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State statutes and municipal ordinances have been continually revised and expanded in parallel with developments in public opinion, the development of best practices and the professionalization of animal services. Animal laws and ordinances now address a wide range of issues beyond ensuring humane treatment. Government’s role has developed due to recognition that protecting public health and safety is a governmental responsibility and that humane and responsible treatment of animals cannot be left only to voluntary compliance. Today animal service programs commonly address the control of dangerous animals, the need to prevent spread of rabies, pet overpopulation problems, license requirements, spay/neuter and microchipping requirements for adopted animals, returning lost pets to owners, and holding people accountable when their pets are being destructive or a nuisance. The following points are elements of a comprehensive and progressive governmental animal services program.  Uniformly enforced laws relating to public health and safety.  Response to nuisance complaints in a timely manner.  Investigation of complaints of abuse and neglect.  Rescue of mistreated and abused animals.  Sheltering of stray and homeless animals.  Working to reunite lost pets with their owners.  Placement of healthy, behaviorally sound animals in responsible homes.  Euthanization of suffering animals.  Promotion of mandatory identification of dogs and cats.  Providing incentives for spay/neuter.  Providing education for responsible pet ownership.  Cooperating with local nonprofit animal welfare organizations. However, the specific mix and level of program elements within any particular community is variable, as is the method of funding and delivering these services. The exact mix of animal service responsibilities and services are determined by each community’s history, its citizens’ expectations, available resources and the priorities of elected officials of the local government. A government’s animal service program is especially dependent on a community’s ability to fund the services. In the course of providing their animal service programs, governments have typically maintained cooperative relations with the numerous private animal welfare organizations that play an important role in a community’s overall animal services. In most communities, nonprofit organizations provide important services that supplement the services provided by government. In some rural areas, nonprofit organizations may provide most or all available animal services. Although the range and level of animal services varies from community to community, public sentiment is fairly consistent. Due to concerns about animal welfare as well as with problems that arise due to animals, citizens are not indifferent but rather they expect some level of animal services in their community. In many communities animal welfare organizations are numerous and active. It is not surprising that animal services are often highly politicized and may be a focus of great interest in a community.