Animal Control Memo - Disgusting Situation

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMO

to: Mayor Craig Henrici

from: Councilman Curt Balzano Leng, 6^th District

subject: new animal policy regarding deceased domestic animals

date: 2/22/2008

I was honestly shocked and sickened by the photographs published in the Hamden Daily News today regarding the deceased dogs located at the Hamden Landfill. The pictures detailed a gruesome scene, very disturbing to any human being, never mind any animal lover and a terrible portrait of the Town of Hamden.

I spoke with Police Chief Wydra regarding the situation and understand that the new policy was established in late 2007 and that the following are the current standards that are supposed to be followed:

1) Located stray domestic animals are kept in the North Haven Animal Shelter for varying lengths of time as owners are attempted to be located. If euthanized, all of these animals are being cremated, even under the new policy.

2) Domestic animals that are found dead are now being dumped at the Hamden Landfill. Previously, only wild animals were brought to the Hamden Landfill, such as deer or possum. These dogs and cats that are now being disposed of at the landfill are supposed to be buried, according to the Police Chief.

I can’t stress enough how much I oppose this new policy. Regardless of it’s legality, the humane thing to do with a deceased dog or cat found by a resident or town staff is to have it cremated, not dumped in a landfill, buried or not.

Regardless of my opinion of the new policy, the policy is even not being followed, as witnessed in the deeply disturbing photos of animals strewn about at the landfill without proper burial. This action is reprehensible and must be stopped immediately.

In addition, the health concerns raised by dead and decaying animals lying openly on town property is something of great concern and should be reviewed by our health department.

I would formally ask you in your position as Chief Executive Officer to immediately return Hamden’s policy on domestic animals back to the cremation policy of a few months ago. This policy is a far more humane way for Hamden to treat deceased domestic pets.

Further, I would like to also formally request an investigation into this situation to determine which Town employees were responsible for these acts and these violations of Town and Police policy. Appropriate action should then be taken by the Personnel Department.

I know that you not would want Hamden to have the reputation that it is willing to do inhumane acts to domestic animals in order to save a few bucks. I know that you treasure Hamden and its reputation and am confident that you will agree to changing this policy immediately and to getting the investigation underway.

Thank you for your kind and prompt attention to this matter. I look forward to hearing about your progress.