Animal Control

Letter from the President

Dear Friends:

This page of our website is dedicated to animal control, a term which refers to how stray or loose pets-both dogs and cats-are cared for. We are making every effort to partner with our local municipal leaders to continue providing animal control services. We began in 2006 with community-wide meetings for all municipal managers and continue to work with them individually and in regional groups. Without their full participation we will not be able to survive the tremendous drain of handling over 1300 stray dogs and 4300 stray cats per year.

Currently we charge a $.30 per capita (per person) fee to the municipalities, which covers less than a quarter of our animal control costs. Our goal is to reach by 2011 a per capita charge of one dollar which will nearly offset our deficit in this service. While the Humane Society of the United States cites that the national average is four dollars per capita, we are able to generate enough volunteer dollars for a much lower charge. Nonetheless, without this increased revenue, we will be forced to close our doors to stray animals. Furthermore, without taking this measure, we would face bankruptcy in only a few years.

Please read the additional information on this webpage about animal control for more details on this and
other services. It is important to note that we will continue to take surrendered and abused animals from anywhere in Lancaster County. In addition, please let your municipal leaders know that you support animal control services for your area. We all need to work together to keep our pets and communities safe.

Sincerely,
Joan E. Brown
President/CEO

What Does This Mean for the Humane League?		How Can I Help?
In order to continue providing the quality of care our pets deserve, the Humane League has been requesting that each township, boro, or municipality pay its share of animal control services. While the national average cost per person is $4, we are currently charging only $0.60 per person. Over the next two years we will increase our cost to a cap of $1 plus annual cost of living increases. This will allow us to use our resources to fund life saving programs proven to decrease the number of community pets who have to be euthanized, focusing our efforts on creating a brighter future for our community’s pets. (Read More)		Speak up for your community’s pets today! Contact your township or borough management and tell them you support the Humane League, and ask them to step up to the plate and pay for their portion of animal control costs. Click here for a form letter that you can print, sign, and send to your municipal officer.

Does my Municipality Contract for Animal Control?

The municipalities, townships, and boros listed here do not contract for animal control services. If you live in one of these areas and you find a stray animal, you will need to contact your local police or township official and inquire about the animal control services which they are legally required to provide.