The Longview Police Department has announced temporary changes to animal control services after the department’s only Animal Control Officer has resigned.

The department has begun its recruitment to fill the position, but until a new Animal Control Officer is hired and trained, LPD will have very limited ability to respond to animal-related calls for service.

At this time, officers will continue to respond to immediate threats to public safety, such as vicious animals attacking people and animal-related roadway hazards. Calls involving suspected criminal animal abuse or neglect or other unusual circumstances requiring an immediate response will be evaluated by a patrol supervisor.

However, routine animal control and nuisance complaints, including dogs running loose, leash violations, barking dogs, and similar issues, will generally not receive a response in the city of Longview until a new Animal Control Officer is hired and trained.