Animal Control

Town of Jericho, VT

Job Description

Animal Control Officer

Summary of duties:

The Animal Control Officer is appointed by the Selectboard to administer and enforce the Town of Jericho’s Domestic Pet Ordinance. The ACO responds to the Town of Jericho residents complaints, handles animals in a humane and responsible manner, deals with animal owners in a tactful but firm way and also exercises independent judgement restricted only by the ordinance. This is guided by the Selectboard’s instruction and applicable state statutes.

Duties includes but not limited to:

• The Animal Control Officer works independently receiving only general supervision from the Jericho Selectboard and/or Town Administrator
• Responding to complaints about dogs in violation of the ordinance within the Town of Jericho.
• Using Social media platforms to assist in reuniting lost/missing/found animals
• Apprehending and transporting errant domestic dogs in a safe and humane manner to a designated location
• Investigating dog bites and reporting them to the Health Officer of the Town of Jericho
• Maintain records and preparing reports of reported incidents
• Submitting a quarterly log report of calls/trips/boarding to the Town of Jericho’s Administrative office for billing
• Investigating cases of animal cruelty and neglect
• Develops and implements procedures where necessary with Town Administrator oversight
• Responds to injured domestic animal complaints and arranges for necessary treatment

Skills & Requirements:

Animal Control Officers often come across difficult situations involving animals in neglected, abused, or injured. The must know how to work with any behaviors that arise to effectively assist animals without harming them and while always ensuring personal safety.

• Interpersonal skills: requires interaction with the public and requires the ability to skillfully navigate difficult situations. Most of the work is written and verbal communication between the ACO and the residents.
• Computer Literacy: a variety of reports are filed and other communication online, must have basic computer skills and can access Front Porch Forum, Facebook, etc.
• Physical agility and stamina: must be prepared to pick up a domestic heavy animal
• Experience in handling animals is desired.

Education

No minimum level required

Compensation:

Hours will vary, the Town of Jericho sets a set amount for monthly pay, along with each call is $2.00, Trip is $20.00, and Boarding is $15.00 per day

Ed’s service to Jericho started in 1976 as the dog warden. The title of “Dog Warden” & “Poundkeeper” has changed over time and since 2002 he has been called the “Animal Control Officer” or ACO for short. He has also served as 2^nd Constable, Constable, Weigher of Coal, Inspector of Lumber and Shingles and the Fence Viewer.

When asked how he came across caring for Jericho Dogs he said he was at a Selectboard meeting and Buster Blodgett got up and left the room. Everyone thought he was just going to use the bathroom, but he left the building. When Buster did not return, Selectboard member Bob Curran turned to Ed and asked, “Will you do it?” “Sure,” answered Ed. Little did he know he was signing up for greater than 40 years of service.

Ed currently has a border collie cross named “Tasha”. Ed asks her if she wants to smile and she will lift her lip to show her teeth. She loves helping him on the farm. On April 27 he got a new puppy named “Jill.” Jill is also a border collie cross.

If you wish to send Ed a note of thanks for all that he has done and continues to do for Jericho Dogs.

Please mail to Ed Stygles, PO Box 145, Jericho Vermont 05465. He is not on Front Porch Forum or the internet, so he will just think it is a random coincidence that everyone has thought to thank him at once.