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All attempts by an investigator to contact an owner and gain access to the animal(s) must be done through avenues within the laws of your state regarding a citizen's expectation of privacy and private property. Consult with your agency and your prosecutors to determine how your state's laws will guide your decisions in this regard.

If you knock on the door of a residence and no one is home or no one will answer the door, your investigation does not end there. You have already taken notice of what you could see, hear, and smell from your location in the driveway and on your walk to the door. Side yards, back yards, and any areas behind a door or a fence, such as barns and sheds, are generally considered off limits without consent or a search warrant; therefore, do not be tempted to have a look around in these areas. Such a decision is not only dangerous but is most likely unlawful.

To further your investigation, leave a card and instructions for the owner to contact you immediately regarding a concern for their animal(s). Agencies often find it useful to have printed notices that allow space to communicate with the animal owner, and which also clearly identify your agency and provide (Figure 4.3) contact numbers and email addresses.

Figure 4.3 Notices should be easy to read and posted in a conspicuous place.

Source: Oregon Humane Society.

Make sure to record in the case file the date and time you attempted contact, as well as your notes regarding observations. This may be a good time to attempt contact with neighbors who may be a witness to the animal(s), and you can leave a card with your contact information on those attempts at contact as well.

It is vital that you are responsive when a witness or a subject calls or emails regarding a case. Make sure your voicemail message includes your name and title, as well as the days you are on shift, and an alternative contact within the department for urgent matters. Utilize auto reply email features that will notify subjects if you are off shift and when they can expect to hear from you. Check your voice mailbox and email at least twice a day and follow up with contacts in a timely manner during your work week.