Knoxville Police Department Animal Control Unit (ACU) officers fulfill a variety of duties--way beyond driving their distinctive vehicles around the city in pursuit of stray dogs and cats.
ACU officers respond to all calls for service related to pretty much any animal. They also assist the Knoxville Fire Department, EMS and KPD officers when animals are involved in emergency calls.
One of the most important responsibilities of ACU officers is educating and assisting residents of both the two-legged and four-legged variety. The Animal Control Unit conducts animal safety meetings with area businesses who make contact with residents who might have animals. These safety meetings offer suggestions about how to read an animal’s behavior to determine if it is friendly, scared or property protective. ACU officers also offer advice about how to act around these animals to maintain safety and prevent bites. They also attend area schools to instruct children on the responsibilities of pet care and ownership.
The Animal Control Unit couldn’t fulfill its mission of assisting the community without generous donations from the public to stock items such as collars, leashes, toys, beds, blankets, bowls, food and water on each truck. The Unit also has access to items like dog houses, crates and tie out cables when in supply. Officers may provide these items for a pet during an investigation or to help teach pet owners about caring for their furry family members. Often, donation supplies are given to pet owners who may be experiencing difficult times financially.
KPD Animal Control Unit officers show above, left to right: Nicholas Powell, Michael Mathes, Rhonda Bender, Brooklyn Powell, Keith Hogue, Morgan Kershaw, Claudia Reagan, Amanda Cameron and Kevin Carlson.
Officers Reagan and Cameron recently appeared in a story on the unit by WATE Channel 6's Bo Williams for his "Behind the Badge" series, which you can watch
here.
Anyone interested in donating or scheduling an animal safety meeting should contact Animal Control Unit Supervisor Keith Hogue at 865-215-8639 or 865-215-8640.