Sheriff's Office

Animal Control

If you have an animal complaint, please call Ottawa County Central Dispatch's Non-Emergency, 1-800-249-0911

Ottawa County Sheriff's Office Animal Control is responsible for handling animal complaints within Ottawa County. Animal Control Deputies routinely investigate complaints regarding the handling and care of companion animals, to include abuse/neglect situations and dangerous animals. While Ottawa County Animal Control Deputies are concerned with the humane treatment of animals, their primary goal is that of preserving human health.

Animal Control Deputies regularly pick-up stray dogs and assist in reuniting owners with lost pets. In addition, they perform the following duties:

  • Investigating housing and care of farm domestics
  • Investigation of animal cruelty complaints
  • Determining the origin of stock losses
  • Enforcing state animal control laws, including licensing statutes
  • Providing kennel inspections and licensing
  • Documenting animal bite reports
  • Providing information on wild animal issues
  • Providing permits for wolf-dogs and large carnivores
  • Follow-up on dog license violations

The Ottawa County Road Commission picks up and disposes of dead deer in roads and road rights-of-way once per week. This removal service is generally limited to dead deer. To submit information about the location of a dead deer for removal, contact the Road Commission by calling 616-842-5400 or utilize their online service request form. The Road Commission does not collect and discard other small wild or domestic animals such as opossum or cats. There is no public service for the disposal of dead animals on private property. Contact your local landfill to see if they collect and accept dead animals.

Luke Wiersma and Nicole Schaefer are the deputies currently assigned to the Animal Control Unit.