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If you have questions that do not appear here, contact the Community Services Unit of the Brooklyn Park Police Department at 763-493-8218.
Animal Control Questions:
Do pets have to be kept on a leash?
Keeping pets under control is required by ordinance in Brooklyn Park. If the animal is of the property of its owner, it must be on a leash. Also, in the City's parks, a leash is required at all times.
Does the leash law apply to cats?
Section 415 of the City Codes applies to all animals not customarily maintained in a cage. This would include cats.
Is there a law against dogs barking?
No, there is no law that says a dog cannot bark. In a community such as Brooklyn Park, a reasonable amount of disturbance from neighbors is to be expected. There is a law that prohibits "excessive" animal noise. Citizens who feel that a violation of this ordinance exists are encouraged to call 911 at the time of the disturbance. A Police Officer or an Animal Control Officer must hear the disturbance to take enforcement action.
Do dogs and cats have to be licensed?
Yes, section 415 requires that all animals be licensed and vaccinated for rabies. This reason for this license is twofold. First, it allows the City to locate animal owners in the event that a pet is picked up as a stray. Secondly, it allows the City to verify that rabies vaccinations have been received by the animal. It is a small investment that can save a pet owner money, all unlicensed pets recovered by Police are impounded at the owner's expense, licensed pets are returned home whenever possible.
Can a person own an exotic animal?
Certain animals are specifically prohibited by ordinance. The quickest rule of thumb is if the animal has an approved rabies vaccine, or the animal is customarily kept in a cage or an aquarium within a dwelling, it is legal to own. Anyone considering ownership of an exotic pet, should be aware that the only valid test for rabies requires that the animal be euthanized. Any animal which cannot be vaccinated that bites a human, must be tested. The City expressly prohibits the ownership of wolf hybrids, coyote hybrids, wild animals and domestic fowl.
If I live in a town home or an apartment, are the laws different?
No, but town home and apartment residents must remember that the common areas of the complex are private property, and this may impact on the City's ability to regulate animal behavior while on complex property. Virtually all co-ops have regulations governing the behavior of pets on complex or association property. Residents should consult the managing body of the specific co-op with complaints related to resident animals.
Does the City capture wild animals?
No. The Police Department is responsible for the enforcement of the City's animal ordinances. There are no laws prohibiting wild animals, or regulating their activities. The Animal Control Officers in Brooklyn Park are not trained or equipped to deal with non-domestic animals. Citizens are encouraged to call a pest control service provider to remove nuisance animals. If a wild animal poses an immediate threat to those in a given area, the Police Department will come out and destroy these animals in the interest of public safety.
My neighbor's dog barks and growls at me every time I go into my backyard, what can I do?
The best course of action is to work with the neighbor to resolve this problem. Most dogs behave aggressively because they perceive you to be a threat to their territory. The best way to stop this behavior is to change the dog's perception of you. With your neighbors permission, toss a treat to the dog every time you go outside. After a time, the dog will most likely begin to perceive you to be a food source. The dog will now anticipate your presence, even if you are no longer feeding it. Periodically reinforce the behavior with a treat.
Why do I have to pay impound fees when my pet is impounded by the City?
The City is a partial owner of the impound facility, PUPS, located in Maple Grove. The facility operates as a suburban joint powers venture between Brooklyn Park and six other communities. PUPS receives no subsidy from the member cities and relies on fees to support its operations. PUPS bills the member cities for the services received. The City of Brooklyn Park, as well as the other six communities involved in the PUPS joint powers agreement, pass these fees on to the users of the facility. It is an equitable solution to the need for an impound facility. Those citizens who do not own pets, or keep their pets contained, are not burdened by the additional revenues that would be required if no fees were charged.
If my animal is vaccinated, why does it need to be quarantined if it bites someone?
The State Board of Health requires that all animals that bite humans be tested or quarantined to determine if the animal was rabid at the time of the bite. Even though an animal has been vaccinated, there is still a possibility that rabies may be contracted. The vaccine does reduce the risk to almost zero. But because rabies is ultimately fatal to humans, and that once contracted, no treatment is known, it is imperative that we determine as soon as possible if an animal is infected. In this way, the victim can begin treatment before the disease is contracted. Contrary to popular beliefs, the quarantine is not a punishment, but rather a public health issue.
Where do I call if I want to file an animal complaint?
Animal Control in the City of Brooklyn Park is the responsibility of the Police Department. The Community Services Unit is the designated Animal Control Authority. Because these officers are dispatched by Hennepin County Sheriff's Radio, as are Police and Fire Officers, the number to call is 911. There have been many TV shows and newspaper articles nationwide about abuses of the 911 systems. This is not true in Brooklyn Park, if you need any Police, Fire or ambulance service, 911 is the number to call. If your desire is to pass on information that requires no immediate action, or simply ask a question, you may call 763-493-8218. Please leave a detailed message with your name and phone number and we will respond within 24 hours.
When I call, the Community Service Officer never seems to get here in time, is there any way I can get a faster response?
The Community Services Unit is responsible for many functions within the City. We respond to all non-emergency calls as quickly as possible. Often times we are tied up on other issues requiring more immediate attention. We will respond and do our best to resolve your complaint. Animal complaints often require a great deal of persistence to resolve. Because they are largely misdemeanors, they must be observed offenses. Call as often as the violation occurs, and we will respond to the best of our ability. Calling repeatedly to report the same incident, does not speed up response time. It is our sincere desire to help you resolve the complaint, and we will come as often as is needed.
I saw my neighbor hit his dog. By legal definition, animals are property and have no rights. The "Companion Animal Welfare Act," defines the responsibilities of pet owners in the keeping of their pets. Abusing an animal is against the law, but merely striking it is not abuse. If an animal is injured as a result of the blows, then the laws would apply.
My neighbor keeps his dog in a kennel and no one ever pays any attention to it. Is that against the law?
No, the law requires that the animal be provided with food, water, and shelter from the elements. It also provides that animal waste must be cleaned up regularly. The animal must receive medical treatment as needed. The law does not require an animal owner provide care beyond the basic needs of survival.
What are the Brooklyn Park Police Department hours?
Police Department hours are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Does the City of Brooklyn Park have juvenile curfew hours; if so, what are they?
The following is a summary of the City of Brooklyn Park's curfew policy (City Ordinance 915):
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Under age 12:
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Home by 9 p.m.; Fridays or Saturdays, home by 10 p.m.
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Age 12, 13, 14:
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Home by 10 p.m.; Fridays or Saturdays, home by 11 p.m.
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Age 15, 16, 17:
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Home by 11 p.m.; Fridays or Saturdays, home by midnight
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What should I do if my vehicle is towed?
Go to the Brooklyn Park Police Department at 5400 85th Avenue North with a title or proof of ownership and your drivers license. You must retrieve your car from the towing location during normal business hours. You will be required to pay a tow fee, plus any storage fees and incidentals. The cost will be a minimum of $60.
How much will I have to pay for a traffic citation or other general court summons?
Refer to the fee schedule on the back of the ticket or call the Hennepin County Court office.
Police reports are available five days after the incident occurred. You may obtain a copy of police report by coming to the Brooklyn Park Police Department during normal business hours. There is a fee of $5 up to five pages, 50 cents each page after five.
How can I contact a police officer who assisted me?
You can obtain the name of the officer who assisted you by calling the Police Department at 763-493-8222 and giving your name, date of incident and location. With this information, the Police Department can provide you with the name of the officer. You can then speak with the officer or leave a voice mail.
What are the winter parking regulations for the City of Brooklyn Park?
No parking is permitted on any city street between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. from October 15 - April 15. City Code prohibits parking on any public street after a snowfall of two or more inches until the street has been plowed from curb to curb. City personnel determines the depth of the snow. If you normally park your car on the street, you should locate a parking area off the street where you can park your car when there is a snowfall of two or more inches. Cars should remain off the street until the street is plowed from curb to curb. If you car is parked on the street following a snowfall, you could be ticketed and towed, to make way for snow plows.
What can I do when I am disturbed by loud car stereos?
Brooklyn Park ordinance 920.20 prohibits the playing of any radio, tape or disc player, musical instrument, or other sound production device on public or private property in a manner that unreasonably disturbs the peace, quiet, or repose of a person or persons of ordinary sensibility, or is plainly audible at a distance of fifty (50) feet from the device. This includes car stereos and is in effect at all hours. Exceptions are made for amplifying equipment used at events for which permits have been granted, alarms or anti-theft devices, and authorized emergency vehicles. To report violations, call 911. It is helpful if you can provide a description of the car, license plate number, last known location, and direction of travel.
What can I do when I am bothered by loud music in my neighborhood?
The Brooklyn Park Police Department encourages all neighbors, guests, and motorists to be respectful and considerate about the volume of music they play in their homes, yards, and vehicles. When the noise in your neighborhood is bothersome, there are two ordinances which may apply. To report violations, please call 911 when the noise is occurring.
920:15 Loud Noise in Residential Areas. This noise ordinance prohibits noisy parties and gatherings between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. The noise must disturb "the peace, quiet, or repose of persons residing in a residential area" to be a violation. Thus, callers complaining of loud noise will be asked who they are and where they live. Anonymous callers will not receive a police response, as there is no violation if a identifiable resident is not disturbed. The police will usually give a warning on the first call, if the occupants are willing to stop the noise and no other violations are noted. If further calls are received, the resident and/or persons holding the party are usually cited or arrested, and the officers are allowed to order all others present to leave in lieu of being arrested. Don't be hesitant to call again if the first police visit did not stop the excessive noise.
920:20 Radios, Tapes, and Disc Players. The radio ordinance prohibits the playing of any radio, tape or disc player, musical instrument, or other sound production device on public or private property in a manner that unreasonably disturbs the peace, quiet, or repose of a person or persons of ordinary sensibility, or is plainly audible at a distance of fifty (50) feet from the device. This includes car stereos and is in effect at all hours. Exceptions are made for amplifying equipment used at events for which permits have been granted, alarms or antitheft devices, and authorized emergency vehicles. If you are calling about a car stereo, it is helpful if you can provide a description of the car, license plate number, last known location, and direction of travel. The responding officers will use this information to try to locate the violator. Our patrol officers are aware of the citizen comments we have received about these annoying blaring stereos. When possible, our officers stop and cite the drivers they observe violating this ordinance.
If I call the police on my neighbors, will they be able to find out I was the one who called?
Yes, the identities of persons reporting incidents to the police are public information, unless the police can document likely danger to a caller if his or her name were to be released. Normally, officers will not reveal the name or address of a caller to others while on the scene handling an incident. However, anyone can request the names of callers later at our office. Thus, if you have some concerns about your name being revealed, tell the responding officer the reasons why you do not want your name released. Your concerns will be evaluated to see if they meet the legal standards to keep your name confidential. Keep in mind that the responding officers may need to stop at your home to speak with you about your call to gather more information or to ask you to sign a citizen's arrest form. If criminal charges result and the defendant demands a trial (instead of pleading guilty), you may have to appear in court and testify about the incident. There are laws that prohibit tampering with (threatening, coercing, or harming) persons who report criminal matters to the police, but actual acts of retaliation are rare.
Can I report crimes anonymously?
Yes, you may report crimes anonymously. The Brooklyn Park Police Department supports an automated "tip line" phone number you may call 24 hours a day. The number is 763-493-TELL (763-493-8355). Our investigation division listens to all the messages left on the tip line.
If you speak to an officer, they will always ask for your name and how to contact you (your address and phone number). Why do we do this? Often times, we find we need more information once we begin to look into your report. We may just need to clarify something you said. We may need to get more details to allow us to make an arrest, apply for a search warrant, or take some other action on your complaint. In some circumstances, we cannot legally take action on anonymous complaints. If you feel you must remain anonymous, it is helpful if you will at least give us a phone number and code name, so we can reach you later, if needed.
Our experience in Brooklyn Park has shown that retaliation against individuals who report crime is rare. Thousands of people give their names to the police while reporting crimes without suffering any reprisals. We appreciate and respect the courage and civic responsibility of those who get involved and report crimes. Many times, the statements of these witnesses are instrumental in prosecuting those who choose to violate the law. So, whether you choose to give your name or remain anonymous, please let us know about any crime in your neighborhood.
I live in an apartment, and I am concerned about people on the premises who may not belong here. What can I do about possible trespassers?
If you notice suspicious people or possible intruders in your building or on the grounds, call 911, and tell the dispatcher what the people look like and why you think they don't belong there. On these types of calls, officers attempt to locate the individuals you mentioned and check things out. Both State law and local ordinances (912:00) prohibit trespassing. There are three types of trespassing: refusing to leave when asked to do so, returning to another's property after having been told to leave and not return, and entering restricted areas.
As a lawful resident, you determine who can enter and stay in your apartment. If you want a guest to leave, and he or she won't go, you may call 911. The police can arrest your unwanted guest for trespassing. (Your apartment manager will hold you accountable for the behavior of your guests, so asking them to leave if they aren't willing to behave is a good idea.) Other trespassing offenses include the apartment owner, manager, or security guard telling a non-resident to leave and not return: The nonresident can be arrested for trespassing if he or she later returns. Lastly, anyone entering restricted areas without permission, such as areas posted "no trespassing" or "authorized personnel only," can be arrested for trespassing.
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Contact Information:
Brooklyn Park Police Department
5400 - 85th Ave N
Brooklyn Park, MN 55443
(763) 493-8222 (Office)
(763) 493-8393 (Fax)
bppolice@brooklynpark.org
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