Understanding the Transition: FAQs

Why is Henderson Animal Care & Control reporting to the Community Development and Services Department?

We understand that some community members may have concerns about this change. The decision to have Henderson Animal Care & Control (HACC) report to the Community Development and Services Department (CD&S) was made thoughtfully, with the goal of improving service and coordination—not diminishing the importance of animal welfare.

HACC often works closely with the Office of Public Response (OPR), which already reports to CD&S. Both are civilian enforcement agencies that frequently respond to the same types of complaints. Bringing them under the same department strengthens communication, speeds up response times, and ensures more consistent enforcement.

HPD’s primary purpose is to protect human life.  By moving HACC under CD&S, we can better prioritize animal welfare and shift toward a more supportive, educational approach.

The Police Department will continue to support HACC when requested out in the field, and all departments will continue to collaborate.

The City of Henderson is committed to delivering responsive, compassionate services.

Why did the name change from Animal Care & Control to Animal Protection Services?

The new name, established in collaboration with staff, more accurately reflects the division’s services and aligns with the terminology used by similar agencies nationwide.

Will the response time for HPD to backup Animal Protection Services be impacted?

HPD’s response to back up Animal Protection Officers in the field will not be impacted. CD&S already has a long-established collaboration with the police department as they back-up Public Response Officers any time they request assistance. The same will continue with Animal Protection Officers.

Will there be a reduction in staffing?

No, there will be no reductions in staffing. On the contrary, CD&S will be working to expand staffing by filling vacant positions. Animal Protection Officers and all shelter staff will remain an important part of the division.

Will anything change as it relates to who will be responsible for investigating misdemeanor crimes related to animals? 

No, nothing will change. Animal Protection Officers will maintain their criminal citation ability and will continue to be able to issue criminal citations which are supported by probable cause for all violations of Henderson Municipal Codes relating to animals. The City of Henderson City Attorney’s Office will continue to prosecute misdemeanor cases and continue to work collaboratively with Henderson Animal Protection Services

Additionally, the Office of Public Response and Community Development and Services use administrative processes to gain compliance with non-criminal items. Community Development and Services Department will work collaboratively with all stakeholders to  bring appropriate administrative citations to Animal Protection Services for violations of licensing ordinances. The Office of Public Response uses administrative citations to complement the issuing of criminal citations to ensure best practices are met. 

Will anything change as it relates to who will be responsible for investigating felony animal neglect and cruelty cases? 

No, nothing will change. The Henderson Police Department will remain responsible for these investigations. Under Nevada Revised Statutes, all felony cases must be charged by a police officer. Animal Protection Officers will continue to work hand-in-hand with HPD to provide their technical expertise in these matters as they do now. 

Will Animal Protection Officers be less “safe” working in the new organizational structure? 

No. Animal Protection Officers will maintain all their current safety equipment, much like our Public Response Officers.

The Office of Public Response currently employs more than sixteen (16) civilian officers. The City values the safety of all of our employees and will continue to do so with all Animal Protection Officers.

 Does this affect the plans for shelter improvements?

The budget for this project is still dedicated to this facility. City staff are currently in the planning phase for facility improvements.

What does the Community Development and Services Department do? 

The Community Development and Services Department partners with the community to plan and promote a vibrant, balanced and cohesive city for today and tomorrow as well as maintaining the community through proactive and reactive response to municipal code complaints. Community Development & Services achieves this mission through: Long Range Planning, Current Planning & Zoning regulations, Demographics, and the Office of Public Response.

The Office of Public Response (OPR) is a similar division to HACC in the Community Development and Services Department that also ensures safety within the City of Henderson. In addition to working collaboratively with HACC on complex cases involving animals to ensure ethical and humane treatment of animals, the team supports a vibrant community through the enforcement of City codes, safe and properly maintained buildings and properties, and neighborhood enhancement efforts. Officers help residents and businesses adhere to many of the City’s municipal codes, which contribute to Henderson’s quality of life.

OPR currently addresses, among other things, the following code compliance issues: