Animal Control Officer (ACO)
Background
Every municipality in Maine is required to employ an Animal Control Officer (ACO) who must be trained and certified by the state. The ACO’s primary responsibility is to enforce the municipal animal control duties set out in the Maine Animal Welfare Act. This Act provides for the licensing of dogs and the humane and proper treatment of animals.
Citizens or residents with an animal related complaint or concern can call one of Westport’s Animal Control Officers or the town office staff who will forward the information to the ACO. When you call, please have a description of the animal, its behaviors and whether any individual or animal was injured. If you have to leave a message, be sure to leave your name, address and telephone number.
For emergency situations, contact the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office: (207) 882-7332.
What the Animal Control Officer Does
- Investigates complaints concerning the licensing and control of dogs and other animals
- Determines if any State laws have been violated and takes appropriate action such as catching, confining or quarantining dogs or other animals
- Responds to complaints about loose or stray animals, and attempts to collect them
- Issues warnings or citations or animal owners and appears as a witness in District Court as necessary
- Delivers captured animals to the Animal Shelter, or animal owner, if appropriate
- Rescues or aids in the rescue of trapped, wounded, sick or injured animals and helps make arrangements for the injured animal’s care
- Maintains all necessary reports and records on incidents involving stray or wild animals
Westport Island Contracted Animal Shelter
Lincoln County Animal Shelter, (207) 882-9677
To Report Animal Cruelty or Abuse
Animal Welfare Program Department of Agriculture
28 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333-0028
Phone: (207) 287-3846 or 1 (877) 269-9600
E-mail: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)