Drumroll please!

The Animal Control Officer of the Year award goes to … our very own Dan Eatchel, Manager of West Jordan Animal Services!

Officer Eatchel has been growing our Animal Services department for 22 years. He started just before we opened our shelter doors in 2002. He helped shape Animal Services into what it is today – an organization that brings over 2,000 animals through its doors each year, rescues all kinds of animals from ducks in a storm drain to raccoons stuck in car engines, spays, neuters and vaccinates feral cats, and finds forever homes for countless dogs.

The current staff consists of six people, plus Eatchel. Amanda Scott, Jenna Morgan, and Tyler Sorenson serve as Animal Control Officers, Jaanai Ramos, Callie France manage the Shelter front desk and phone line, Mohammed Abouhassan is learning the ropes as an officer in training. Each team member has a love of animals, many having worked in other pet industries before joining the shelter team. They have rescued pets of their own, and love the interaction with humans and animals alike.

Scott nominated Dan for his exceptional work to protect humans and animals alike in the city. “I felt like Dan deserved the award because he has devoted so much of his life to this career and to the animals,” Scott explained. “He is an extremely hard worker. He rarely has a chance to sit and breathe. He is passionate about his work and is an asset to the city.”

Eatchel has secured charges against animal neglect and abuse cases, increased the staff and capabilities of the department, obtained a “no-kill” status for the shelter, found new resources to help spay and neuter animals that are up for adoption, and is now working to get new floors in the shelter kennels.

Ian S. Williams, President of the Utah Animal Control Officers Association, said there are many ways to be a good animal control officer, but an exceptional one will go above and beyond.

 “An award-winning officer leaves a lasting impact on both their community and the field of animal control, often serving as a role model and leader in their profession,” Williams said. “I believe Officer Eatchel has, over the course of his career, exemplified these standards and was the very deserving recipient of our Officer of the Year in the State of Utah recognition.”

What does Animal Control do?

• Answer Calls: Respond to questions and concerns from the public regarding animals.
• Dispatch Officers: Send animal control officers to handle situations as needed.
• Enforcement.  Enforce West Jordan ordinances related to animal issues and participate in court processes.
• Euthanasia: Perform euthanasia only when absolutely necessary, carried out by certified euthanasia technicians.
• Adoption Support: Advertise animals available for adoption online, ensuring health checks and vaccinations are completed to make animals adoption-ready.
• Capture Strays: Safely capture stray animals found in the community.
• Investigation: Investigate reports of animal bites, neglect, or cruelty.
• Noise Complaints: Respond to complaints regarding excessive noise from animals.
• Animal Rescue: Assist in rescuing animals in distress or dangerous situations.
• Emergency Retrieval: Retrieve animals for people in emergency situations, such as accidents or disasters.
• Livestock Corralling: Capture and contain escaped livestock to keep them safe.
• Education: Educate the public on proper animal care, shelter improvements, grooming, food quality, and hygiene.
• Basic First Aid: Provide basic first aid for animals in need.
• Wild Animal Control: Handle injured or distressed wild animals, including foxes, coyotes, cougars, deer, antelope, birds, and more.
• Rabies Control and Testing: Monitor and control rabies risk, including testing animals for the virus.

If you need help from Animal Control, or you want to give an animal a new home, call or visit online:

Address: 5982 West, New Bingham Hwy. West Jordan, UT 84084
Phone: 801-282-3951
Animal Services – West Jordan City