Another day on the hunt: A day in the life of an animal control deputy
Cache Valley has many deputies and police officers to help with the troubles of the valley, but it also has one particular job that is crucial: the animal control deputy.
Kenny Eggleston, Cache County’s animal control deputy, said he has worked for the Cache County Sheriff’s office for many years. Eggleston said on an average day he receives eight to 10 phone calls about many different kinds of animals and the problems residents have regarding them.
Eggleston said a lot of those phone calls he receives are about stray animals, and said helping an animal fall back on its natural instincts is one of the best things someone can do for the animal.
“The best way to help a stray cat is to let it learn how to hunt,” he said.
Eggleston said his job keeps him busy, especially during this time of year.
“Because all of our ranchers are bringing cattle out of the canyon and despite the ranchers best efforts the cattle test the fences. Cattle aren’t used to being pinned up,” Eggleston said, “so they will push through the fence and so we end up chasing cows and it’s the same with horses.”
Eggleston said as winter approaches, phone calls regarding wildlife increase to fairly high numbers. He said to keep things under control, he teams with the conservation officers. He said they work on relocating and removing larger wildlife since it requires more than one person to do the job.
Eggleston said part of his job requires him to work closely with several different agencies, such as the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, because the agencies deal with cattle, horses and sheep. He said he also works closely with the brand inspectors who work directly from the office of the state veterinarian. This agency is Utah’s center for disease control and Eggleston said he meets with them weekly for reportable diseases such as rabies.
Eggleston’s said he also works with the Humane Society, which he said helps animals receive homes in Logan. Eggleston said a new Humane Society facility in Logan recently opened and said if the pound becomes full they move the animals to the Humane Society facility. However, he said they do not take cats.
If the animals need to be put down for the well-being of the animal, Eggleston said strict USDA standards are followed to be humane. He said the only way an animal would be shot on a call is if the animal is a severe danger or endangering the humans at that time.
Eggleston said a favorite story of his is one that was featured on KSL several months ago. He said it happened at First Dam when a large bull elk crashed through the ice and started to swim. Eggleston said they helped the elk by approaching it in boats. He said the elk swam to the boat and the men were able to gently lead it by the antlers to safety on shore. Eggleston said they later took it to Hardware Ranch to live.
Eggleston said he enjoys his job and the challenge it brings him.
“I really looked forward to this challenge and enjoyed getting involved in it,” he said. “It’s a whole new kind of an adrenaline rush.”
–delayne.locke@aggiemail.usu.edu