by Elizabeth A. Marion

Created on: May 01, 2010

A humane society is about protecting animals from being mistreated and rescuing them from dangerous situations. Animal control is more focused on keeping animals from interfering in the activities of humans.

If you are dealing with an animal that has gotten into your yard or house and is potentially dangerous, you should call animal control. A humane society is more experienced with rescue and won't really know how to handle the situation if you happen to find a bear in your bedroom or a moose in your kitchen. Animal control will be better equipped to deal with an animal that is large and potentially dangerous. Many animals recovered by animal control will be released somewhere else.

Calling a local humane or rescue society is best when you find an animal that is injured or in a dangerous situation. The main purpose of humane societies is to prevent animals from being hurt. They are used to doing rescues and, when appropriate, putting them in shelters or putting them up for adoption.

When you want to give up an animal that you own it is usually best to call a humane society. They are more involved in the process of adoption than animal control and will be better equipped to find the animal a new home. It's also better to call a humane society if you find a stray dog or cat than can then be adopted by a new owner. The only time you should call animal control instead for strays is when the animals are showing threatening or dangerous behavior.

Animal control can help you deal with animals that are being a problem. If your neighbors can't keep their dog out of their yard you should call animal control. They are more involved in not only keeping problem animals from being on your property, but they also work to enforce the laws regarding owners that do not control their pets. When you are dealing with an animal that has repeatedly caused problems for you it is definitely best to call animal control.

Both groups deal with animals, but they deal with different situations. Animal control deals with animals that pose a threat or are becoming a problem for someone. Humane societies are more focused on animal rescue and adoptions. Animal control can deal with rescues, but it is best to call a humane society if it is an animal that could be put up for adoption. Rescued animals are more likely to get lost in the system of animal control. Humane societies are often non-profit organizations that have a more vested interest in ensuring that animals will go to good homes after being rescued.

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