Animal Control
LOST AND FOUND PETS
UP TO DATE PHOTOS OF ALL FOUND ANIMALS CAN BE SEEN AT THE OTTUMWA POLICE DEPARTMENT
Animals can be claimed between 8am and 4 pm at the Ottumwa PD Monday through Friday.
Found animals picked up by the Ottumwa Police are kept for seven days. Animals that have not been claimed by the owner after the first five days can to be adopted by any citizen if they pay the appropriate fees. Many of the animals that have not been claimed after seven days go to a local no-kill animal shelter. Aggressive or vicious animals will not be adopted out....likewise, people unsuited to adopt an animal will be denied; such as a person who has been charged with hoarding or animal cruelty Animals may be claimed between 8AM and 4 PM - Monday through Friday at the Ottumwa Police Department.
If you have lost a pet, contact the Police at 641-683-0661 to see if it has been picked up.
The Ottumwa Police Department has a police officer dedicated to Animal Control issues. Officer Jeff Williams has special training and equipment to deal with animal issues in the City of Ottumwa. The Police pick up stray animals, answers complaint about loud or viscious dogs and investigates cases of animal abuse.
The Ottumwa Police Department encourages all pet owners to be responsible stewards of the animals they keep. Dog Licensing is the best insurance for getting your dog returned to you in case he or she becomes lost. It also lets our officers know if the dog is currently vaccinated against rabies. We encourage spaying and neutering as the best solution to controlling the pet over-population.
RESTRAINT OF ANIMALS
It is not permissible to let dogs run loose in the City of Ottumwa, except at the Bark Park. Pets outdoors on the owners property must either be confined by a fence, restrained by a leash, cord, rope or chain. Unrestrained or confined dogs on the owners property must be under the supervision of the owner and obedient to their commands. Dogs not on the owner's property must be restrained on an adequate leash, cord, rope or chain measuring six feet or less.
PIT BULLS
Pit Bulls are classified as dangerous animals by Ottumwa Code. They are generally prohibited from inside the City limits. Persons found keeping Pit Bulls are subjest to being cited or arrested. Additionally, the Police Department can seize the animal if the owner fails or refuses to remove it from the City.
PROHIBITED ANIMALS
There are a number of types of animals that are classified as "dangerous animal' by City Code and are generally prohibited from the city as pets. This would include; lions, tigers, jaguars, leopards, cougars, lynxes, cheetahs, bobcats, wolves, coyotes, foxes, badgers, wolverines, weasels, skunks, raccoons, bears, monkeys, chimpanzees and other primates, alligators, crocodiles, scorpions; venomous or constrictor snakes, gila monsters, piranha, sharks pit bull terriers and any crossbreed of such animals which have similar characteristics to the animals specified above. Also prohibited are any animals that are not naturally tame or gentle, of a wild nature or disposition, and which is capable of killing, inflicting serious injury, or causing disease and having known tendencies as a species to do so.
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