Civil Enforcement

Services

On April 1^st, 2025, the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office began providing Animal Control services for Daviess County. These services were formerly provided by Animal Care and Control through the Daviess County Fiscal Court. The Animal Control service of the DCSO falls under the responsibility of the Civil Enforcement Unit which is located within the Patrol Division. In addition to providing Animal Control services to all of Daviess County, these officers also perform various support tasks such as serving non-criminal civil papers and assisting with traffic control at the scene of major accidents and road closures. Civil Enforcement Officers also respond to animal complaints, investigate cases of cruelty and neglect, and have the power to issue citations for violations of KRS and Daviess County Ordinances that pertain to animals. 

If you need to speak with someone about an animal complaint, please call Owensboro – Daviess County Central Dispatch at (270) 687-8888. Please understand that if a Civil Enforcement Officer is not available, you may be connected to a Sheriff’s Deputy who will handle the initial call. In a non-emergency situation, a Civil Enforcement Officer will return your call as soon as possible. In an emergency, either a DCSO Deputy or OPD Officer will respond to the call depending on the circumstances and location of the problem.

Animal Control

Daviess County Animal Care & Control promotes and supports responsible pet ownership while keeping both the animals and the public safe.

The department receives roughly 3,000 animals per year, and assists the public with many services, including:

• Enforcement of County Animal Ordinances (Chapter 90)
• Provide rabies and animal welfare education
• Provide low cost or free spay and neuter options for low income pet owners
• Investigate reports of animal cruelty
• Investigate general animal complaints
• Pick up sick and/or injured animals

Please remember that as a pet owner, you have a responsibility to your pet. Pets need:

• Love and attention daily
• Food and water daily
• Exercise
• To be kept clean, brushed and groomed
• To be disciplined
• Shelter from rain, snow, cold and drafts
• To receive regular veterinary care

Note: Animal Care & Control will hold a stray dog for five (5) days to give the owner a chance to reclaim them. In the event a stray dog is not reclaimed, it can be adopted, sent to a rescue or humanely euthanized. There is no set amount of time required to hold an owner relinquished dog. Animal Care & Control will pick up a stray cat if it is contained.