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Police ask council to explore microchipping and incentive programs after surge in stray animal calls
Summary
Police reported a surge in animal calls and limited shelter/foster capacity; officers proposed incentives and partner clinics to microchip and register animals and asked council to add the issue to a future agenda for policy options.
Lincoln police reported a recent increase in stray‑animal calls and limited capacity to hold and place animals. Officer Anthony Schneider (police) told the council that in the past month the department had responded to 37 animal calls and often finds animals without tags or microchips, making reunification difficult.
“We're currently facing... 37 animal calls, including picking up stray animals,” Officer Schneider said. “Most of the time, these animals are not registered with the city. They're not microchipped.” He said the department lacks space and staff to shelter many animals and that many local rescues are already full.
Officers and council members discussed options including partner‑run microchip clinics at reduced cost, incentives such as waiving a future license fee for residents who microchip and register their pets, and community outreach tied to a city event (Lincoln Days) or a temporary microchip/registration clinic. A council member suggested pairing microchipping with a community event (an “ice cream social”) to boost turnout.
Police recommended amending the ordinance to allow animals the department cannot identify to be turned over immediately to foster or adoption groups rather than held in police custody when no owner is found. Council directed staff to place animal‑registration and microchipping program options on an upcoming agenda for review and asked the police to coordinate with local rescue groups and public health partners to explore a clinic and incentive program.
