There is NO CHARGE for the use of Parish traps. However, a refundable $25.00 "Security Deposit" is required. Penalties occur only if any conditions on the "Trap Agreement" are violated. (See citizen copy of the agreement for requirements.)
  

A check or cash is requested for the deposit. If the Parish box trap is returned to the Shelter by the citizen, the deposit is returned immediately. If the trap is picked up by a field representative from Animal Services, the check will be returned by mail.  A cash deposit must be picked up from Animal Services.   *An adult of legal age must be home for delivery of a trap to sign the necessary agreements unless other arrangements have been made.
 

Traps must be picked up at the shelter between the hours of NOON and 7 P.M. Monday through Friday.
  

Calcasieu Parish cannot loan out or service any traps for citizens living in those municipalities not participating with the Parish in a full service Joint Service Agreement for Animal Services.
  

Citizens of the City of Lake Charles and the unincorporated areas of Calcasieu Parish may purchase or build their own humane box traps and the Animal Services representative will remove nuisance animals for relocation or impoundment at no charge.
  

Traps are loaned for a 7-day period. Citizens may request a 7-day extension if the trap has successfully been capturing animals and more time is necessary to complete the removal of the problem animals. * In areas where there are on-going complaints and the trap is routinely capturing animals extensions are possible as long as there are traps available.
  

Fact Sheets on baits, hints on successful trap methods, co-existence with urban wildlife and exclusion methods rather than removal are available by request.
 

The signed trap agreement must be completed and signed and all requirements met to use Parish equipment.
  

A lock and chain can be provided for securing the trap, upon request.
  

Tagged and untagged animals, whether captured in the city limits or outside in the unincorporated areas of the Parish, are removed as "property releases" and from humane box traps and impounded at Animal Services. A tagged animal causing problems can be identified by the tag number and witness statements can be taken for nuisance or vicious animal complaints. Tagged animal owners are notified and they are required to reclaim their animal at the Animal Shelter and pay all charges.  First time offenders may be offered a "free ride home," when the owner is at home and the animal is wearing a rabies license tag.
  

Cats, unfortunately, rarely have collars and tags. Cats captured in humane box traps or picked up as property surrenders are held as strays. 
  

It is the responsibility of the property owner to advise Animal Services if they are aware of who the animal belongs to. Otherwise untagged animals will be held as strays.
 
These policies and safeguards have been established to protect Parish equipment as it is used at private locations to assist citizens in the legal removal of nuisance animals, including wildlife.
 
Humane box traps may be picked up at Animal Services, 5500-A Swift Plant Road, Monday through Friday, NOON to 7:00 p.m.
 
Removal of nuisance animals from box traps is provided: 
Monday through Friday ONLY by calling 721-3730 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. unless other arrangements have been made for emergency situations. *Any animal trapped after these times shall be required to be fed, watered and the trap sheltered by placing in a covered location out of inclimate weather. * If any citizen is found to have kept an animal confined without food, water and shelter for more than a few hours without notifying Animal Services to pick it up will not be allowed to borrow traps from the Shelter. 
 
THE HUMANE CONFINEMENT OF TRAPPED ANIMALS IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PROPERTY OWNER. 
 
If you need any information regarding the use of the Humane Box Traps, any enforcement problem pertaining to animals or would like literature on living around "urban wildlife" without conflicts, contact ANIMAL SERVICES at 721-3730.
 
THANK YOU!
YOUR ANIMAL SERVICES REPRESENTATIVES
SERVING THE COMMUNITY & PROTECTING PETS & PEOPLE