Animal Control

       In a continuing effort to make Lake Helen a safer and better place to live, the City Police Department has taken over the duties of Animal Control Services.

       As a law enforcement officer it is my firm belief that "knowledge" is the key to effective compliance of animal control ordinances. From time to time I will supply the general public with flyers and information about Pet Care and Laws pertaining to your pets. I am asking you, the citizen, to assist me. Pet owners must consider the responsibilities towards neighbors and toward their community.

       The biggest complaint that is received by the Police Department pertaining to animals is the legendary "barking dog" - an
animal that repeatedly or excessively barks, cries, howls, screeches, squawks, screams, whines or makes other prolonged or
disturbing noises interfering with the peace, comfort, repose or quietude of neighboring properties is considered to be a Public
nuisance animal. Barking dog complaints cannot be reported anonymously.

       All dogs and cats must be vaccinated and licensed Be sure to keep your pet current on its rabies vaccination. Licensing pets increases the pet's chance of returning home. Licensing is available at City Hall. You must present a certificate of rabies vaccination issued by a licensed veterinarian.

       Dogs are NOT allowed to run loose. Dogs must be restrained when outside of their home. They must also be under the control of a person with the ability to restrain them.

       If you are cited for an infraction of the animal control ordinance the civil penalty is $55.00 for 1st offense, $105.00 for the 2nd offense and 3rd offense is a mandatory court appearance with a maximum fine of $505.00. If you fail to pay the fine a warrant may be issued for your arrest.

       Your pet does not have a sense of civic responsibility, so you have to think for him. Put yourself in your neighbor's place and try to imagine how your pet's habits affect them.

       My primary on-duty hours will be Monday-Friday from 11am to 7pm. I am available all other hours for extreme emergencies. The on-shift officer will respond to animal complaints when I am not available. You may report animal complaints by calling our office at (386) 228-2145. If no one is in the office your calls will be automatically transferred to the Volusia County Sheriff's Dept. and they will dispatch an officer to your home.