Niceville Police Chief announces city animal control policy, information

NICEVILLE, Fla. – David Popwell, Chief of the Niceville Police Department (NPD), has posted an announcement to citizens stating that the Panhandle Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) is the agency responsible for enforcement of all city ordinances and Florida statutes relating to animal control in the City of Niceville.

In his announcement, Niceville’s top lawman provides details on dealing with animal control issues, the Panhandle Animal Welfare Society’s duties, and how to contact PAWS, among other things.

“PAWS, per contract, will provide a certified Animal Control Officer between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday-Friday to enforce the city ordinances and Florida Statutes in the City of Niceville,” Popwell said.

“They are responsible for responding to citizen requests for assistance and the issuance of citations against and or the impoundment of animals determined to be in violation of applicable city ordinances or Florida statutes.”

Popwell said PAWS will investigate all cases of cruelty, abuse, neglect, and abandonment cases, as well as the supervision of Florida “Dangerous Dog” statutes.

Additionally, he said PAWS will provide adequate food, shelter and emergency care as needed for all impounded animals and stray animals apprehended in the field or surrendered at the PAWS shelter.

Monday-Friday After 5 p.m. and Weekends

Weekdays after 5 p.m. and on weekends, Popwell said PAWS will provide an on-call officer to respond to emergencies involving injured animals, vicious animals that have bitten or inflicted injury on a person or other animal, and cases considered to constitute a physical threat to humans or animals.

Contact Information

Popwell advised that during normal business hours complainants should call 850-244-0196. After-hours the number to call is 850-685-6003.

“If there is an emergency in progress such as a dog attacking a person, Niceville Police will respond to protect our citizens until PAWS arrives,” said Popwell.

Found Animals

If an animal is found by Niceville residents, Popwell said it should be taken to PAWS or PAWS should be called to pick it up.

“Do not attempt to drop off the animal at the Niceville Police Department,” he said.

PAWS is located at 752 Lovejoy Road NW in Fort Walton Beach.

The notice by Popwell was posted to the NPD’s Facebook page on March 10, 2022.