-haired ones, leads to massive matting which causes sores and terrible misery. Another form is starvation, however this is not just caused by lack of food, but by improper food, untreated disease, and parasites.

Abuse is more immediately recognizable, choking, cutting, dunking heads under water, setting on fire, kicking, hitting repeatedly--these are definite acts of abuse.

Always report any abuse or neglect situation to the animal control officer for investigation. Evaluate the situation and give as much information as you can when you call. For further information on animal abuse or neglect please contact animal control or the Humane Society for literature or videos.

Animal bites

Animal bites occur for many reasons. Whatever the reason may be, if you are bitten by a dog, cat, or wild animal contact animal control. The animal will need to be quarantined or tested for rabies. Rabies can effect all warm blooded mammals (including humans) and is always fatal. It is New Mexico state law that an animal bite be reported to your local animal control or law enforcement agency. 

If bitten by a wild or domestic animal seek medical attention and contact animal control. Animal control will need all information possible about the animal and its location and an owner if there is one.
Tips to prevent animal bites:

* Do not approach animals you do not know, including domestic.
* Do not handle injured wildlife, contact animal control or Game and Fish.
* Do not get in the middle of an animal fight.
* Don’t bother an animal when it is eating.
* To minimize your pets from getting bitten by domestic or wild animal don’t allow them to run free.


VOLUNTEERS