No pet or animal should suffer because of apathetic animal control officers, but that is exactly what's happening in Topeka, KS. Despite strong, capably worded ordinances, Topeka Animal Control (AC) officers fail to enforce the city ordinances, which would provide necessary protection to animals.

The animal abuse/neglect ordinances in Topeka, KS were updated in 2010 and are aligned with other major cities. These ordinances should provide protection for animals in Topeka. However, the Animal Control Unit officers of the Topeka Police Department have a poor understanding of existing ordinances and a systematic apathy towards upholding these ordinances. Many starved and neglected animals are left with their owners and not seized, despite pleas from citizens to enforce the ordinances.

In order to protect animals and uphold the ordinances, Topeka Police Department should:

• Hold an open forum to discuss community expectations of enforcement of abuse/neglect ordinances
• Provide adequate training to and evaluation of all AC officers
• Identify partners in the community who can assist in providing safety and care to neglected/abused animals.
• Submit a list of of missing resources preventing enforcing the ordinances to the City Council. The City Council should then communicate to the citizens if the resources can be provided and what the next steps for reform will be.
• Assure the public that all neglect cases will be addressed humanely and expeditiously in full accordance with the existing ordinances. In addition, they shall comply with the Kansas state cruelty statutes.

This apathy has gone on far too long and must be changed now. No pet should starve, freeze or suffer in the city of Topeka because ordinances are not upheld.

Topeka Ordinance 6.05.040 Cruelty to animals.

(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to recklessly or intentionally:

(1) Kill, injure, maim, torture, burn or mutilate any animal;

(2) Abandon or leave any animal in any place without ensuring provisions for its proper care;

(3) Have physical custody of any animal and fail to provide such food, potable water, protection from the elements, opportunity for exercise adequate to maintain health, or other care as is needed for the health or well-being of such animal;

(i) Food. Food shall be wholesome, free from contamination, and of sufficient quantity and nutritive value to maintain the animal(s) good health. Animals shall be fed at least once a day except as dictated by veterinary treatment, normal fasts or other accepted practices. All food receptacles shall be kept clean.

(ii) Potable Water. Adequate fresh water shall be made available to animals on a regular basis.

(iii) Protection from the Elements. Natural or artificial shelter appropriate to the local climatic conditions for the species concerned shall be provided for all animals kept outdoors to afford them protection and prevent severe discomfort of such animals. When sunlight is likely to cause overheating, sufficient shade by natural or artificial means shall be provided to allow all animals kept outdoors to protect themselves from direct sunlight. Owners of animals kept outdoors or in an unheated enclosure shall provide the animal with the following minimum standards of shelter:

(A) It shall include a moisture proof and windproof structure of suitable size to accommodate the animal and allow retention of body heat and shall be made of durable material with a solid floor.

(B) It shall be provided with a sufficient quantity of clean, suitable bedding material consisting of hay, stray, cedar shavings, or the equivalent, to promote insulation and protection against cold and dampness and promote retention of body heat.