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    All pet owners should be aware of the following:

    1. Kent County SPCA/Delaware Animal Care and Control officers (ACOs) do NOT have the right to enter your home or locked outbuildings on your property without permission. If you do not give permission, they must return with a police officer AND a search warrant.

    2. ACOs investigate animal-cruelty charges under Delaware Code, Title 3, the Delaware Department of Agriculture. If you have a complaint about their behavior, contact the Secretary of Agriculture. Copy your legislators and County Council member or Levy Court commissioner

    3. ACOs investigate dog-at-large and dangerous-dog complaints for all three counties (via individual contracts) under Delaware Code Title 9. If you have a complaint about their behavior, contact your County Council member or Levy Court commissioner. Copy your legislators.

    4. Although there may be county code concerning how many animals you may have in your home, ACOs have no authority from the counties to monitor cats or enforce county code other than that related to dog control.

    Catherine Samardza

    Hartly

Rabies-vaccination information for pet owners

    All pet owners should be aware of the following concerning rabies-vaccination requirements:

    1. Animal Control Officers investigate and enforce rabies control laws for the Delaware Department of Agriculture, DNREC and the Division of Public Health under Delaware Code Title 3. If you have a complaint about an ACO, contact the Secretary of Agriculture or the Office of the State Veterinarian. Copy your legislators and County Council member orLevy Courtcommissioner.

    2. All cats, dogs and ferrets over 6 months old must be inoculated. The ACOs can request that you produce a valid rabies certificate for any animal that you own or care for. If your records are kept at your veterinarian’s office, you may refer the ACO to your vet.

    3. The fine for failure to inoculate your pet will cost $25.

    4. If your animal bites or is bitten by another animal, or bites a human, but has a current vaccination, you may quarantine your pet at home. The quarantine period can be anywhere from 10 to 90 days. You do NOT have to give your animal to the KCSPCA for quarantine, although there are specific requirements for the type of enclosure necessary.

    5. If your pet’s rabies vaccination is NOT current, the isolated quarantine period is 6 months. And again, you DO NOT have to give your animal to the KCSPCA, although you MUST quarantine your pet with a veterinarian, kennel or other facility approved by the Department of Agriculture. The fees for isolated quarantine kenneling are to be paid by you, the pet owner.

    6. Failure to quarantine your pet carries fines of $25 to $200, and the possible euthanasia of your pet.

    7. While the law requires that you have your pet vaccinated against rabies, you have the right to refuse the ACOs access to your home.

    Catherine Samardza

    Hartly