animal control

noun

: an office or department responsible for enforcing ordinances relating to the control, impoundment, and disposition of animals

Examples of animal control in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The dogs were put in animal control’s custody, officials said. Paloma Chavez, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Oct. 2025 An animal control office set up humane traps at the distribution center, where photos of Francine were posted throughout. John Raby, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2025 With the local health department and animal control closed for the night, the family headed straight to the ER. Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025 Another neighbor had also called animal control that evening to report the Cane Corsos blocking her from leaving her home. Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 7 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for animal control

Word History

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of animal control was in 1951

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Animal control.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/animal%20control. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!