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Belton police outline animal-control procedures, trap-neuter-release results and citizen guidance
Summary
Belton Police Department presented an animal-control dispatch guide, call-response rules, Trap-Neuter-Release outcomes and resources for residents; Wayside Waifs handles contracted sheltering and TNR partnership.
At the April 22 meeting the Belton Police Department presented a dispatch guide for animal-control calls, clarified when officers will respond, described partnerships for sheltering and TNR (trap‑neuter‑release), and reviewed annual call volumes.
Animal control procedures: Lieutenant Mary Brueggi and Animal Control Officer Brad Wicklander walked council through the dispatch guide used when ACOs are on duty and when they are not. Wicklander said domestic animals found by citizens can be held by the finder, posted on the city’s "Belton lost and found pets" community page, scanned for microchips by patrol officers or transported to the city’s contracted facility.
Wicklander said, "It is not against the law for a dog to be in a vehicle. It is against the law for a dog to be in a vehicle in adverse weather." He added that police will respond to urgent calls — injured animals, aggressive animals posing a threat, or animals in extreme temperatures — and that only police officers have authority to break a vehicle window to rescue an animal when required.
Nut graf: Staff emphasized the role of non-city partners (Wayside Waifs and Lakeside Nature Center) for sheltering and wildlife advice, described how TNR is reducing feral-cat calls, and urged residents to use the nonemergency line for urgent animal incidents so ACOs can be deployed when available.
Stats and contracts: Staff provided fiscal figures showing Wayside Waifs billing of about $43,950 for 2023 and about $47,590 for 2024 (contracted sheltering, TNR and related services). City staff said TNR participation has increased and has helped lower calls related to feral cats.
Service guidance: For recurring problems such as bite-and-run incidents, staff asked residents to call the Belton nonemergency line immediately and to save video or photographic evidence to email to animal control; the My Belton app or community posts are useful for non-urgent reports like barking complaints.
Ending: Staff noted National Animal Control Officers Appreciation Week during the presentation and said the department will continue vaccination clinics and TNR partnerships with Wayside Waifs and regional conservation partners.
