This four-page citizen complaint affidavit was created by Orange County (Fla.) Animal Services to help officers better resolve problems regarding stray animals. If a citizen calls to report a stray animal, the shelter collects all the pertinent information to determine the correct course of action. Once complainants fill out the form, providing a complete description of the animal in question, they have, in effect, signed a witness statement giving officers the legal authority to act. Officers will then resolve the situation, whether by loaning a trap to help people capture feral cats, writing a letter to the owner of a dog known to damage property, or simply visiting the animal’s owner to discuss a violation of local ordinances.

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