ACOAMACOAMJune 2008

Published quarterly by the Animal Control Officer’s Association of Massachusetts NEWS

. ACOAM Annual Meeting

. 2008 Rabies Clinics

. Foreclosures and Pets

. Wildlife News

. ACOAM Annual Meeting

...continued on page 12...

FeaturesFeatures

Animal Control Officers Association of Massachusetts

You have just received a call on the radio or phonereporting that a person has been bitten by a wild ani-mal—no other details are available. Now what? Municipalan imalcontrolofficers( A C O )a r eo f t e namongt h e“ f i r s trespon-ders” tob i t ei n c i -d e n t sinvolv-ing wilda n i m a l sand people or pets. Regardless of the situation, ACOsinvolved in these incidents are urged to be sureMassWildlife is contacted about the situation.

First, I'm the type of person that isn't comfortabletalking or writing about myself. I've always con-sidered myself a private person and I have a bit ofthat old Yankee pride that makes it hard for me toask for help. So writing the following does pushme out of my comfort zone, but its my story andpeople are interested, so I will try to explain what

h a p -p e n e df r o mm ypoint ofview.

To losea furryf r i e n dis hardfor any-o n e .Most ofus out-live our

pets andhave experienced the pain before, but what hap-pened to me and my family on April 14th wasquite simply devastating. A guy had come overunannounced to drop off some tools because hewas going to build a goat shed for me. I had beenupstairs, madly trying to find my health insurancecard so I could finish up my taxes and start myfirst vacation in two years.

ACOAM

...continued on page 4...

Submitted by Marion Larson, MassWildlife

Written by Becky Taylor, Newburyport ACO

When Wildlife Bites, Call

MassWildlife

My Devastating Ordeal

The Animal Control Officers Association of Massachuse�sinvites you to join us as we celebrate 28 years

of Public Service and Safety, Education, and Law Enforcementwithin the Commonwealth of Massachuse�s

MA State Representative Peter Koutoujian will be honored with ACOAM’s 2008 I.M.P.A.C.T. Award

Joanne Bourbeau, of the Humane Society of the United States,will be honored with ACOAM’s

2008 Richard A. Stein Distinguished Service Award

The Massachuse�s Society of the Prevention of Cruelty toAnimals and the Animal Rescue League of Boston will present

the 2008 ACO of the Year Award

ACOAM will present its 23rd Graduating Class

The Marlborough Courtyard Marrio�

6:30pm Cocktails 7:00pm Dinner & Banquet

Music/Raffle Dinner Reservations $25 pp

RSVP NOW with # persons a�ending to:Deni Michele Goldman via dgoldman@town.hull.ma.us

or simply reply to the sender of this email invite.You may also RSVP by phone at 781.706.1923

You Are Invited

RSVP NOW !

RSVP NOW !

RSVP NOW !

Saturday, June 14, 2008

SABERSABER AlertAlertS A B REafe nimal y esponse mergency

UpdateUpdate

33

On May 3, 2008, Tracy Smith’s dog Samantha wentmissing from her home on Bourne Street in Plymouth.For eleven days, Smith searched for Samantha, call-ing every local resource of which she could think. Foreleven nights, Smith wept, wondering whereSamantha was, and if she would ever see her belovedGolden Retriever again.

Also on May 3, thirty miles away from Plymouth, JimClose, of Yarmouth, reported to Barnstable AnimalControl that he had found a Golden Retriever in a con-servation area just off Route 6 (in Barnstable). Close

took thed o gto the

Animal Inn, which services the Cape Cod communi-ties, where she was sheltered for the 10-day holdingperiod. During these ten days, Close visited the dogalmost daily.

On May 13, Close adopted the dog and took her to hishome in Yarmouth. He took her to the vet and he hadher licensed. There, “Gia” (as she was named), playedwith Close’s dog Yankee (also a Golden Retriever),and Close and his wife, Cathi, quickly bonded withtheir family’s new addition.

On May 15, Hull Animal Control Officer and Director ofACOAM’s Public Relations and CommunicationsDept., Deni Goldman, received a call from Smith fromPlymouth. Smith was hysterical and nearly impossibleto understand on the phone through her tears. Sheexplained that she had been searching for her 9-yearold Golden Retriever, Samantha, since May 3, andwas just informed that ACOAM had a program thatcould be of valuable assistance in her search.

Upon receiving Smith’s call, ACO Goldman issued aSABER Alert on May 16 at 7:40am. At 7:41am, theSABER Alert was received by Yarmouth AnimalControl & Protection Officer Penny Schiller and

Barnstable AnimalControl OfficerCharlie Lewis. BothACO Schiller andACO Lewis immedi-ately called Close,informing him thatACOAM may havejust located theowner of the dogthat he had justadopted. Accordingto Close, he had justreceived a call fromSchiller regarding thedog when Lewisbeeped in with the verysame information.

A call to ACO Goldman from Close, and ACO Schillerjust minutes later, gave a sincere indication that thesetwo Golden Retrievers were very likely the same dog- Samantha, missing from Plymouth.

13 Days, 30 Miles and one Motion

Picture-like Reunion

Tracy and Samantha reunited

Samantha being found in woods

...continued on page 6...

True love!

44

I came downstairs to show him where to put the tools, when I heard my roommate, Ella, saying “No, no, no”. Ilater learned from her that he had opened the door to the driveway and let the dogs out...he later explained thathe didn't know they couldn't go out.....I wish he had thought to ask first but it's too late now.

Three of our four dogs went racing down the driveway., I'm sure they had huge grins on their faces, psychedthat they were allowed to go out for a romp unattended. As they rounded the goat paddock at the end of thedriveway, they headed across the road to a huge field on the other side. Unfortunately, a car was right thereand struck all three of them.

We didn't know initially if Daisy had been hit or just so scared by the incident that she ran off into the woods.What I did know was that she was nowhere to be seen. By the time I got out to the driveway and looked downto the end, John (my ex) and the driver of the car, were both on their knees in the road hands over their faces

crying...or in disbelief. Tess, my little sweetheart, laid splayed outin the road while King was trying desperately to drag his body tothe side of the road. I instantly went for my van knowing that everysecond counted. I do not have rear view in the van and it's a nar-row driveway. When I started to back down the driveway, it wasall clear but just a few feet later I hit something. I stopped, jumpedout of my van and found John lying on the side of the driveway. Ihate to admit it now but I was mad. I was thinking what the heckwere you doing? How the heck did you get from the road tobehind my van and why in the world didn't you get out of my way?

Later I learned from my neighbor across the street who just hap-pened to see everything unfold, that John was walking up themiddle of the driveway with his hands over his face as he was stillcrying. John later explained that this is what had in fact happened.He said that at the last moment he saw blue (the color of the van)and turned away towards the left, thus his right shoulder took the

hit and knocked him to the ground on the side of the driveway, break-ing his clavicle. As he lay on the ground I called to him... I heard a moan and someone else yelling “Call 911!”.Knowing that he had help on the way, I got back in the van and continued to get the dogs. If I could take backjust two minutes, it would be to have just sat there and held Tess as she passed. It only took 5 minutes to getto the vet and she didn't make it. I found her little body all mushed up in the corner of the van when I got tothere...she had passed. I so wish I could have those minutes back so she could have passed in my arms insteadin the cold metal cage of my ACO van... but she did and there's is no going back. King was still alive, barely, somy focus switched to him, but I was clearly devastated by losing Tess. King was in shock and unable to moveon his on. He had lost his vision as well. It was hard to tell what was broken but the vet didn't think he was goingto make it. And after all, it was 5:45pm, she would be closing soon so I would have to take him elsewhere. Sheis no longer my vet...not just for this reason but her cold response was my last straw.

At some point I had called Eileen Cashman, my very good friend and the ACO for Amesbury, where I live. Withher assistance, we got King to the emergency vet in Brentwood NH. That night there was little they could do.We prayed that the internal bleeding would stop and prepared for the worst. He spent the first night on an oxy-gen tank. I don't think anyone there thought he'd make it either. That first night cost $3,000.

Meanwhile, John, Ella and my daughter were all at the emergency room. A few neighbors went out in searchof Daisy and a couple stayed behind at the house in case Daisy showed up. But nothing. No sighting. She hadjust disappeared. That's how the first couple of hours went and Tess was dead...I couldn't believe it...I didn'twant to believe it. She was my very best friend in the whole world and I still feel like I'll miss her forever and itsbeen over six weeks since I lost her and the sadness I feel hasn't subsided.

...devastating ordeal...continued from page 1...

...continued on page 5...

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Daisy was found the next day. Down behind an abandoned barn just a few hundred yards from our farm. I hadbeen up all night, too sad to sleep and so worried about Daisy. I remember being outside at 3am calling for her...not a whimper or a moan...nothing, and she was so close. Some construction workers had come to work on the

other barn and found her.

They called the police, we got her and brought her up to Brentwood. My ex-vet did the initial x-rays and founda very bad multiple fracture to her back femur. $5,000+ later and she is absolutely fine. You'd never know any-thing had happened to her except that her back end has obviously been recently shaved so that looks funny.King, on the other hand, has had a rough time of it, but he is simply a miracle dog. Just last Wednesday he hada back toe amputated and all in all he has healed fantastically. He's a happy boy again even though he has lit-tle use of his front left leg due to radial nerve damage. Whether or not it will heal more is something only timecan tell.

In total for all three dogs the vet costs now exceed $13,000 BUT the fund that Eileen started for me has nowbrought in over $13,000 as well which absolutely blows me away. Just last week the fund was at $10,600. Ananonymous donation for $3,000 came in five weeks after the incident and mall donations arrive almost daily.

What happened to who? A list: Tess - Died $200; Daisy - Multiple fracture to left hind femur $5,950; King -Massive trauma to the body - $7,200; Internal bleeding, Lung damage; Heart arrhythmia; Mutilated left hind foot- pads are healed, one toe amputated; Front left leg radial damage - limited use, probably permanent - mayhave to amputate.

When Eileen first asked if she could try and help me by starting a fundraiser, we were thinking a few pot luckdinners or something, but the impassioned plea she made for me must have struck a nerve in people becausewithin 24 hours her email box was full with inquiries from around the country. I remember her first call to me.She was so excited and when she described what she was experiencing, I was overwhelmed with gratitude andmaybe I was a little embarrassed as well. I've always been a private person and now everyone around the coun-try knew that I was in financial straights (and that I ran over my ex-husband which made the story just that muchjuicier!) But because of Eileen's actions to try and help me, and all of the generosity from folks across the coun-try, as well as here in my local community, my farm is currently safe from foreclosure and two of my dogs arerecovering, very much alive. Another dog we have Taco didn't get out that fateful day. It'll still be a while beforethey can really romp around the yard together, but little Taco is so very grateful to have his two big buddies back.I wonder if he still thinks about his little girlfriend Tess and whatever happened to her...?

I couldn't be more thankful for the generosity that has been shown to me. I still don't know if I really deservedit, but I am so appreciative and relieved that I won't be losing my farm because I decided in a moment of despairto try and save King. He's so worth the effort and he's come so far in the past six weeks, that I now know I madethe right decision. But that is only true because so many caring people came out and supported me with theirkind words and generous donations... all to help some little ACO in Nowheresville, MA.

I made a big decision a few years ago to make the big change and leave the big money career for somethingmore satisfying. I love being an ACO even though some days I do wonder. I might work for a little city but I lovemy little city and appreciate being so appreciated by the residents and the city officials for whom I work. I knowI am truly one of the lucky ones. Many of the ACO's I know don't have it as good as I do and I say that know-ing I'm overworked and way under paid. But at least I get the chance to make just a little bit of difference in afew animals’ lives, in my own little area of the world. And that's good enough for me.

From the bottom of my heart I want to thank everyone that has contributed to my fund. I can't explain in wordshow very touched I am. And thank you ACOAM for all of your support over the past year as I have learned somany new things working with so many of you.

- Becky Taylor

...devastating ordeal...continued from page 1...

ACO Goldman contacted Smith, Samantha’s owner,telling her that she was pretty certain that Samanthahad been found on the Cape. Within a few minutes,arrangements were made for Smith to leave her homein Plymouth and drive to Yarmouth, where Close wasbittersweetly awaiting Smith’s arrival to I.D.Samantha.

Smith’s excitement to see if this dog was trulySamantha was unfortunately also a bit hindered byher fear of this connection being a hoax and that shewould be traveling thirty miles to the home of a com-plete stranger – without Samantha being found. In aneffort to alleviate Smith’s fears, and assure her thatthis was not a hoax, Hull ACO Goldman and YarmouthACO Schiller arranged for Smith to meet ACO Schillerat Schiller’s Yarmouth office and ACO Schiller wouldthen accompany Smith over to the Close residence. Infact, Schiller re-arranged her entire day in order to beavailable for Smith. Just as Officer Schiller and Smitharrived at Close’s house, Smith spotted Samantha –and Samantha spotted Smith…it was without a doubta match!!

In the words ofYarmouth ACOPenny Schiller, “Itwas the mostenjoyable call I’vehad in ages. It waslike walking into aWalt Disney flick,or Ol’ Yeller…whata lovely reunion.She was crying, Iwas crying, thedog was jumpingaround and joyous– it was reallysomething!”

“We know that ourstatewide organization

of Animal Control Officers will do everything to keeppets safe and to reunite them with their owners.Knowing that there are other people out there who areso wonderful and caring, like the Close family, givesus such a sense of hope for lost pets or pets that sud-denly need new homes”, said Officer Goldman. “Jimand Cathi Close exemplify those type of people.”

Since October 2007, 69 SABER have been issued.

...saber alert...continued from page 3...

Tracy, Jim, Samanthaand Yankee

Marley watching over QuinnCourtesy of Nancy Allen, Hull MA

Pic

ture

of the Month!

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J o h nHazeldine, the7 year AnimalControl Officerfor the town ofFoxboro, hasrecently suffered a stroke. John is currently goingthrough recovery and is making strides towardsimprovement.

Many know John as an avid animal lover of all types,including his Standardbred horse "Cast Iron", his twoPit Bulls and his Labrador Retriever.

Prior to Foxboro, John worked as an ACO for the townof Wrentham and the town of North Attleboro.

Cards and well wishes for John may be sent to:

Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital250 Pond Street Braintree, MA 02184

781-348-2500

With deepest sympathy, hope andprayer...

As the number of home foreclosures in America con-tinues to grow, so does the number of pets that havebecome the victims of this ongoing predicament.

At a time when nothing can possibly seem worse thanthe loss of a place called “home”, losing a beloved petat the same time, certainly tops off this devastation.

So manyfamilieswho areb e i n gevictedf r o mf o r e -c l o s e dh o m e sare leftwith noo t h e rc h o i c ethan tosurren-der theirpets to

a n i m a lshelters. And

some of these families aren’t even taking their pets toshelters – it is reported that numerous realtors aregoing into foreclosed homes finding animals still livinginside, sadly mistaking an await of their family’s return.The majority of these pets have already depleted anyfood and water left behind.

Animal Control Officers, rescue organizations andshelter professionals can only do so much. We canencourage victims of foreclosures to “please take yourpets to a shelter” in lieu of abandoning them in a dark,lonely house. We can remind them that leaving theirpets behind is considered “abandonment” and thatthey can be charged for this crime. But what we can’tdo is take away the emotional pain of being forced tomove on, and forced to part ways with a beloved pet.

Recognizing that animal shelters are likely experienc-ing the intensity of this crisis as an increasing numberof pet owners are frantically trying to find solutions totheir living arrangements, American Humane hasoffered some ways that animal care professionals canhelp families of the foreclosure crisis.

Pet Victims in Home Foreclosures

How ACOs Can Help Editorial submitted by the Editor

Photo Courtesy of Jennifer Waters, MarketWatch, Chicago

First and foremost, we are reminded that it is essentialnot to forget that victims of foreclosures are likely filledwith an array of emotions, not just sadness and fear,but also embarrassment. We can address this in ourown cities/towns by making it known that we are avail-able to assist victims of foreclosures, and that anyoneneeding assistance with such a matter should not hes-itate to contact his/her ACO or shelter manager.

We should provide families with lists of pet-friendlyapartments and landlords. www.apartments.com;www.peoplewithpets.com and classified ads can helpwith this provision. We can advise families to stronglyconsider working with private landlords in lieu of justcommercial properties, and negotiate offerings ofsecurity deposits for having pets on the premises. Wecan also advise families to be responsible pet ownersand make their attentiveness to this responsibility (i.e.dog licenses, vaccinations, spays/neuters, cleanli-ness, adhesion to leash laws and other town bylaws,and pet health upkeep) evident to a potential landlord.

We can also provide families with a list of boardingfacilities that may assist in temporary pet care whilethey look for a new home. Perhaps shelters and ACOscan begin tod e v e l o pr e l a t i o n -ships withsuch board-ing facilitiesto considero f f e r i n gr e d u c e dfees for vic-tims of fore-closures, sothat theirpets do nothave to besurrendered.

ACOAM is proud to be made up of so many ACOswho will do whatever it takes to help pets and families.Our organization is also comprised of ACOs who willreach out to assist one another, and often, our selflessACOs have even cared for people’s pets themselves.ACOAM urges all of us not to ever hesitate to seekhelp through our network of brothers and sisters -- weare a remarkable team!

77

Author Unkown

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine aten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog'sowners, Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their little boy, Shane,were all very attached to Belker, and they were hopingfor a miracle. Examination showed that Belker wasdying ofcancer. Itold thefamily wecouldn't doa n y t h i n gfor him,and offeredto performt h eeuthanasiaprocedurefor the olddog in theirhome. Aswe madea r r a n g e -ments, Ronand Lisa saidthey thought it wouldbe good for six-year-old Shane toobserve the procedure. They felt that Shane mightlearn something from the experience.

The next day came the familiar catch in my throat asBelker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed socalm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I won-dered if he understood what was going on. Within afew minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transitionwithout any difficulty or confusion. We sat together fora while after Belker's death, wondering aloud aboutthe sad fact that animal lives are shorter than humanlives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up:'I know why!' Startled, we all turned to him. His wordsstunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting expla-nation.

He said: 'People are born so that they can learn howto live a good life -- like loving everybody all the timeand being nice, right?' The six-year-old continued:'Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't

have to stay as long.'

On Friday, May 2nd, Oxford ACOs Sheila Donohueand Cindy Thompson were invited (as well as manyother members of the Oxfordcommunity) to participate in“Community Reading Day” atthe school. Both Sheila andCindy read a pre-chosen bookto a class each (Cindy –Grade 5 and Sheila – Grade7). Following the book read-ing, Sheila’s class was shownseven or so types of animal pelts from various speciesindigenous to our geographical location. The classalso had a discussion regarding the book, entitled“The Growing Tree” and the meaning of the book. Theclass was full of questions and stories regarding ani-mals. Sheila passed around her “cool” ACO badgeand talked about finding ones passion in life as shehas done w/ ACOAM’s help. Cindy based her discus-sion on rabies following the reading of her book andthe do’s and don’ts of interacting with wildlife. Cindyalso stressed the importance of being sure that allpets at home be vaccinated. All in all it was great fun!

April 7 - 18, Hull ACO Deni Goldman spoke with all ofthe elementary school students (grades k-4) educat-ing them about animal cruelty and fostering empathytowards animals.The children viewed tastefully-select-ed slides depicting different types of animal cruelty,and discussed the images they saw of emaciated ani-mals, overweight animals, chained dogs, abused ani-mals, dog fighting victims, hoarding victims, animalswithout shelter, food, water, veterinary care, and lov-ing homes. Many of the children were apalled thatpeople could be so cruel, and many of them askednumerous questions about cruelty laws, jail, (evensome questions about Michael Vick!). After promisingnever to harm an animal, to always report an animal inneed or a person hurting an animal, the students wereall given Junior Animal Control Officer badge stickers,which were a big hit! Rumor has it many of the kids arestill wearing them!

If any ACOs are interested in ordering Junior AnimalControl Officer badge stickers, please contact Deni atdgoldman@town.hull.ma.us and she will provide youwith contact information for ordering these badges.These are a great giveaway and certainly make chil-dren feel that they themselves can go out and watchfor animal crime!

A Dogs Purpose

From the View of a 6 Year OldInside Our Schools

ACOs Working with Our Youth

88

(Photo not related to story)Neil Reilly and dog Bruno,

Hull, MA

Submitted by Kara Holquist, MSPCA

LegislativeLegislativeUpdateUpdate

Attention ACOs:

This important bill needs your help. Please con-

tact your state legislators, particularly if either is in

the Senate Ways and Means Committee (see list).

S. 2450 - An Act Updating the Animal Control Laws

of Massachusetts

Status: Received a favorable report from theEnvironment, Natural Resources and AgricultureCommittee; in Senate Ways and Means.

Why do these laws need to be updated?

Many of the laws that govern animal control date backto the 1800s. Quite simply, the laws do not addressthe current state of animal control in our municipalities.For example, animal control was previously based onthe structure of a county system, which is for the mostpart not used today. The fines and fees are outdated.

The term “dog officer” is still used, although inMassachusetts and nationally, the current term used is“animal control officer.” These proposed changes aremade to Chapter 140, sections 136A through 174D toupdate and make the animal control laws more effi-cient, current and effective.

Who supports these changes?

The Animal Control Officers Association ofMassachusetts (ACOAM), the Massachusetts Societyfor the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA), theAnimal Rescue League of Boston, the state’s Bureauof Animal Health within the Department of AgriculturalResources and the Massachusetts Veterinary MedicalAssociation (MVMA) have worked together to draftthese changes.

Will these changes cost the state money?

No. Fees and fines are increased in this bill. The out-dated “county” dog fund has been replaced with ananimal control fund within a city or town, since thecounty system is not used any more. Cities or townsshould not be impacted by these changes either.

What specifically would this bill do?

- Change the outdated term “dog officer” to “animal control officer”

- Require training of animal control officers

- Allow towns/cities specifically to set their own license period

- Create consistency and removing outdated references (including those to the county system)

- Update fines and fees (which are very low in many instances and haven’t been updated fordecades)

- Add ferrets to 145B (the rabies vaccination requirement; ferrets were made legal in Massachusetts in 1996. This section has beenupdated to reflect this and their vaccination requirements)

- Improve the dangerous dog law (while preventing ineffective breed-specific legislation)

- Create categories for kennel licensing

- Create consistency in the holding time for straydogs

- Prohibit certain methods of euthanasia for dogs and cats

- Adding enforcement provision to section 139A(the spay/neuter deposit law for animals adopted from shelters and animal control facilities).

- Create a fund to help fund low-cost spay/neuter surgeries and prevent homeless animals

- Create some statewide oversight for animal control, which currently does not exist in Massachusetts

...continued on page 10...

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SENATE WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE

SENATOR STEVEN C. PANAGIOTAKOS

Telephone: 617-722-1630 or (978) 454-0086 Party Affiliation - DEMOCRATState House E-Mail Address:Steven.Panagiotakos@state.ma.usDISTRICT REPRESENTED: FIRST MIDDLESEX. —Lowell, Dunstable, Groton, Pepperell, Tyngsboroughand Westford.

SENATOR STEPHEN M. BREWER

Telephone: (617) 722-1540 Party Affiliation - DEMOCRAT State House E-Mail Address:Stephen.Brewer@state.ma.us DISTRICT REPRESENTED: WORCESTER, HAMP-DEN, HAMPSHIRE AND FRANKLIN. —Ashburnham, Athol, Barre, Brookfield, Charlton, EastBrookfield, Hardwick, Hubbardston, New Braintree,North Brookfield, Oakham, Petersham, Phillipston,Royalston, Rutland, Spencer, Sturbridge, Templeton,Warren, West Brookfield and Winchendon, in thecounty of Worcester; Brimfield, Holland, Monson,Palmer and Wales, in the county of Hampden; Ware,in the county of Hampshire; and Orange andWarwick, in the county of Franklin.

SENATOR HARRIETTE L. CHANDLER

Telephone: (617) 722-1544Fax: (617) 722-1357 Party Affiliation - DEMOCRATState House E-Mail Address:Harriette.Chandler@state.ma.usDISTRICT REPRESENTED: FIRST WORCESTER.& #151; Worcester, wards 1 to 4, inclusive, 9 and 10,Berlin, Boylston, Clinton, precincts 3 and 4, Holden,Northborough, precincts 1, 2 and 4, Paxton,Princeton and West Boylston.

SENATOR ROBERT A. ANTONIONI

Tel: (617) 722-1230Fax: (617) 722-1130 Tel: (978)-534-6946Party Affiliation - DEMOCRAT State House E-Mail Address:Robert.Antonioni@state.ma.us DISTRICT REPRESENTED—WORCESTER ANDMIDDLESEX. Fitchburg, Gardner, Leominster,Bolton, Clinton, precincts 1 and 2, Lancaster,Lunenburg, Sterling and Westminster, in the countyof Worcester; and Ashby and Townsend, in the coun-ty of Middlesex.

SENATOR EDWARD M. AUGUSTUS, JR.

Telephone: (617) 722-1485Fax: 617-722-1066 Party Affiliation - DEMOCRATE-Mail Address: Edward.Augustus@state.ma.usDISTRICT REPRESENTED: SECOND WORCES-TER. — Worcester, wards 5 to 8, inclusive, Auburn,Grafton, Leicester, Millbury, Shrewsbury and Upton.

SENATOR STEVEN A. BADDOUR

Telephone: (617) 722-1604 Party Affiliation - DEMOCRATState House E-Mail Address:Steven.Baddour@state.ma.usDISTRICT REPRESENTED: FIRST ESSEX. —Haverhill, Newburyport, Amesbury, Merrimac,Methuen, North Andover, precincts 1, 4, 6 and 8, andSalisbury.

SENATOR SUSAN C. FARGO

Telephone: (617) 722-1572Party Affiliation - DEMOCRATState House E-Mail Address:Susan.Fargo@state.ma.usDISTRICT REPRESENTED: THIRD MIDDLESEX. —Waltham, Bedford, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Concord,Lexington, precincts 3, 8 and 9, Lincoln, Sudbury,precincts 1 and 4, and Weston.

STATE SENATOR MICHAEL W. MORRISSEY

Telephone: (617) 722-1494Fax: (617) 722-1055Party Affiliation - DEMOCRAT State House E-Mail Address:Michael.W.Morrissey@state.ma.us DISTRICT REPRESENTED: NORFOLK AND PLY-MOUTH. — Quincy, Braintree, precincts 2 and 6 to12, inclusive, and Holbrook, in the county of Norfolk;and Abington and Rockland, in the county ofPlymouth.

SENATOR MARC R. PACHECO

Telephone: (617) 722-1551Party Affiliation - DEMOCRATState House E-Mail Address:Marc.Pacheco@state.ma.usN.B.: All correspondence by E-Mail MUST include ahome address and a telephone number in order toreceive a response.DISTRICT REPRESENTED: FIRST PLYMOUTHAND BRISTOL. — Bridgewater, Carver, Marion,Middleborough and Wareham, in the county ofPlymouth; and Taunton, Berkley, Dighton andRaynham, in the county of Bristol.

1010

A heartfelt apology goes out to Ann M. Cohen, who respectfully submittedan excellent article highlighting the first MAC meeting of 2008, for theMarch issue of ACOAM News. Ann’s name was inadvertently left out ofthe “submitted by” by-line of her article. Thank you Ann, for all of yourwork and contributions. You are appreciated! - the Editor

SENATOR SUSAN C. TUCKER

Tel: (617) 722-1612Fax: (617) 722-1058Party Affiliation - DEMOCRATE-Mail Address: Susan.Tucker@state.ma.usDISTRICT REPRESENTED: SECOND ESSEX ANDMIDDLESEX.— Lawrence, and Andover, in the coun-ty of Essex; and Dracut and Tewksbury, in the countyof Middlesex.

SENATOR DIANNE WILKERSON

Telephone: (617) 722-1673Fax: (617) 722-1079 Party Affiliation - DEMOCRATState House E-Mail Address:Dianne.Wilkerson@state.ma.usDISTRICT REPRESENTED: SECOND SUFFOLK. —Boston, ward 3, precincts 7 and 8, ward 4, precincts1 to 6, inclusive, 8 and 9, ward 5, precincts 1, 4 to 8,inclusive, and 11, wards 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12, ward14, precincts 3, 6 to 11, inclusive, and ward 19,precincts 1 to 9, inclusive.

SENATOR CYNTHIA STONE CREEM

Telephone: (617) 722-1639 Party Affiliation - DEMOCRAT State House E-Mail Address:Cynthia.Creem@state.ma.us DISTRICT REPRESENTED: FIRST MIDDLESEXAND NORFOLK. — Newton, in the county ofMiddlesex; and Brookline and Wellesley, precincts Aand C to E, inclusive, in the county of Norfolk.

SENATOR KAREN SPILKA

Tel: (617) 722-1640Fax: (617) 722-1077 Tel: (508) 872-6677Fax: (508) 881-3642 Party Affiliation - DEMOCRAT State House E-Mail Address:Karen.E.Spilka@state.ma.us DISTRICT REPRESENTED: SECOND MIDDLESEXAND NORFOLK. — Ashland, Framingham, Holliston,Hopkinton and Natick, precincts 1 to 5, inclusive, and8, in the county of Middlesex; Franklin, precincts 1and 5 to 8, inclusive, and Medway, in the county ofNorfolk.

SENATOR MICHAEL R. KNAPIK

State House District Office Room 419 57 North Elm St. Boston, MA 02133 Westfield, MA 01085 Tel: (617) 722-1415 Tel: (413) 562-6454 Party Affiliation - REPUBLICANState House E-Mail Address:Michael.Knapik@state.ma.usDISTRICT REPRESENTED: SECOND HAMPDENAND HAMPSHIRE. — Chicopee, ward 1, precincts Aand B, ward, 3, precincts A to C, inclusive, ward 6,precincts A and B, ward 7, precincts A and B, ward 8,precincts A and B, ward 9, precincts A and B,Holyoke, Westfield, Blandford, Chester, Granville,Montgomery, Russell, Southwick and Tolland, in thecounty of Hampden; and Easthampton andSouthampton, in the county of Hampshire.

SENATOR BRUCE E. TARR

Telephone: (617) 722-1600Party Affiliation - REPUBLICANState House E-Mail Address:Bruce.Tarr@state.ma.usDISTRICT REPRESENTED: FIRST ESSEX ANDMIDDLESEX. — Gloucester, Boxford, Essex,Georgetown, Groveland, Hamilton, Ipswich,Manchester-by-the-Sea, Middleton, Newbury, NorthAndover, precincts 2, 3, 5 and 7, Rockport, Rowley,Wenham and West Newbury, in the county of Essex;and North Reading and Wilmington, in the county ofMiddlesex.

All legislators can be reached by writing:

The Honorable _______________State HouseBoston, MA 02133

Or at 617-722-2000

oops...

1111

With summer's hot, humid weather, some Bay Statehomeowners may discover bats residing in theirhome!

Attics are the most common portion of a house inwhich bats roost and raise their young. After a few hotsummer days, an attic may become too warm for thebats, forcing them out and sometimes into people's liv-ing quarters as they search for cooler places to roost.Inexperienced young bats may fall down a chimney, flyin open windows or down attic stairs.

What's a homeowner to do? Fortunately, a single batflying in a room can usually be dealt with quite easily.Open an outside window or door in the room contain-ing the bat and close off the rest of the room from thehouse. It's usually only a matter of a few minutes ofcircling before the bat locates the open window andleaves the house. Bats do not attack people or fly intopeople's hair.

If a bat has landed, it can be assisted out of a housein several ways. For a bat on a curtain, place a jar, cof-fee can or small box over the bat, carefully working theanimal into the container, and cover it. A bat on thefloor can be covered with a towel.

Another method is to put on leather gloves and simplypick up the bat and release it outdoors-don't use cot-ton gloves or handle a bat with bare hands. Whatevermethod is used, don't worry when the bat squeaksloudly when handled. Take the bat outdoors andrelease it. If anyone has had direct contact with a bator if a bat is found in a room with a sleeping person,the bat should be safely captured and not released.Contact local health officials for assistance in evaluat-ing potential rabies risk and submitting the bat to theDepartment of Public Health for rabies testing.

Submitted by Marion Larson, MassWildlife

Bats in the Belfry

Little Brown Bats and Big Brown Bats are the mostlikely species to be found in buildings. In some cases,with small numbers of bats, people don't mind theirpresence and concentrate on blocking holes andcracks leading into the human living quarters.

Where there is a large colony in house walls, biolo-gists recommend that homeowners wait to initiateeviction proceedings until the first week of Augustthrough November. Waiting to evict the colony allowstime for young bats to mature and leave the house ontheir own.

Learn how to evict bats safely or live with them using"A Homeowner's Guide to Bats" booklet available fromMassWildlife. This publication contains tips on han-dling a bat in the house, designs for one-way doors,bat house plans, and a key to identifying the nine batspecies in Massachusetts. The booklet is posted in theWildlife area of the agency website and is also avail-able in hard copy at MassWildlife offices.

To receive a hard copy of the booklet by mail, send abusiness sized, self-addressed, 82 cent stampedenvelope to: Bat Booklet, MassWildlife, 1 Rabbit HillRd, Westboro, MA 01581.

Homeowners who wish to hire someone to evict a batcolony can find a list of licensed Problem AnimalControl agents in the Wildlife area of MassWildlife'swebsite.

NewsNewsWildlifeWildlifeMoreMore

...continued from page 1...

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If the incident occurs during business hours, a biolo-gist either at the Westboro headquarters or the districtoffice which serves your community may be able toassist you with technical advice or a visit the scene ifthe situation warrants further investigation. BecauseMassWildlife is responsible for wildlife in the state, theagency needs to document and, when appropriate,investigate incidents that involve people bitten by wildanimals.

When you arrive at the scene, the animal involvedmay have vanished into the underbrush, or someonemay have caught and/or killed the animal. Whateverthe situation, be sure to accurately identify the species(type) of animal involved in the incident. This mayseem obvious, but there are times victims, witnessesand sometimes officials have misidentified an animal,causing unnecessary neighborhood concern, innaccu-rate media reports and problems with investigations.When the animal has been captured or destroyedwithin minutes of the attack—identification is usuallyquick and simple. It’s when the animal in question hasvanished into the underbrush and can’t be immediate-ly located that wildlife detective work begins.

Ask questions of the victim and any witnesses todetermine what kind of animal was involved in theattack. Most people know what the commonwildlife in their area looks like, but sometimespeople are not familiar with some animals. Themost common misidentification MassWildlife biol-ogists have encountered in some bite situationshas been between coyotes and foxes, particular-ly gray foxes. Here are a few key questions toask which will help narrow down the options.

Shape/Body Type—Did the animal look like adog or a cat? If not, what kind of animal did it looklike? What was the shape of the body? Was therounded or did it have a longer, narrow body likea ferret or weasel? Did it have a tail? Was the tailvery bushy or was it long and narrow? What wasthe shape of the face or ears?

Size—How big was this animal? — Try to stayaway from someone giving a weight—very fewpeople can accurately estimate an animal weighs. Ask if the animal was the size of a domestic cat,a beagle, border collie or German Shepard? Dogbreed sizes seem to be much easier for people tograsp.

Color—What color was the animal? Was it all onecolor? Did it have any markings?

Measure Bite Marks—Keep a ruler or measuringtape in your vehicle. If the victim is still at thescene, take some measurements of the bitemarks and note where on the body they werelocated. Take pictures of the marks with a ruler orcoin next to them to judge their size. AMassWildlife biologist may be able to look atthese images and make an accurate identifica-tion.

Animal Behavior—What was happening beforethe attack occurred? What did the animal do afterthe attack? Have there been sightings of wild ani-mals in the area recently?

Fox Bit Oxford Man

Rabid animal is shot, killed

Segment By Ellie Oleson NEWSCORRESPONDENT

OXFORD— The owner of a Worcester business has ahandgun for his protection at work, but last week used theweapon to protect himself at home in Oxford, where hewas twice attacked by a rabid fox...

...Oxford Animal Control Officer Cindy J. Thompson col-lected the dead animal and refrigerated the body untilAnimal Control Officer Sheila S. Donohue could removethe head and send it to the state Department of PublicHealth’s State Laboratory Institute in Jamaica Plain,where it was tested for rabies. “It takes about a week totest. It came back positive for rabies on Friday,” Ms.Donohue said...

...when wildlife bites...continued from page 1...

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All these questions make it easier to identify whatanimal was involved in the attack. As many of youknow, the animal may appear again in a fewhours or in a few days, or in some cases, neverbe found again. When the media asks questionsabout the incident, and if you don’t know what theanimal was, say so. It’s not worth losing yourcredibility if you make something up on the spot.If a MassWildlife staff biologist is assisting, youcan direct reporters to that person.

What if MassWildlife biologists are not available?Unfortunately, many incidents occur on week-ends, holidays or after business hours. If this isthe case, be sure to contact MassWildlife’sWestborough Field Headquarters at 508/389-6300 and leave a message with your contactinformation and brief description of the circum-stances. A MassWildlife biologist will follow upwith you as soon as possible. Regardless of theoutcome, MassWildlife needs to know about theattack and will work with your town to provideassistance and information to neighborhoods,local officials and the local media. Meanwhile,find out what you can at the scene using some ofthe tips provided. You’ll probably figure it out your-self!

Call Out Box

MassWildlife District Offices are open Mondaythrough Friday except for state and federal holi-days. To find out what District Office serves yourcommunity, go to the MassWildlife web link athttp://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/facilities/dis-tricts.htm Either click on the geographic area ofthe state where your community is located or clickon the Where’s My Town? link.

Western District, Pittsfield 413-447-9789Conn. Valley District, Belchertown 413-323-7632Central District, West Boylston 508-835-3607Northeast District, Acton 978-263-4347Southeast District, 508-759-3406

The MassWildlife Field Headquarters inWestborough is a state wide office, where thefurbearer biologist is located. Contact that officeat 508-389-6300.

New Furbearer Biologist Hired at

MassWildlife

My name is Laura Hajduk (pronounced “hi duke”). Iwas recently hired as the Furbearer Biologist with forthe Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. I’ve already met or spoken with many ACO’s, but I’dlike to take this opportunity to introduce myself tothose of you that I have yet to meet. I just moved toMassachusetts from Illinois where I was working onmy Master’s degree studying long-tailed weaselspace use and habitat selection with theCooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory atSouthern Illinois University. As an undergraduate atNorthern Illinois University, I studied space use ofSouth American culpeo foxes in relation to preyavailability. As the furbearer biologist, I am respon-sible for the management of beavers, bobcats, coy-otes, fisher, foxes, mink, muskrat, opossum, rac-coon, river otter, skunk and weasels.

Recently, on May 1, I presented a lecture at the ACOAcademy on May 1st about furbearers inMAMassachusetts, wildlife diseases, and an in-depth look atinformation on coyotes. I look forwardto presenting meeting more ACO’s at the nextAcademy in October. As ACO’s, I know you areoften called on by the public to deal with wildlifeproblems and concerns. and iIf you have any ques-tions or concerns regarding furbearers, please feelfree to contact me.

Don’t forget that there is valuable information oncommon wildlife in the Wildlife area of our website,www.mass.gov/masswildlife. Feel free to directcallers to our website or our District offices. If youare ever called to the scene of an attack on peopleinvolving a wild animal or coyotes attacking petswhen people are present, please contact me imme-diately! I can be reached at 508-389-6322 orlaura.hajduk@state.ma.us.

Of course, a number of incidents occur on week-ends, holidays or non-business hours. If this is thecase, please call the Environmental Police RadioRoom which is open 24/7 at 1-800-632-8075 with abrief description of the circumstances and your con-tact information. You can still leave a message atmy voice mail or the MassWildlife FieldHeadquarters voicemail at 508/389-6300. I oranother staff person will respond as soon as possi-ble. In the meantime, I look forward to working withyou in the future.

1414

77

Thanks to a grant from the Robert Nion Thieriot Foundation, theMSPCA has funding to assist with installation of water flowdevices to humanely, non-lethally, and ecologically mitigatebeaver-related flooding in the Berkshires.

Who can participate? Any individual, town, business, or organi-zation in Berkshire County. (Other Western MA towns will be con-sidered if funds are not exhausted in the Berkshires).

What are the criteria? A willingness (of all parties involved) toresolve problems non-lethally for the long term, a site that is con-ducive to flow device usage, and permission of the landowners and the local Conservation Commission to installwater flow devices.

How do I request assistance? Send a description of your conflict site(s) and the limitations of your budget tothe MSPCA for consideration. Starting in the spring, we will evaluate the sites to determine if they are conduciveto flow device usage.

Funding assistance: The amount of funding offered to each applicant will depend on the number of requests,the amount of each viable request, and the ability of each requester to pay for part of the flow device, or themaintenance contract for the device, themselves.

Deadline: Requests will be accepted throughout 2008 until funding is exhausted. Requests will be consideredin the order in which they are received. Submit ASAP, please.

Send requests to: Linda Huebner, MSPCA Western New England, 171 Union Street, Springfield, MA, 01105.Lhuebner@mspca.org., fax 413-750-7660, phone 413-750-7623. Please include the following information:Name, Date, City/Town, Phone #, Email.

Submitted by Linda Huebner, MSPCABeaver Funding Assistance Request

Submitted by Linda Huebner, MSPCA

MSPCA Goes Hi-Tech to Resolve Wildlife Conflicts

Non-Profit’s Living with Wildlife Program Offers Online Tool forHomeowners

Boston, MA – The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ (MSPCA) Living With Wildlifeprogram now offers The Intruder Excluder to aid homeowners in the humane resolution of wildlife conflicts. TheMSPCA’s unique online tool was created through funding from the Nion Robert Thieriot Foundation and is cur-rently available to homeowners as wildlife becomes more transient during the Spring season.

Utilizing an interactive interface, The Intruder Excluder helps users identify the animal intruder through images,tracks, scat and behavioral descriptions of the suspect wildlife. Once the intruder is identified, The IntruderExcluder provides step-by-step instructions to humanely exclude the wildlife from the home or yard.

“The Intruder Excluder is a user-friendly Web site that helps homeowners humanely resolve conflicts withwildlife in and around their homes,” said Debra MacLaren, MSPCA Living With Wildlife Program Coordinator.“This interactive house provides users with a better understanding of why wildlife are attempting to share theirhome and yard, so that homeowners can resolve current wildlife conflicts and prevent future wildlife conflictsfrom occurring.”

To use The Intruder Excluder go to: www.mspca.org/intruderexcluder/. The Living With Wildlife program at theMSPCA promotes harmonious and peaceful coexistence between people and wildlife in urban, suburban, and

rural communities. For more information, visit www.livingwithwildlife.org

1515

It seems that a crazy loose rooster has been tormenting theneighborhood children up off of State Street in Oxford lately.

The kooky bird managed to dodge Animal Control a fewweeks ago, and following a period of silenced calls about thebird, Animal Control figured that the rooster was either eatenby something or found his way home.

No such luck, as another call suddenly came into the OxfordPD reporting that the rooster has taken up residencebetween four – five houses – everyone is feeding him.According to Oxford ACO Donohue, “I truly think that theentire neighborhood is falling for him. He has now beensighted at cookouts, family walks after dinner and bike rideswith the kids”. He even has a name now, “Spunky”.

After numerous attempt to capture the crazy bird continued to be inter-rupted by crowds of screaming, astonished people, ACO Donohuefinally snatched the “character” and he is now their shelter mascot. “He has chutzpah (I think that’sGaelic for spunk)“, says Donohue. “Cock-a doodle-doo”!

Submitted by Sheila Donohue, Oxford ACO

Oxford ACO Sheila Donohue with mascot “Spunky”

Oxford’s Crazy Roosters’ Torment Now Haulted by Capture

Submitted by Doreen Currier, Executive Director, Worcester Animal Rescue League

Donations Needed: Worcester Animal Rescue League has 10 Animals

in Need of Medical Care

WORCESTER – A dog falls out of a third-story apartment building and breaks its hip.Dogs and cats, out and onthe move again because it’s spring, are getting crushed under cars and trucks. A broken pelvis, broken legs,and other terrible injuries have been reported. The public is being asked to come forward to help suffering ani-mals. Money is urgently needed for unexpected medical bills.

In the past month, the Worcester Animal Rescue League shelter on Holden Street has had three dogs andseven cats brought in with broken bones from being hit by cars or falling from windows.

“I’ve never seen so many in such a short period of time,” Doreen Currier, executive director, exclaimed.Veterinary treatment is expensive and the shelter now has a bill of more than $10,000 to treat those injuries.Treated, not killed. The shelter has recently become “no kill.” Last year, the organization entered a new chap-ter in its history when Currier announced a partnership with Bolton-based Second Chance Fund for AnimalWelfare. Euthanasia decisions are only reserved for suffering animals with poor prognoses, or vicious dogsunfit for society. But that means the broken bones are mended, or the legs amputated. It costs more, but is farmore humane. Last year, the public responded with huge support for this decision. “We are hoping we can counton the public again to help with this bill,” Currier said.

Donations may be sent to: WARL, 139 Holden St, Worcester, MA 01602. Please note “Save Our Souls Fund”

on the envelope. For more information, call the shelter at (508) 853-0030, or e-mail to: petsavr@aol.com.

1616

Each spring, numerous Massachusetts communites host reduced cost rabies clinics which serve as a publicservice to ensure health and safety within their cities and towns. An abundance of these clinics are spearheaded

by Animal Control Officers. With wildlife continuing to increase in every

Massachusetts community, so increases the potential for domesticanimal and human exposure to this deadly virus.

In 2008, 52 cities and towns within the Commonwealth registeredtheir rabies clinics with the MA Department of Agriculture. And paral-lel to the increase in rabies potential, the number of pets vaccinatedvia these rabies clinics also rose in attendance - mostly due to ACOsstepping up to offer these clinics. The cities/towns and the number ofvaccinations administered (reported) are as follows:

Amesbury -38; Auburn -49; Barnstable -61; Canton -73; Dracut -128;Eastham -72; Falmouth- 68; Georgetown- 140; Hull -85; MarstonsMills - 27; Martha’s Vinyard -131;Medway -10; Millis -103; Milton -114;New Bedford -631; Newbury/Merrimac -49; Newburyport -19; Orange- 252; Oxford -50; Norton -130;Salisbury -27; Sandwich -31; Warwick-108; Yarmouth -250.

ACOs Step it Up with 2008 Rabies Clinics Reaching Great NumbersCourtesy of the Editor

Oxford ACO Sheila Donohue with Assistant Cindy Thompson & Friend

DR. Diane Quisenberry and Tammie, CVT,Animal Hospital of Webster

In 2007 there were fewer animals testing positive than in each of the previous 2 years. This decline, in part,reflects a reduction in animals submitted from Cape Cod. Decreased animal populations and a more educat-ed population on the topic of rabies likely contributed to this decline.

In 2007, 2,802 specimens were submitted to the State Laboratory Institute for rabies testing. Of these speci-mens, 152 tested positive for rabies. Raccoons and skunks remain at the top of the charts accounting for 51%of all positive animals. Enhanced surveillance of raccoons continued on Cape Cod throughout 2007. However,the rabies virus has significantly diminished the raccoon and skunk populations on Cape Cod leading to fewersubmissions overall in 2007.

2007 Rabies SummaryCourtesy of the MA Department of Public Health

...continued on page 18...

Dr. Grace Strake and Ben Strake, CVT,South Coastal Animal Health

1717

...rabies summary...continued from page 14...

in 2007 there were fewer animals testing positive thanin each of the previous 2 years. This decline, in part,reflects a reduction in animals submitted from CapeCod. Decreased animal populations and a more edu-cated population on the topic of rabies likely con-tributed to this decline.

In 2007, 2,802 specimens were submitted to the StateLaboratory Institute for rabies testing. Of these speci-mens, 152 tested positive for rabies. Raccoons andskunks remain at the top of the charts accounting for51% of all positive animals. Enhanced surveillance ofraccoons continued on Cape Cod throughout 2007.However, the rabies virus has significantly diminishedthe raccoon and skunk populations on Cape Cod lead-ing to fewer submissions overall in 2007.

In 2007, each of the 14 counties in Massachusetts submitted at least one animal for rabies testing, and all coun-ties, except Nantucket and Dukes, had at least one positive animal. Middlesex County submitted the highestnumber of animals (n = 577), while Worcester County had the highest number of animals test positive (n = 36)and Berkshire County had the highest proportion of submitted animals testing positive (16%).

This report summarizes data collected on animal specimens sent to the State Laboratory Institute for rabiestesting from January to December 2007. More information is available on the MDPH website atwww.mass.gov/dph/cdc/epii/rabies/rabies.htm.

Due to the seasonal nature of wild animal activity,changes in animal submission numbers fluctuate fair-ly predictably throughout the year. In general, highernumbers of animals are submitted during the summerwith the lowest numbers of submissions during thewinter. Table 3 shows the highest numbers of sub-missions occurred during June, July and August. Thelowest numbers of submissions occurred in the wintermonths.

1818

Name:______________________________________

Home Phone #:_______________________

Home Address:_______________________________

City/Town: ________________ Zip Code:__________

Social Security #: _______________________

Shirt size: S M L XL XXL (circle one)

Complete the following if employed by a municipalityas an ACO or Assistant ACO, or if attending thiscourse as part of your employment

Employer:___________________________________

Work phone #: _______________________

Work Address:___________________

City/Town: ________________ Zip Code:__________

Fax #: _______________________

E mail: _____________________________________

Supervisor's Name & Title:

________________________________________ __

Phone #: _____________________

Signature of Applicant:

__________________________________________

Checks should be made payable to ACOAM; the fullamount of $300.00 is due on or before the first day ofclass. Mail this page with completed form to:

ACOAM Certification CourseAtt: Wendy LeSageP.O. Box 24Easton, MA. 02356

This course is provided by the Animal Control Officers'Association of Massachusetts (ACOAM) with the sup-port of the Municipal Police Training Committee(MPTC), the Animal Rescue League of Boston, theMassachusetts Society For The Prevention of Crueltyto Animals, the Humane Society Of the United States,and numerous individual ACOs and others who givetheir resources, time and expertise to this course.

The ACOAM Certification Course has grown since1987 into the most thorough, well - rounded programof its kind available in this region, and one of the finestAnimal Control education programs in the country.This is an intensive course designed to pack as muchvital information as possible into a limited time.Subjects taught in this course include EquipmentHandling, Animal Capture Techniques and Strategies,Livestock and Exotic Animal Handling, Wildlife Issues,Dog Bite Prevention, Animal Health Inspector Duties,Rabies Protocol, Conducting Selectmen's Hearings,Record Keeping and Report Writing, CourtroomProcedures, Crime Scene Investigations, 4thAmendment & Exceptions to the Warrant, CrueltyStatutes and Investigating Cruelty Complaints, O.C.Spray certification plus much more.

ACOAM is holding two Certification Courses this year.The first session was held in Westfield, MA, March 20- May 22. The second session will be held in

Ashland, MA, September 18 - November 20.

Complete applications are due by September 1, 2008.

The course totals 80 hours over ten weeks, with class-es on Thursday of each week from 8:00 AM to 4:00PM. The cost of $300.00 includes the NACA TrainingGuide, capstun certification, numerous informativehandouts for future reference, and one year's mem-bership in ACOAM and NACA (National AnimalControl Association). Current members of ACOAMwho attend will have their membership extended by ayear. A polo style ACO shirt will be provided for eachstudent on the first day of class and will be worn by allstudents during class. A group graduation picture will

be taken. The cost for each 8 x 10 picture is $10.00.

In order to keep the limited class space available tothose who will benefit the most, applicants who arecurrently employed by a city or town inMassachusetts, the Animal Rescue League of Boston,or the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of

Cruelty to Animals will be given priority.

Full payment for the course is expected on or beforethe first day of class. Some scholarships are avail-able. To receive a scholarship application, contactWendy LeSage at 412-245-0302 oraco@sagedawg.com.

To Register for the ACOAM Certification Course,please complete the application form below, or down-load one from the ACOAM website atwww.acoam.com. Previously certified ACOs mayattend days at the ‘08 course for $10. Please notifyACOAM in advance if/when you plan to attend.Continuing Education ceritificates will be given to

ACO’s for all attended classes.

Certification Course for Massachusetts Animal Control Officers

APPLICATION FOR ACOAM CERTIFICATION

1919

The Animal Control Officers’ Association ofMassachusetts (ACOAM) will be offering two AnimalControl Officer Certification courses in 2008. ACOswho are previously certified may sign up at no cost toattend a class of their choosing; and ACOs who arenot certified but want to attend a few of the classesmay sign up for $20.00 per day attending.

Please contact ACO Patricia Frazer for further infor-mation regarding the classes at: screech357@com-cast.net or (413) 977-8548

The Spring course will be located at City Hall, 59

Court St. Westfield, MA, and will run for 10 consecu-tive weeks, every Thursday from March 20, 2008 untilMay 22, 2008.

Directions to ACOAM certification course –

Westfield location

From the East:Take Rte .90 West (Mass pike) to Exit 3 – Westfield. Once past toll booths take a right onto Rte. 10 / 202,follow South to the rotary.Bear to your first right at the rotary onto Court St. andfollow through 1 traffic light to #59 Court St., which isa large red block building with 3 flags in front. On the right hand side of the street just before thebuilding is the parking lot - go all the way to the lastparking lot on end and park. Enter the building fromthe side near the handicapped parking, and take theelevator to the 3rd floor. Turn right and room 306 willbe the first room on the right.

From the West:Take Rte 90 East (Mass pike) to Exit 3 Westfield andfollow the same directions as above

If you get lost, call Ken Frazer, Westfield ACO /ACOAM Regional Vice President at 1-413-246-3814.

The Fall course will be located in Ashland at theAshland Fish and Game Club at 3 Ponderosa Rd.

Ashland, MA, and will be scheduled for 10 consecu-tive weeks, every Thursday from September 18th,

2008 until November 20, 2008.

Directions to ACOAM certification course –

Ashland location

From the South:Take Rte. 495 North to Exit 21A onto West Main St.,towards Hopkinton. From West Main St. turn Left ontoCedar St. / Rte. 85. Follow Rte. 85 to Southville Rd.,

2008 Animal Control Officer’s Certification Course Details

and turn Right onto Southville Rd. Southville Rd.becomes Cordaville Rd. Just before a narrow bridgeturn Left onto Ponderosa Rd.

From the North:Take Rte. 495 South to Exit 21B onto West Main St.,towards Hopkinton.Follow above directions

If you get lost call Cheryl Rudolph, Ashland ACO at(508) 922-3610.

EducationEducationTrainingTraining

&&

28TH ANNUAL NEW ENGLAND ANIMAL

CONTROL HUMANE ACADEMY

July 21-25, ‘08 Holloway CommonsUniversity of New HampshireDurham, NHFor more information log on to: www.neacha.org

NATIONAL ANIMAL CONTROL ASSOCIATION

2008 TRAINING CONFERENCE

June 5-7, ‘08 Spokane, WAFor more information log on to: www.nacanet.org

ACOAM FALL ACADEMY

Sept 18 - Nov 20, ‘08 Ashland, MAFor more information log on to: www.acoam.com

2020

N E W SACOAMACOAM

Application Type: (Check One)

New Application Individual OrganizationalRenewal Application Individual Organizational

Annual Membership Dues: $50 Individual $100 Organizational

Dues include a one-year membership to NACA News,HSUS Animal Sheltering Magazine, and ACOAM News

Date: ___/___/ 07

Indiv./Org. Name:_________________________________

Work Phone #:_______________________

Work Fax #:_______________________

Email: _____________________________

Address:_______________________________

City/Town: ________________ Zip Code:__________

All mailings will be sent to the above address. This infor-mation may be published or shared with other agencies.

I am also the Animal Health Inspector for theCity/Town of:_________________________

The information below is for ACOAM contact only and willnot be published.

Individual Member’s Home Address:_______________________________

City/Town: ________________ Zip Code:__________

Phone #:_______________________

Email: _____________________________

I do not have access to E-mail, please send myACOAM News via USPS

Send this form and make dues payable to:

ACOAM TreasurerP.O. Box 24Easton, MA. 02356

If you have any questions, please contact Jim Lindley,ACOAM Membership Secretary.

APPLICATION FOR ACOAM MEMBERSHIP

ReportsReportsRegional Regional

Malden ACO, Kevin Alkins was recently namedRegional Representative of Middlesex County. Kevinwill be a valuable asset to this region, as he alreadybrings a great deal to theACOAM organization. A specialthanks goes out to Kevin for allhe does for Animal Control.

Last month, several members ofthe Eastern Region had a suc-cessful meeting with ACOAMSecretary/Cohasset ACO Paul Murphy and RegionalRep/Malden ACO Kevin Alkins. The meeting focusedon ways in which ACOAM can further address someof the present issues facing ACOs, such as eutha-nization, relations with veterinarians and city/towngovernment officials and politics. The meeting alsoincluded an update on the pending legislation relatedto MGL Chapter 140.

Also in attendance and contributing greatly at thismeeting were Saugus ACO Harry Young, MelroseACO Diane Kurkjian, Somerville ACO April Terrio,Revere ACO Tony Masiello and Winthrop ACO MarkVanBuskirk.

Pat Hogan, Eastern Region VP

EastEast

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Dear Readers, It is the mission of the Animal Control

Officer’s Association of Massachusetts to promoteand improve through education, and training, theskills, professionalism, knowledge of applicable laws,personal safety and job security of animal controlofficers employed by cities, town, counties or othermunicipalities located within the Commonwealth ofMassachusetts; to inform and educate the generalpublic of Massachusetts on the responsibilites ofanimal ownership, and to assist State and localgovernment bodies in enacting, improving and enforc-ing animal control laws that are reasonable andequitable.

ACOAM

President Emanuel Maciel, New Bedford ACO508-991-6366 EMaciel@ci.new-bedford.ma.us

Vice President, Eastern Region Pat Hogan, MedfordACO 781-393-2563 phogan@medford.org

Vice President, Western Region Ken Frazier,WestfieldACO 413-564-3129 k.frazer@cityofwestfield.org

Secretary Paul Murphy, Cohasset/Norwell ACO781-749-7358 olddogmurph@juno.com

Treasurer John Melin, No. Easton ACOjmelin@easton.ma.us

Sargeant of Arms John Maguranus, Belmont ACO617-993-2724 Jmaguranis@town.belmont.ma.us

Membership Secretary Michelle Saff, Dennis ACO508-788-5017 michellesaaf@yahoo.com

Academy Director Cheryl Malone, Dennis ACO774-352-1400 dogwench@comcast.net

Merchandise Manager Paul Bastable, Canton ACO781-575-6507 pbastable@town.canton.ma.us

Director of Public Relations & Communications

Deni Goldman, Hull ACO 781-925-4718dgoldman@town.hull.ma.us

Director of Advocacy & Legislative Affairs

Cheryl Malone, Dennis ACO774-352-1400 dogwench@comcast.net

Rabies Advisory Chair Sue Webb, Wellesley ACO781-235-8460 Tiwat@aol.com

MAC Mass. License Plate ACOAM Representative

Emanuel Maciel, New Bedford ACO For applications:www.massanimalcoalition.org 508-991-6366

The next issue of ACOAM News is scheduled to

be in circulation in June. The deadline for

material submissions is August 15. If you have

any questions regarding receipt of this

publication, please contact the Editor, Deni at

781-925-4718 or animalcontrol@town.hull.ma.us

2007 - 2008 ACOAM Board &

Committee Members

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PRODUCTSACOAM

Sweatshirt (BL,BK,WH) $25/$28Hooded Sweatshirt (BL) $28/$30Polo Shirt (BL, BK, WH) $22/$25Mock Turtleneck (BL, WH) $20Hat (BL, BK, BR) $15Collar Pins (SILV, GOLD) $5Patch $5Window Decal $2Cable Leashes (Set of 3) $10Nylon Leashes (Min 25) $.75/eaCat Collar $1Chapter 140 Book $10NACA Training Manual $35Dog Law Book $24Hang Tags (500 count) $45

Multiple prices indicate embroidery options. Productscan be ordered by contacting Paul Bastable atCanton Animal Control 781-575-6507.

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