WHERE TO REPORT:
Stray dogs or dead animals in the public roadway: Contact Bill Turner, Dog Officer, Telephone 268-3145.
Animal bites to humans or domestic animals, wild animals suspected of carrying rabies, or injured wild animals: Contact Don Lawton, Animal Control Officer, Telephone 268-7487.
Dead birds during the West Nile monitoring season (April through October) only: Call the Department of Public Health Dead Bird Hotline 1-866-627-7968. Note: reports outside of these dates are not necessary.
BE WARY OF WILD ANIMALS
Fox, porcupine, coyote, moose, bear, raccoons, skunks, and many other mammals occupy an important niche in rural environments. However, these animals are wild and should never be encouraged near humans or domestic animals. DO NOT approach, touch or feed wild animals on your property. Keep animal food and watering bowls INSIDE. Keep trash secured and out of reach of wild animals.
Unfortunately, the Animal Control Officer is not able to assist with wild “nuisance” animals on private property.
SICK OR DYING WILD BIRDS
Sick or dying birds, particularly blue jays, robins and crows, may carry West Nile Virus, as may mosquitoes. If you find a dead bird DO NOT TOUCH THE BIRD with bare hands. Bury the bird or double-bag it and dispose of in the trash. Please do not refrigerate, freeze, or keep dead birds for testing unless instructed to do so by the Dead Bird Hotline. If you have come into contact with a dead bird, or any dead animal, wash your hands!
ANNUAL BARN AND FARM ANIMAL INSPECTION
Massachusetts General Law requires the annual inspection and censusing of farm animals by the Animal Control Officer, Don Lawton.
If you have concerns not addressed here, contact the Health Agent at 268-8404. Thank you.
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