STRAY DOGS / PUPPIES
There are state laws/city ordinances pertaining to allowing dogs to run at large. Call (423) 479-2122 and select option 2 to report or have a stray dog/puppy picked up. Stray dogs/puppies can be brought to the Animal Control Division by good Samaritans. Due to the large volume of calls received, if the Animal Control Division officers cannot respond to the call on the same day you call, you will need to call back the following day.
Dog/puppy traps are delivered and set by the Animal Control Division when an animal control officer is unable to capture a stray dog/puppy. Residents who need a trapped dog/puppy to be picked up can call (423) 479-2122 and select option 2.
By law, stray dogs/puppies must be held 3 full working days in order to give owners a chance to claim their pets. If a dog/puppy is healthy and not aggressive, it will be placed for adoption. If the dog/puppy is injured or ill, it will usually be evaluated by a local vet for their professional advice. In cases where the animal is suffering, euthanasia may be necessary.
No time limit is placed on dogs/puppies eligible for adoption. In a case where the dog is not eligible for adoption and no rescue group takes it, it could be euthanized soon after the 3 days. Animals may be euthanized because of ill health, temperament or lack of space.
When a pet is surrendered to the division by the owner, he/she gives up the rights to the surrendered pet. The pet may be adopted, sent to a rescue group or euthanized the same day. If you want to know if the pet you surrendered was adopted, you can call (423) 479-2122 and select option 1. However, it is recommended that you have the pet’s identification number in order to identify your pet and its status. Again, any animal that is surrendered by the owner, there is no set hold time and the animal may be euthanized immediately.
See State Laws Dogs at Large Title 44 Chapter 8
See City Ordinances Animals at Large Title 10-101
See Euthanasia Policy--Page 11
See Catch Method Policy--Page 13