Question
Can animal control come to my home and do a welfare check on my dogs if I'm not present?
South Carolina, USA
Answer
Sometimes neighbors or other people who are concerned about an animal’s physical condition or that an animal is left outdoors without what they believe is proper shelter will contact animal control or other law enforcement agencies. That may prompt an investigation. While officers would typically need a warrant to enter a person’s home without consent, officers may attempt to observe what they can from the outside. Officers who have probable cause to believe an animal is being mistreated in violation of the law may seek and obtain a search warrant.
I hope your dogs are getting humane care.
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