Canton Merges Animal Control Duties With Burlington

CANTON, CT — The town's voters this month have approved a measure to merge Canton's animal control operations with those of nearby Burlington.

The proposal was easily approved by a voice vote at a special town meeting Aug. 10.

According to Canton First Selectman Robert Bessel at the meeting, Canton had shared services with the Town of Avon.

But, he said, Avon's animal control officer recently retired and Avon officials told Canton they didn't want to continue the arrangement with a new one.

Canton Chief Administrative Officer Robert Skinner said at the meeting when Canton conducted a search for a new animal control officer, the part-time ACO in Burlington responded to see if a pact with Canton could work.

According to Skinner, the new ACO would officially be a full-time Burlington employee, with Canton providing an animal control vehicle and $19,000 annually.

He said about nine hours a week would be dedicated to Canton.

Later that night, voters unanimously approved a measure that would allow the town's board of selectmen to enter into intra-municipal agreements such as the ACO pact with Burlington.

Prior to that vote, all agreements like that required town meeting approval.

Under the approved measure, however, selectmen can vote to approve the measure or send an agreement to a town meeting.

For the full minutes of the Aug. 10 town meeting, click on this link.