Animal Control
Welcome to the City's Animal Control page! More updates will be posted here in the months to come. For now, below is the City's Standard Operating Procedure for wild life control.
Wildlife Control
With an increase in recent wildlife nuisances and in an effort to keep DWG citizens informed, the City has crafted an interim policy for wildlife control. Staff is working on a full-fledged animal control policy, but the below SOP will assist until the full policy is finalized.
1. Purpose
This Standard of Operating Procedure (SOP) provides information on the procedures necessary for the efficient removal of wildlife nuisances or possible diseased wildlife in Dalworthington Gardens.
2. Scope
This document applies to DWG city and Department of Public Safety (DPS) staff.
3. Definitions/Acronyms
3.1 High-Risk Wildlife: Bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes are considered high-risk animals for rabies in Texas.
3.2 Possible Diseased Wildlife: Wildlife that is showing signs of erratic or abnormal behavior.
4. Procedures
4.1 During Normal City Working Hours
a. Citizen Complaint Calls – Nuisance Wildlife
If a citizen complaint is received regarding wildlife that is causing a nuisance, an animal control officer (ACO) or public works employee will set a trap. If or when the wildlife is trapped, an ACO or public works staff will relocate the animal.
b. Citizen Complaint Calls – Possible Diseased Wildlife
If a citizen complaint is received regarding wildlife that is perceived to be sick, an ACO or public works employee will set a trap. Once the animal is trapped, an ACO or public works staff shall call a DPS lieutenant to assist in properly disposing of the animal. If city staff is requested to respond to a complaint, an employee will respond as soon and practical as possible. Please note that there are instances when public works staff is on a job that cannot be abandoned for a non-emergency issue.
4.2 After-hours; Including Holidays and Weekends
a. Citizen Complaint Calls – Nuisance Wildlife
If a citizen complaint is received regarding wildlife that is causing a nuisance, an ACO or public works employee will set a trap on the next regular work day. If or when the wildlife is trapped, an ACO or public works staff will relocate the animal.
DO NOT DISPATCH AN ON-CALL PUBLIC WORKS EMPLOYEE OR ACO FOR THIS ISSUE
b. Citizen Complaint Calls – Possible Diseased Wildlife
If a citizen complaint is received regarding wildlife that is perceived to be sick, contact a DPS lieutenant.
The lieutenant will use discretion as to either set a trap or to dispose of the animal. If the animal is trapped, a DPS lieutenant shall properly dispose of the animal.
4.3 Citizen-trapped Wildlife
a. If a citizen trapped an animal that is wildlife, they are responsible for that animal. Do not dispatch a city or DPS staff member to the call. Advise the citizen to contact a local wildlife control business (many available in our local area) for removal or to call a local Tarrant County Game Warden. For a list of game wardens, go here.