On January 18, 2022 the City Council held a public hearing to gather input from the community regarding a potential revision to the animal ordinance as requested by a previous petition calling for the end of breed specific legislation. Since that meeting staff and council members have continued to receive input and feedback from the community and the coalition. Although there is dissent regarding breed specific language in the revised ordinance, there is general consensus the revision improves the environment for animals. This revision took affect July 23, 2022.
Follow the Ottumwa Police Department's Animal Control page on Facebook for the most current pets picked up; up-to-date photos of all found animals can be seen at the Police Department.
Animals can be claimed between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. at the Ottumwa Police Department, Monday through Friday. Found animals picked up by the Ottumwa Police Department are kept for seven days, sheltered under the care of a licensed veterinarian. Animals that have not been claimed by the owner after the first five days can be adopted by any citizen if appropriate fees are paid. Many animals not claimed within seven days go to a local shelter.
Aggressive or vicious animals will not be released for adoption; likewise, people unsuited to adopt an animal will be denied, such as an individual who has been charged with hoarding or animal cruelty.
The Ottumwa Police Department encourages all pet owners to be responsible stewards of the animals they keep. Dog Licensing is the best insurance for getting your dog returned to you in case he or she becomes lost. It also lets our officers know if the dog is currently vaccinated against rabies. We encourage spaying and neutering as the best solution to controlling the pet over-population.
If you have a lost pet, contact the Police at (641) 683-0661 to see if it has been picked up.
The Ottumwa Police Department has an officer dedicated to Animal Control issues. Officer Jeff Williams has special training and equipment to deal with animal issues in Ottumwa. Officer Williams typical day may include controlling stray and potentially dangerous animals roaming at large, rescuing injured animals, and bringing lost pets to a shelter where their owners can reclaim them. Officer Williams helps our community deal with problems caused by animals.
Municipal Code requires all dogs in the City over six months old to be licensed. The owner must present a certificate signed by a licensed veterinarian showing the dog has been vaccinated against rabies. In addition to being a City law, licensing also provides the Animal Control Officer with a means of identification for reuniting lost pets with their owners. Dogs kept in a State licensed kennel for breeding and sale purposes are exempt.
It is not permissible to let dogs run loose in the City of Ottumwa, except at the Bark Park. Pets outdoors on the owners property must either be confined by a fence, restrained by a leash, cord, rope or chain. Unrestrained or confined dogs on the owners property must be under the supervision of the owner and obedient to their commands. Dogs not on the owner's property must be restrained on an adequate leash, cord, rope or chain measuring six feet or less.
No owner shall permit or allow his or her animal to annoy or disturb other persons in the neighborhood by excessive or continuous barking, whining, howling, yelping, braying or emitting of other loud noises.
Pit Bulls are classified as dangerous animals by Ottumwa Code. They are generally prohibited from inside the City limits. Persons found keeping Pit Bulls are subject to being cited or arrested. Additionally, the Police Department can seize the animal if the owner fails or refuses to remove it from the City.
Keeping chickens and/or rabbits in the city limits of Ottumwa is allowed only by permit. If you would like to keep chickens or rabbits in Ottumwa, please contact Officer Jeff Williams at the Ottumwa Police Department at to begin the permit application process.
A maximum of six chickens and/or rabbits may be kept per premises. No roosters are allowed. The animals must be kept in a coop or pen, and are not allowed to run at large. Coops or pens must be in a rear yard area and at least ten feet away from the property line. They must be at least fifty feet away from any adjacent residential dwelling, building, church, school or place of business. Coops and pens are subject to inspection to ensure adequate space for each animal and proper sanitation of the enclosure. The initial permit fee is $60 and is valid for three years and would allow up to six chickens and/or rabbits per property.
View the full rules and regulations for keeping urban chickens and rabbits.
There are a number of types of animals that are classified as "dangerous animal" by City Code and are generally prohibited from the city as pets. This includes: lions, tigers, jaguars, leopards, cougars, lynxes, cheetahs, bobcats, wolves, coyotes, foxes, badgers, wolverines, weasels, skunks, raccoons, bears, monkeys, chimpanzees and other primates, alligators, crocodiles, scorpions; venomous or constrictor snakes, gila monsters, piranha, sharks, pit bull terriers, and any crossbreed of such animals which have similar characteristics to the animals specified above.
Also prohibited are any animals that are not naturally tame or gentle, of a wild nature or disposition, and which is capable of killing, inflicting serious injury, or causing disease and having known tendencies as a species to do so.
Animal cruelty includes a number of human behaviors that are harmful to animals ranging from neglect to malicious violence and killing. Intentional cruelty, or abuse, is knowingly depriving an animal of food, water, shelter or veterinary care or maliciously torturing, maiming, mutilating, or killing an animal. Cruelty to animals is a crime.
Animal hoarding is a very complex issue. Typically seen when someone is keeping more than the typical number of companion animals. Their inability to provide minimal standards of nutrition, sanitation, shelter, and veterinary care, results in animal neglect that leads to suffering, starvation, illness, and death. In most cases, the caretaker denies their inability to provide the minimum care and the impact of that failure on the animals, the household, and the human occupants of the home.
