Win-Win: North Branford Awards Animal Services Contract To East Haven

EAST HAVEN, CT — Calling it a "strategic merger," East Haven Mayor Joseph A. Carfora announced that North Branford has contracted with the town and its animal shelter to provide animal services.

Previously, North Branford, which does not have its own animal shelter, had contracted with Branford, and specifically the Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter.

"This move signifies a promising collaboration between the two municipalities," he said.

Michelle Benivengna, East Haven's Economic Development Director, noted that the, "Integration of North Branford’s animal services into East Haven provides a cost savings to North
Branford and a new revenue stream within East Haven.”

"We look forward to a long and cooperative relationship with North Branford," she said, adding it was "a pleasure" working with North Branford’s Town Manager Michael Downes and the North Branford Town Council.

“We are pleased to begin this new partnership with our neighbors in East Haven,” Downes said. “This move will keep North Branford in the hands of a top-notch, professional animal control operation that highly values animal welfare and care, and the North Branford Town Council’s approval of this agreement will save North Branford taxpayers over $40,000 per year.”

The agreement sets the cost of services to North Branford at $135,000 annually for the first two years and increases by 4 percent annually thereafter. Additionally, the two towns agree to review call volume to North Branford after the first year of the agreement and assess if the services are accurately reflected in the charges.

Following an East Haven Town Council vote, Carfora said that blessing on the deal, "Confirmed what residents of East Haven have known for a long time: our well-respected animal control team provides the highest level of empathy and care to our four-legged friends.”

North Branford Town Councilor Nick Palladino pointed to his previous work with East Haven’s longtime Animal Control Officer Owen Little.

“I know how East Haven operates, and I know how Owen Little operates, he has such ties to the shelter, that he retired and still works part-time.”

Little shared that he was "humbled by the kind words from the North Branford Town Council and look forward to actively engaging with their residents as well.”

Read more from Patch about Little here.

As Little segued from full time officer to his part-time role following his retirement earlier this year, incoming East Haven Animal Control Officer Emily Higgins made her mark almost immediately. She helped a man and his dog who'd been living in a car. Read that Patch story here.

Higgins also lauded the merger.

“This collaboration represents a leap forward in animal welfare and community development for both towns," she said of the move to provide animal services for North Branford. "By centralizing animal care services, we can better allocate resources, enhance adoption programs, expand access to veterinary care and most importantly, conduct educational outreach to raise awareness about responsible pet ownership.”.

Carfora said the collaboration is a "win-win" for both towns. And its animals.

"This administration has proactively sought innovative opportunities to generate additional revenue. Our partnership with North Branford was an opportunity to think outside the box, and it benefits both communities," the mayor said. "Through this, East Haven secures a consistent revenue stream that, in turn, also provides a neighboring town a vital service. It's a win-win situation for both."