WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAU) – Wausau will look at contracting with the Humane Society of Marathon County for a humane officer to help control the city's pet population.

City leaders say there may be a more cost effective way to deal with stray and vicious animals than having police officers respond to calls.

The police department has spent $66,000 responding to animal calls over the last three years. Animals that are running loose, barking or mistreated make up the three most popular categories of calls the police department has received between 2009 and last year.

The city's public health and safety committee will likely negotiate a contract in closed session in the next month or two. A contract would also require approval from the finance committee and the full City Council.