Beginning July 1, Palm Coast will officially bring animal control functions in-house, assuming responsibility for administering city ordinances relating to animal.

Functions previously contracted with the Flagler Humane Society will now be enforced by two certified animal control officers to be hired by the city to enforce animal cruelty or abandonment laws and rescue stray, dangerous or abused domestic dogs and cats. The new officers will be empowered to issue citations.

The control officers will transfer to the Flagler Humane Society any aggressive, dangerous at-large domestic animals determined as threatening to the safety and welfare of the community.

The city will use money previously paid to the Flagler Humane Society to hired the two officers, outfit existing city trucks and purchase equipment.

Animal control services will be available seven days a week. Monday through Sunday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., they can be reached at 386-986-2520. After regular city weekday office hours, report emergencies only.

For residents who have non-domestic animal control issues (snakes, alligators) please contact Florida Wildlife Control at 407-538-1694, Gator Control at 866-392-4286 or search the phone book yellow pages under animal removal services.

Residents who want to report deceased animals found on public streets, please call the city's Public Works Department at 386-986-2360 on Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.