Since the new Greene County Animal Shelter has been up and running, one entity is thrilled with how its functioning.

Jefferson Police Chief Mark Clouse is pleased with how the police department now has access to two isolation areas when they drop off pets that they have captured due to a call for service.

“It’s working out extremely well. We have had no complications (and) no complaints out there. There’s a two run that is strictly for law enforcement officers to place animals. That’s being maintained. That’s a much easier process in that new facility. Before you’d bring a dog in on a leash and there’s six other dogs at the wired gate barking and that gets this dog (to be dropped off) excited. And this is a much calmer situation. We’re very happy with it.”     

The City Council recently approved a $20 daily fee to hold a pet until the owner is able to retrieve it from the shelter and pay all necessary fees. 

Clouse wants the public to be aware of some ordinances pertaining to pet owners within city limits. He says the pet can be on the owner’s property without any restraints. However, if the pet leaves the owner’s property, it is in violation of the city’s leash law and the pet is labeled as “at-large.” Clouse notes the officer will work with a pet owner to educate them on the ordinances if it’s their first violation, but after that, citations will be issued. Click the links below to view the animal control and protection, as well as required licenses for pets.

Animal protection and control: https://cityofjeffersoniowa.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/chapter55.pdf

Required licenses for cats and dogs: https://cityofjeffersoniowa.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/chapter56.pdf