If there is a violent criminal wandering the streets of your town wreaking havoc, a police officer will be dispatched to subdue him or her, and arrest them. They have the training and the tools to do such a job, and that is why we call upon them time and time again. When it comes to violent animals, they may not be so prepared. If a rabid dog or some other form of wild life is in your neighborhood, that is a job for an animal control officer. It is a position many may take for granted, but when you need them, you will be glad they are there.
Just like a regular police officer, an animal control officer has the skill set and the tools to handle any situation within their domain. They keep neighborhoods safe from dangerous animals. They have training to subdue and capture animals in the most humane way possible. This service is often overlooked, but it is much needed.
They also recover stray and runaway animals before they get killed, or become more lost. Otherwise, they may end up getting hit by a car or end up in the wrong hands. If you have had a dog or cat run away, only to find they have been recovered at an animal shelter, you have an animal control officer to thank for their safe keeping.
Animals can be unpredictable at times, and just like humans, they sometimes need policing. If they were left to their own devices, our world would be a lot more chaotic. Luckily, this is something we do not have to think about, because we live in a world with animal control officers. This service may not carry the same respect as the police or fire department, but when you need them you will be glad they exist.