Livermore's Barking Dogs and Injured Eagles: Who to Call For Help

Barking dogs, loose dogs, injured or dead animals on the road - who do you call? The Livermore Police Department Animal Control Unit.

The two officers in the unit - Kathy Holmes and Lorie Rueppel - consider themselves first and foremost enforcement officers, rescue officers, and health and safety officers.

According to Officer Holmes, “Our main goal is to protect animals from abuse and neglect and to protect people from dangerous animals. We are also called upon to render aid to injured animals, address barking complaints, and unfortunately pick up deceased animals. A lot of our time is also spent enforcing city ordinances such as leash laws and maximum pet violations.”

Their most memorable accomplishments have been saving injured animals, from a Golden eagle to a German Shepherd. “We are especially proud to have been involved in saving an abused German Shepherd that the vet thought may not survive,” said Officer Holmes. Rescue groups got involved and although he had to have his leg amputated, he was saved and we were able to help re-home him.”

So who do you call to solve problems you spot around Livermore?

• Pets: Livermore Police Dept., 510-567-6800
• Birds or wildlife: Lindsay Wildlife Museum, 925-935-1978
• Rodents or pests: Alameda County Vector Control Services, 510-567-6800

Just don’t call the police department if your cat is stuck in a tree.Officer Holmes said, “In my 18 years here, I have never had a cat refuse to come down from a tree once it was hungry or motivated to.”

--Patch File Photo via Minnetonka Patch