When a call comes in about a stray dog in Cleveland, officers from the Division of Animal Care and Control race to the scene. In Glenville, Officer Jenna Halaska spotted a Great Dane lounging on a porch, fed it treats, and safely escorted the malnourished animal to the Cleveland City Kennel on Detroit Avenue.
Day‑to‑day duties of animal control
Halaska and her colleagues respond to a wide range of situations: dogs running loose after fires, medical emergencies or arrests; animals tied up in yards during extreme weather; and neglected or abused pets living in filth. They also assist with wildlife complaints, although the city has contracted out nuisance wildlife removal to Freeman Nuisance Animal Removal and Remedy, which handled 1,134 critters between May and August.
The city kennel can hold about 150 dogs and is at or near capacity most of the time. Cats are taken to the Cleveland Animal Protection League. Because of the limited space, officers must make tough decisions about which animals can be adopted and which may need humane euthanasia.
Heart‑breaking choices
Officer Halaska recalls the sorrow of burying dogs that cannot be saved. “To be honest, I bury it,” she said, describing the emotional toll of the job. In 2025, the department euthanized 1,090 dogs, about 10% of which were owner‑requested.
One such case involved Mandy, a dog whose owner had ground down her teeth. Although Mandy remained loving after rescue, the stress of shelter life led staff to deem euthanasia the most humane option.
Community outreach and education
Officer Kara Barbosa often finds herself mediating between owners and the shelter. In the Mount Pleasant neighborhood, she helped a resident who was struggling to care for his dog by offering food and guidance rather than immediately hauling the animal to the crowded kennel.
Barbosa emphasizes that many owners simply lack knowledge or resources. “Most people want the best for their animals,” she said. “Maybe they’re uneducated in pet care, or maybe they’re struggling. Even if there’s a violation, helping someone keep their animal is very rewarding.”
She also works to correct false reports of stray dogs. Some callers claim a dog has wandered onto their property when, in fact, the animal belongs to them. Barbosa explains the mandatory three‑day stray hold, during which a dog cannot be fostered or adopted, and uses the period to encourage owners to claim responsibility.
Challenges with specific breeds
Barbosa notes a particular problem with pit bull‑type dogs. Many Cleveland residents breed these dogs for profit without obtaining the required permits, and many owners fail to spay or neuter them. The result is a steady stream of puppies entering the shelter.
“We don’t have the option to say, ‘Oh, we’re full, we can’t pick up any more dogs today,’” Barbosa said. “The dogs just don’t stop coming. It’s crazy the amount of dogs that are just running around loose all the time that we just pick up every day.”
Looking ahead
Both officers stress the importance of community involvement. When a rescued dog finds a loving home, the officers describe it as “the greatest feeling in the world.” They continue to advocate for responsible pet ownership, better education on animal welfare, and adequate funding for the kennel to ensure that Cleveland’s four‑legged residents receive the care they deserve.
Original reporting: Signal Cleveland — read the source article.
