From the Animal Services Officer
Thank you to all who worked so hard to resolve the "Dog Issues" that have consumed much time for those involved with the committee. I am pleased it has been resolved, even if only for a one year trial.
As I told those present at the Lynch Park ASO Meeting back in October, I anticipate taking over a year to form and develop the Animal Services Program for our city. I now appear to be six months behind schedule. I'll need the support of BARC to start now to address the problems with Animal Control Issues in our City.
When I was hired, during my first few weeks with Chief of Police John Casola and Captain Alan Petersen, we saw that the role and image of Animal Services needed a new direction. It was decided to first change the title of the enforcing Officer from ACO (Animal Control Officer) to ASO (Animal Services Officer) and to put the emphasis on education and owner responsibility, with enforcement as last resort.
I have found the vast majority of dog owners to be responsible. But to borrow from "Uncle Matty," there are a few too many in "Denial" (not my dog or the dog ordinances don't apply to me). These are the people we must reach… The city is looking into providing off-leash options for dogs, but until we have them, the existing Leash Law applies, for the safety of both dogs and people. Unfortunately, I have courteously spoken to some people about having to leash their pets, only for them to let them off as soon as they think I'm "Out of Sight," or to be right back at the same location a few days later. And I've had to speak to joggers who have their dogs not only off leash in parks, but also on the streets running free. In four years I have removed too many dogs from roadways, hit by vehicles and killed. I have already had one dog meet such a fate since I came to Beverly and I hope it will be the only one that I'm faced with.
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Throughout the state, Animal Issues are the most overlooked in our communities and receive bare minimum funding. I will need the public's help to review and revise our Animal Ordinances to be more clear and precise in the city's responsibility to the dog owners, and the owners' responsibility in their actions with their dogs. Enforcement costs money and education costs money, but where does it come from? This year the budget for Animal Services is $60,300. Licensing has returned approximately $39,000 dollars. A community of this size should spend $4 per capita for Animal Services and we now spend around $1.42.
As a community we need to look at how to reduce the gap between $4 and $1.42. We need to look at licensing fees and fines. We also need to consider that owners of pets other than dogs rely on the services of Animal Services and look into how the cost can be dispersed and shared by all pet owners. I have researched many options to funding, but will need help from the community as to what is best for Beverly. I believe with your support and help, we can accomplish this.
Thank you one and all,
Jim Lindley, ASO
How to reach the Animal Services Officer
Non-emergency: 978-921-6040 ext. 311
Emergency: 978-922-1212
Back to Animal Services Officer Page
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