Speaking up for animals: Be heard in Mat-Su

Living in the Mat-Su Borough means sharing our beautiful valley with neighbors of all kinds. Sometimes those neighbors have four legs instead of two. When problems arise with animals in our community, many residents do not know where to turn. This week, we are looking at how to raise concerns with the borough's animal care and regulation agency and what to do if you feel your voice is not being heard.

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough handles animal issues through its Animal Care and Regulation department. This team includes five full-time officers and a dispatcher who respond to calls about domestic animals across the borough. Their job covers everything from barking dogs to emergency situations and disaster help. If you see an animal in trouble or notice a problem in your neighborhood, these are the people who can help.

You can review animal regulations online at https://matsu.gov/code. Look for Title 24, which is specifically for animal care regulations. A lot of information is also available directly on the main page https://animalcare.matsugov.us/.

The easiest way to report an animal concern is through the MSB Problem Reporter program. This tool lets residents connect directly with borough services. You can use it to report stray animals, animal cruelty, dangerous dogs, or other issues that need attention. The program helps ensure your concern reaches the right people quickly.

But what happens if you report a problem and nothing seems to change? What if you feel the animal care office is not addressing your concern? You have options. Start by writing down everything. Keep records of when you called, who you spoke with, and what they told you. Write the dates, times, and details about the animal issue itself. Good records strengthen your case.

You can contact the Chief Animal Control Officer with concerns by calling 907-746-5500 and asking for the Chief. If you still have unresolved concerns, you can also call the Animal Care and Regulation Director at 907-761-7505. You can also find a form called a Public Opinion Message by searching the Borough website for that name. These go through the Clerk's office and become public record.

Next, consider reaching out to your borough assembly member. The Mat-Su Borough Assembly makes the laws that guide animal control. If you believe those laws need to change or if enforcement is lacking, your elected representative needs to hear from you. You can find your assembly member and their contact information on the borough website at matsugov.us.

You can also attend an Animal Care and Regulation Board meeting. These meetings are open to the public. While the board mainly hears appeals about animal classifications, public comment periods often allow residents to speak about broader concerns. Showing up in person shows you care and puts a face to your issue. This board includes five members and one alternate who advise the borough assembly on animal issues. To find out when they meet next or to send a message to the board, contact Brenda J. Henry, Assistant Borough Clerk, at brenda.henry@matsugov.us.

If you believe an animal is in immediate danger or you witness cruelty, do not wait. Contact the animal control enforcement office directly or call emergency services if the situation is urgent. The borough shelter is next to the fairgrounds in Palmer and accepts animals during business hours. It also has an after-hours drop area for found or surrendered pets, but you may need to call in prior to ensure it is open.

For more information about animal laws, services, and your rights as a resident, visit the Mat-Su Borough website at matsugov.us and search for Animal Care and Regulation. You will find Title 24, the complete animal code, along with board meeting schedules and contact details. Information is power, and accurate information is the first step toward keeping the animals in our communities safe.

Christian M. Hartley is a 40-year Alaskan resident with over 25 years of public safety experience and public service. He runs a freelance business, Big Lake Writer, from home in Big Lake that he shares with his wife of 19 years and their three teenage sons.