Extreme weather can impact more than just us humans. Our furry friends can sense these storms approaching as well. During severe weather pets can become frantic, run away, hide, escape through fences, and find themselves in places they shouldn’t be. This is why it’s important to take your pet’s safety into consideration when storm season approaches. Bring your pets indoors before storms arrive, keep them under close supervision, and have leashes, pet carriers, and ID tags ready before severe weather strikes. Both the ASPCA, and Red Cross include this information in their national pet preparedness recommendations, urging pet owners to bring pets indoors at the first indication of severe weather.

From the perspective of a 911 Director, I want to make one point very clear: we care about your pets, but we also need the public to know who to call and when to call. During severe weather, emergency lines may already be handling crashes, medical emergencies, downed power lines, and storm damage. Not every animal call belongs on 911. What some may not realize is those non-emergency calls, they ring into the same 911 Communications Center. If an animal is actively attacking someone, has bitten someone, is threatening a person, or is creating an immediate life-safety danger, call 911. But routine roaming-animal and found-pet calls should be handled differently depending on where you are.

Inside Marshalltown city limits

Inside Marshalltown city limits, there is a city ordinance about animals at large. The City states that dogs at large can be reported by calling the Marshalltown Police non-emergency/dispatch number, 641-754-5725. So, if you are inside Marshalltown city limits and you see a non-violent, non-aggressive loose dog or animal, it is appropriate to call 641-754-5725. If the animal is aggressive, has bitten someone, or is creating an immediate threat to life or traffic, that becomes a 911 matter. To report an animal missing, this is a call for the Animal Rescue League.

Incorporated towns and cities in

Marshall County

Incorporated towns or cities within Marshall County have local ordinances related to animal protection and control. Ordinances vary between communities from at large or loose pets, annoyance/disturbance, registering, to number of pets owned. Please familiarize yourself with your city’s ordinances. Many communities have ordinances posted on their website or information can be provided at city hall.

In unincorporated Marshall County

In unincorporated Marshall County, it is different. Marshalltown’s city leash ordinance does not apply outside the city limits. While there is a difference, if there is an aggressive animal or imminent danger stop and call 911, do not place yourself in any danger, or harm’s way. In practical terms, a roaming animal in rural Marshall County is not automatically a 911 or dispatch call just because it is loose. If there is no bite, no attack, no threat, and no immediate danger to life or public safety, it is not a 911 matter.

The difference between city vs. county jurisdictions is where most of the confusion lies. So let me make this as clear as possible: Within the city limits of Marshalltown, stray/non-aggressive animals that are roaming free can be called at 641-754-5725 because the city has an at-large animal ordinance. Outside of Marshalltown city limits, in unincorporated Marshall County, an animal that is simply roaming free is NOT by itself a law enforcement issue nor a Communications Center / 911 issue. Understanding that distinction allows us to keep emergency lines free for emergencies and allows us to direct you to the appropriate resource on your first call.

If you think you found a lost pet

If you think you have found a lost pet and everyone is safe, you can always start with the Animal Rescue League of Marshalltown. If you are trying to help, please do it safely. Do not chase a frightened animal into traffic. Do not corner an anxious dog. Do not allow children up to an unfamiliar animal because it “looks friendly.” If the animal is calm and it is safe to do so, check for a collar or tag. If you can safely secure the pet, do that first, then contact the appropriate resource. Good intentions matter, but safety matters more.

A few simple steps can prevent

bigger problems

The best way to avoid these situations is prevention. Bring pets inside before storms hit. Check gates and fences. Keep updated tags on collars. Make sure microchip information is current. Keep a recent photo of your pet. After a storm, do not assume your pet will act normally just because the weather has passed. Animals can be frightened, confused, and more likely to run after severe weather, which is why preparedness matters before and after the storm. Let’s face it, our 4th of July celebrations are around the corner and we all understand how scary this can be to our fur babies.

Bottom line: If it’s truly dangerous or a life-safety emergency, call 911 anywhere in Marshall County. Within Marshalltown city limits if you have a loose dog that is NOT aggressive or hurting anyone, call 641-754-5725 to dispatch an officer. In rural Marshall County, roaming animals are not necessarily a cause to dial 911 since the city leash law does not apply there either. If you live within another city/town within Marshall County, check for local ordinances within your community for direction. However, if you have lost a pet, have questions, or picked up a stray and wanted to take it to the Animal Shelter, call the Animal Rescue League of Marshalltown to provide information they would need. This helps to keep Communications Center phone lines open for emergency personnel, and gives your pet the best opportunity of being reunited with you.

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Rhonda Braudis, CPE, RPL, NREMT,

is the 911 Communications Director for the

Marshall County Communications Commission.