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1. What is required for owning a dog in Liberty?

The City of Liberty requires that all dogs over the age of four months receive a rabies vaccination from a licensed veterinarian. All dogs must be licensed with the City; the license tag must be worn and visible on the animal any time the dog is outside of a private residence. Licenses are available at the Liberty Animal Shelter, City Hall, and all Liberty veterinary clinics. Proof of rabies vaccination is required. License info»

2. Does Liberty have a leash law?

Yes. By City ordinance, all dogs must be physically restrained at all times, including if the animal is on its own property. Acceptable restraint methods include: 

• On a leash which is held securely by the owner or a responsible party. 
• Confined within an enclosed space within the real property limits of the owner. This includes invisible fences, which set a boundary line for the dogs.

City Code»

3. Do I have to spay or neuter my pet?

Liberty Animal Control recommends that all dogs and cats be spayed or neutered to prevent unwanted litters of animals. The City of Liberty does not have any ordinance mandating the sterilization of pets, but City ordinance does require that any female dog that is in heat be confined within a building, in a way such that they will not be accessible to males of the species, except for planned breeding purposes.

4. How many animals can I have in Liberty?

Liberty residents are allowed to own, keep, or harbor up to a total of four dogs and/or cats over the age of four months, in any combination. This includes “pet-sitting” for a friend or relative, fostering for an animal rescue organization, or holding a stray animal.

5. My dog is part wolf. Am I allowed to have her in Liberty?

The short answer is ‘no,’ wolf hybrids are not permitted to be kept in Liberty. By the City’s dangerous animal ordinance, any animal which is a physical threat to humans or other animals, or is wild by nature, is prohibited.

6. I have a problem with stray cats in my neighborhood. Why doesn’t the City pick them up?

There is no specific leash law for cats within the City of Liberty. Many cat owners allow their pet to come and go from the house as they please, and we have found that continuously impounding these animals at the shelter becomes an unnecessary punishment for a pet owner who has done nothing wrong. The Liberty Animal Shelter will, however, accept any cat that is humanely caught within Liberty and brought for impoundment.

7. I was just bitten by an animal. What do I do?

Immediately wash the area thoroughly with soap and water for 10-15 minutes. Call the Liberty Police Department at 816-439-4701 and give the dispatcher as much information as you can: a description of the animal, where it lives (if known), where the animal is now, and your contact information. Contact your physician as soon as possible for follow-up advice.

8. My animal just bit someone. What happens now?

You are required to report the incident to the Liberty Police Department or Animal Control. An Animal Control Officer will impound your animal at the Liberty Animal Shelter for a rabies quarantine not to exceed 10 days. This quarantine is required by the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services, regardless of your pet’s rabies vaccination status. You will also be issued a summons to appear in municipal court, so that it can be decided how best to prevent a re-occurrence. Requirements of euthanasia or removal of an animal from its home is extremely rare, especially on a first incidence.

9. I don’t live within the city limits of Liberty. Can I still call for Animal Control services?

Liberty Animal Control provides service only within the corporate limits of the City of Liberty. You are encouraged to contact your local animal control, animal shelter, or humane society to receive service for your area.

A list of Kansas City-area animal control agencies can be found http://www.hsgkc.org/resources_animalcontrol.html.

If you live in an area that does not have its own animal control, you may be able to find assistance through the Humane Society of Missouri» http://www.hsmo.org

10. What do I do if I found a wild animal?

The number one answer to this question is, “Leave it alone!” Many wild animals, especially rabbits and deer, leave their young for extended periods of time, so we should not interfere with them. Daylight sightings of raccoons and possums are not unusual and likely don’t require a call to your local Animal Shelter. In the majority of cases, these critters are just going about their daily lives. Check out the links below for more information. 

 If you truly believe a wild animal is in need of assistance call the Missouri Department of Conservation (see link below) or the Lakeside Nature Center at 816-513-8960 for advice or visit their webpage at lakesidenaturecenter.org.

Resources: 

• Missouri Department of Conservation webpage on nuisance wildlife, including tips for deterrence
• MDC list of authorized nuisance wildlife control operators
• Info from the Humane Society of the US on daylight sightings of raccoons and opossums.

Local Missouri Department of Conservation Contact»

11. What if I am having problems with a wild animal in or near my house?

If a wild animal has made an intrusion to your actual living space, call the Liberty Animal Control for assistance removing it from your home. You may also call Animal Control if you observe a sick or injured animal in an area that it could potentially cause a public safety or health risk. If you are having problems with a wildlife infestation, such as bats in your attic or a family of raccoons living under your porch, you will be directed to contact a professional pest removal company to handle the problem.

Resources: 

• Missouri Department of Conservation webpage on nuisance wildlife, including tips for deterrence
• MDC list of authorized nuisance wildlife control operators
• Info from the Humane Society of the US on daylight sightings of raccoons and opossums.