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1. What is the cities ordinance for barking dogs?

Under 4.430 of Eugene Code, Continuous Annoyance. Permitting any animal to cause annoyance, alarm or disturbance for more than 15 continuous minutes at any time of the day or night, be it repeated barking, whining, screeching, howling, braying or other like sounds which can be heard beyond the boundary of the owner's property.

We encourage neighbors to resolve the matter between themselves if safe to do so.  If that does not resolve the issue people can report the noise to the Animal Services line at 541.687.4060.  In order for our office to follow up we must have an address, not just a description of the house or apartment.

If it is the first complaint for the address or a reasonable time has passed between complaints, our office will send a Good Neighbor letter to the residents.  The letter notifies the resident a complaint was made and provides them information on the ordinance, fines they could be issued in the future, and resources to help address the barking.  If you are a tenant at an apartment complex we encourage you to report it to property management, as they typically have noise addressed in the lease and may be able to resolve the matter more quickly.

Please note that Continuous Annoyances are followed up on as time allows.  In order for enforcement action to be taken, our office will need a signed complaint by a witness to the noise.  We cannot take enforcement from an anonymous complaint.  If a letter has been sent and the issue continues we recommend a complainant have a 15 minute video recording of the noise.

2. How to live with cats in your neighborhood

There is a large stray and feral cat population throughout Lane County.  Eugene Animal Services responds to calls for service regarding free roaming cats who are very sick or injured.  Additionally, we partner with Greenhill Humane Society to help stabilize the current population and stop the reproduction of future cats, through the Cat Program and Trap Neuter Return.   

Trap Neuter Return (TNR). This nationally recognized model has been shown to be the most effective, humane and collaborative way for communities to coexist with cats.  Cats are humanely trapped, sterilized, ear-tipped (the universal sign that a cat is a part of a TNR program) and then returned to the same area.  Greenhill Humane Society’s TNR program is offered free to any feral, stray or free-roaming cat in Lane County.  For more  information visit this link or call 541.689.1503 press 6 to make an appointment.   

It is illegal to trap and relocate unwanted cats, nor does it solve the problem.  Not only is it cruel, it only creates opportunity for other cats from the area to appear, creating a viscous cycle also know as the "vacuum effect".  The TNR model stabilizes current cat colonies and prevents them from reproducing.  It is also known to lessen or stop nuisance behavior such as spraying or aggression towards other animals.  

Tips on living with cats in your neighborhood 

Put out fragrances that deter cats.  Scatter fresh orange or lemon peels, wet coffee gourds or metal pans filled with vinegar to deter cats.  Talk to your lawn and garden store about other humane options to deter unwanted animals from your yard.  

Get a Cat Scat Mat. A non chemical cat deterrent consisting of plastic mats that are cut into smaller pieces and pressed into the soil.  The mats are flexible plastic spikes that are harmless to cats and other animals but discourage digging.

Get motion-activated sprinklers.

Keep trash secure with a tight lid.  Exposed trash will attract cats, as well as wildlife.  Also, do not leave food outside for your pets, it will attract cats and wildlife.  

Block gaps in the foundation of your home, sheds and any outbuilding.  

Talk to your neighbors.  You may determine the cat is a pet and talk to their owner about the issues you’re having.  

For more information on feral cats and the effectiveness of the Trap Neuter Return model, visit the Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon.

3. What can I do about injured or nuisance wildlife?

Eugene Animal Services does not handle wildlife. 

If you are dealing with a nuisance wildlife issue please refer to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Oregon has laws surrounding trapping, relocating, and destroying wildlife. The link offers information on living with wildlife, as well as resources on wildlife control operators in the area.

If you find a sick or injured wild animal, call Oregon ODFW, OSP, or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator before picking up or moving any wildlife.

4. What am I required to do if I find a dog?

If you find a dog inside the city limits of Eugene, you must call or take it directly to Greenhill Humane Society during normal business hours. If you are unable to transport the dog, you may call the animal services line at 541.687.4060 and someone will advise you if there is an animal welfare officer on duty.  If you find a dog after business hours and can safely house it overnight you can choose to do so.  

While posting found dogs on Craigslist and other social media outlets can be helpful in reuniting pets with their owners, by law you must also report or turn the dog over to the animal authority.  If you are interested in adopting a dog you found if an owner does not come forward, let the shelter know.  They give preference to the finders.  

5. What animals are approved inside city limits?

The City of Eugene has ordinances surrounding Urban Animal Keeping.  Additionally, the city limits the number of dogs on a property over the age of 6 months to three and one visiting dog for a short period of time. These ordinances are enforced by the City of Eugene Code Compliance and all complainants should be directed to their office.  

Our office often receives complaints for the noise created by roosters.  While our office typically handles continuous annoyance created by animals, roosters are prohibited in city limits and the urban growth boundary.  Complaints about roosters can be directed to code compliance as well.  

6. What should I do if my pet is missing?

File a lost report with Greenhill Humane Society at 541-689-1503.  You may also check their website or visit the shelter during their business hours to see if your pet is currently under their care.  If you recognize an animal at the shelter as your pet, they can be reclaimed from the during their regular business hours.

For more tips, visit How to Locate a Missing Pet on Greenhill Humane Society’s page. 

7. Where do I report an animal bite?

The owner of an animal susceptible to rabies which bites a human being shall notify Lane County Environmental Health if the bite makes contact with skin resulting in the break to the skin.  Bites can be reported during regular business hours by calling 541.682.4480.  Animal must be quarantined for 10 days beginning on the date of the incident.  

Reporting a bite to Eugene Animal Services is only necessary if it is a dog bite and someone wants to file a complaint against the owner.  This could be a dog bite/attack to a humane or another animal.  The City of Eugene has a Potentially Dangerous Dog classification and if an incident meets the criteria an owner is required to place their dog under a certain level of restrictions.