Four new Hanover County Animal Control officers were sworn in on March 20 in the historic Hanover Courthouse where Patrick Henry once practiced law. The Honorable Hanover Circuit Court Judge John R. Alderman performed the Oath of Office to Jeanne McFeaters, Jason Hazelwood, Jeff Parker and Pam Bland.

The new Animal Control officers successfully completed extensive training, including 120 hours in criminal justice, veterinary science and animal control procedures. It is the largest class of new Animal Control officers and restores the Department to full strength.

“I am very proud of the hard work and dedication this new group of officers have put into the advancement of their new careers,“ said Command Sgt. Kevin Kilgore, Chief of Animal Control. “The sacrifice of working new schedules and learning to cope with the fatigue of being on-call and handling dangerous and stressful situations every minute of every day takes a strong willed individual with integrity and loyalty to their communities.  This group of officers are the most motivated I have ever met.“

Animal Control Officers serve Hanover County residents by enforcing State and County laws and regulations. They impound stray, sick or injured animals and hold possible rabid animals for either quarantine or preparation for testing at the state lab.

Duties performed by Animal Control Officers include investigating possible cruelty to animals; responding to citizens’ complaints; catching stray, dangerous or destructive animals; investigating livestock damage or death for compensation claims; neighbor/civil disputes; and assisting the Hanover Sheriff’s Office, Game Warden and Hanover Fire-EMS with animal-related calls.

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