At the direction of the Southfield City Council the police department has reinstated the position of animal warden with the selection of Robert White. Mr. White, a 15-year City employee, was sworn in as constable and charged to enforce Chapter 113, ANIMALS, of the City Code at the April 27 city council meeting.
Animal Warden White will assist Southfield residents with most animal-related problems or issues on their property or within their immediate living space. Animal warden services include: animal bite complaints, vicious, stray or wild animal concerns, barking dogs, dead animal removal, and animal cruelty cases. The animal warden will also be available to offer consultation and assistance in reaching a peaceful resolution in cases that the City does not directly handle. The new warden does not have the powers of a police officer; however, he is authorized to write citations or tickets and to carry a handgun, shotgun and Taser. The new animal warden will wear a solid green uniform clearly marked as “Southfield Animal Warden” on the front and back. His assigned vehicle is a white van marked with city of Southfield decals.
“Mr. White has over 100 hours of training in animal care and maintenance to comply with state animal control regulations,” commented Police Chief Joseph Thomas. “That training is required to address the numerous raccoons, coyotes, deer and other wild animals in Southfield in addition to dogs and cats.”
An animal assistance hotline has been established at (248) 796-5410. This line directs callers to areas of the police department that can best help them. The warden’s regular work schedule is Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. If residents have an emergency situation they should call 9-1-1, as this system has enhanced identification and locator capabilities.
Residents are reminded that City Ordinance requires all cats and dogs in Southfield to be licensed through the police records bureau. For more information, call the police records bureau at (248) 796-5580.
Southfield residents may also call the City’s special Eyes on Southfield hotline, (248) 796-EYES (3937), 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week to report dead animals or any code issues.