The primary responsibility of the Mobile County Animal Control division is to enforce the Mobile County’s animal control ordinances or the Alabama state statutes in the Mobile County unincorporated communities, specifically impounding dogs roaming at large and investigation of other animal issue violations or abuse. This is required by Alabama law to protect the health and safety of our citizens as well as the animals (The Reverence For All Life). Most of the dogs picked up are abandoned animals left to their own resources to survive on the streets. These animals live in harsh environmental conditions, scavenging for food and are subject to serious illnesses and injuries. We are required to pick up these animals and place them on a seven-day hold that would allow an owner, if there is one, to reunite with them.
The Code Of Alabama Title 3-1-5 is to issue warnings/citations to pet owners who let their dogs run freely. The Dangerous Dog Act 2012-235 requires the Animal Control officers to impound dogs with severe physical injuries, that have established a pattern of being a nuisance, or ones that damage the property of others.
Animal Control Officers also investigate cases of domestic animal abuse and neglect. Often, the reports come in from the public. Officers respond to all cases reported to them. If there is probable cause to believe that an animal is at risk, the Officers will immediately open an investigation. These investigations can lead to prosecution by the District Attorney, and it is the job of the Animal Control Officers to testify in court regarding their findings.
Hours of Operation
- Monday through Friday from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.
- Saturday at 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.
- Closed: On designated County/State/Federal Holidays
Note*** During closed hours, an Animal Control Officer is on Stand-by Duty to respond to any emergency calls which are considered to be an extreme emergency such as listed below.
- Dog or cat bites that break the skin, which occurred on the same day as the call (unless the animal is confined)
- Animal Abuse/Cruelty (if the animal is in distress or immediate danger)
- Stray dog on a highway, busy street and interfering with a commercial business
- Loose, aggressive dog
- A sick or injured stray dog ( unless an animal is with a skin condition or body defect)
For more information, contact Mobile County Animal Control at (251)574-7940
Woodland Hills Homeowner's Association 