Online map aids in locating pets
By Marilou Horton
Long Beach Animal Control Officer (ACO) Quentin Denney uses his extensive training in technology and biological sciences, along with his love for animals, to help residents reconnect with “man’s best friend.”
By combining Google Maps services and social media, ACO Denney has created a program that allows neighbors to learn about each other’s pets and aids the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) in reuniting animals and their owners in a timely manner. ACO Denney said there is a problem with animals wandering within the city, but it probably differs from how the public perceives it.
Long Beach doesn’t so much have an issue with discarding unwanted pets onto the streets, and it is not the case that people purposely open their doors and let their animals roam and run.
“It’s just that we have a big population of animals, and they tend to simply get out. They go through fencing holes or hurry out the door when no one is looking. They get excited and flee when we have thunderstorms or events with loud noises like fireworks going off,” the new Animal Control Officer explained.
Using Facebook as a tool, Animal Control can make posts letting residents know which loose animals are spotted in a particular area.
“People say, ‘Oh, that’s my dog. I’ll come to get it.’ Our residents should know that we don’t charge a fee for the pickup of their animals,” said Denney. “They just come and pick up their pet from our animal care facility. At the time of being reunited, we ask if they want to be included on the Resident Pet Map.”
Pet owners are asked to contact the Animal Control Officer and provide a photo and a brief description of their pet.
The custom map link will open a view that shows the entire city and the included animals’ addresses and photos in a searchable format. Using the map, ACO Denney, the LBPD officers or residents with access can type in an animal’s color, breed, and size to find the home of that animal highlighted with a pin point on the city map. This also helps to view the location of sightings of animals roaming to link back to all the houses where that dog has lived or currently resides. This connection helps the police department notify the owner that their missing pet has been located.
ACO Denney added there is also a second map that the police department can only access.
“This version of the map flags pets who have shown aggression in the past or who have previously bitten someone,” said Denney. “Included with the location on the map will be the bite letter issued and any home restrictions noted.”
Long Beach is the only city on the Coast – and possibly in the state – Danndey said, that has its own mechanism for maintaining, reuniting, rehoming, and performing adoptions aside from the Humane Society.
The Long Beach Police Department runs LBPD Animals Needing Care and Adoption on Facebook. Their Dog Shed and Cat Shed can house fifteen cats and twelve dogs comfortably, are climate controlled, and staffed primarily by volunteers. The volunteers feed, walk, and water the animals; playtime occurs in a large fenced-in yard. When dogs are found within Long Beach, their information and photos are posted on social media to reunite them with their family. If they are not claimed within five days, vetting begins, and the dogs or cats are prepared for adoption. Vetting includes ensuring the animals are good with other pets, children, loud noises and car rides. They are also given their first round of shots and updated on other vaccines.
“We provide a pathway to create healthy, adjusted, adoptable animals within the city, and it’s all free. We do not charge an adoption fee and keep records of all adoptions.”
ACO Denney stressed that their adoption is done separately from the Humane Society.
“If we take an animal to the Humane Society, it costs $150 to turn it over to them to introduce that animal into their system. Last year, the City of Long Beach spent $1,500 taking animals to the Humane Society.”
The officer, replacing upcoming retiree Kerry Hall, noted that the animal care facility always accepts donations. Those items on their wish list include dog and cat food, old rags for cleaning, paper towels, antibacterial cleaning supplies, used towels for bedding, and scoopable cat litter. Items can be dropped off at the LBPD or the drop box on Jeff Davis Avenue in front of the barbershop.
ACO Denney added that a fundraiser/supply collection drive for the LBPD Animal Control Division was held in mid-March. These events are usually scheduled to be held at least once a month at various local city locations.
For more information, call Denney at 228-863-7292.
