Animal Control
The Winchester Police Department employs two Animal Control Officers (ACO). The ACOs perform all duties as patrol officers as well as respond to calls concerning animals.
When to call an ACO:
- If there is sick or injured wildlife (including feral cats) on your property
- If a human has been exposed to sick wildlife or been bitten
- If a pet has face-to-face contact/interaction with wildlife (must test for rabies)
- When there has been a dog/dog or cat/cat fight or bite if one of the animals is not yours
ACOs can help with:
- Sick or injured wildlife
- Removing snakes
- Abandoned dogs
- Sick or injured cats
- Littering (feces)
- Loose aggressive dogs
- Dogs left in hot vehicles
- Barking/howling dogs
- Dog bite reports (cal 9-1-1 if an ambulance is needed)
- Adequate securement and shelter for outdoor pets
- Removing bats if in a residence overnight or several days
Nuisance wildlife:
Nuisance wildlife such as the animals listed below are the responsibility of the property owner unless they are sick or injured or appear to have rabies. If they are not sick, injured or have rabies, contact a pest control company or licensed wildlife trapper to have them removed, if desired. Visithttps://www.dgif.virginia.gov/for a list of wildlife trappers.
Nuisance Wildlife
- Fox
- Raccoon
- Opossum
- Skunk
- Squirrels
- Rabbits
- Groundhogs
- Deer (healthy or deceased)
ACO Contact:
Call (540) 662-4131 to speak with an ACO or to report an animal concern.