WILMINGTON, MA — Wilmington Community Television’s popular show — “Where’s Wilmington” — dedicated its most recent episode to an interview with Wilmington Animal Control Officer Christopher Sullivan.
Dog Park Popularity
Sullivan is pleased with the popularity of the dog park, noting there’s always people there when he’s present and it’s nearly impossible to find a parking spot on the weekends.
“There is an issue with some dog owners not being responsible and removing their dog’s waste and taking it with them,” admitted Sullivan.
He is, however, optimistic that things will improve, noting the carry-in, carry-out, no-trash-barrel policy at Silver Lake works well.
“It’s a work in progress. The park has only been open a few months. We’ll get there.”
Microchip Your Pets
Sullivan encouraged pet owners to microchip their pets.
“It goes a long way. I can’t tell you how many dogs I haven’t had to bring to the pound because they’ve been chipped,” explained Sullivan. “Most vets will microchip.”
Daytime Sightings On The Rise
Sullivan encouraged pet owners to call him when they see a wild animal in their yard, like a fox, coyote or skunk, during the day. But Sullivan cautions that a daytime sighting doesn’t necessarily mean the animal is rabid or sick.
“Due to ongoing construction in town, foxes, raccoons, skunks and coyotes are getting moved out of their natural habitat,” said Sullivan. “If you see [one] during day, it doesn’t necessarily means its rabid, it could just be looking for a food source.”
Patience Is Appreciated
“It’s only me,” Sullivan reminded viewers. “I’m trying to do more with the position (e.g., dog park, social media), so please be patient with me… If you work me, I’ll work with you… I find I get more with honey than with vinegar. I always trip to be diplomatic.”
Sullivan noted he completed a 12-week training for Massachusetts Animal Control Officers to learn the various state laws surrounding pets and wildlife. He already had some familiarity the role after serving as a dispatch officer at the Wilmington Public Safety Building for more than 10 years.
Sullivan noted he’s much more than some sort of “dog catcher.” He is about to start barn inspections for the fall. He responds to a wide variety of animal calls, sometimes involving wildlife nuisances from bats, hawks, snakes, raccoons, skunks, coyotes, and foxes. (Wilmington likely even has 1 or 2 bobcats.) He picks up roadkill. He helps families locate missing pets, for which he created department Facebook and Twitter pages. Sullivan is so busy, he often spends entire shifts in his car. If he cannot solve a pet or wildlife problem for a resident, he is very often able to get them in contact with someone who can.
Watch the 16-minute interview, courtesy of Wilmington Community Television, below:
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