Citing costs, police turn over stray dog complaints to state

Police in Delaware's capital will cede responses to stray animal complaints to the state, citing costs.

A Sunday Facebook post from Dover Police Animal Control says the Delaware Office of Animal Welfare will handle stray dog or dog in custody complaints beginning Dec. 1.

Dover police will retain jurisdiction over animal cruelty, animal nuisance, barking dog and wildlife complaints, as well as all other animal enforcement for city ordinances and state laws.

Dover police spokesman Cpl. Mark Hoffman tells WBOC-TV that the cost for an animal control officer to bring stray animals to a shelter factored into the memorandum of understanding signed with the state.

He also said the department was paying $60,000 annually to the Brandywine Valley SPCA despite handling only about 16 or 18 stray dogs last year.