Arlington Has A New Animal Control Officer

ARLINGTON, MA – The Arlington Police Department last week swore in the town's new animal control officer, Diane Welch. Welch began working for the town earlier this month and was officially sworn in at Arlington Town Hall on Thursday, July 26.

"Diane has an extensive history of working with animals and I believe she will be a great fit for the town and the department," Chief Frederick Ryan said.

Welch, a Burlington resident, owns her own dog walking and training business, where she works closely with dog owners to teach them training techniques. She also has several years of experience working for the Burlington Science Center and caring for over 60 animals, including snakes, snapping turtles, alligators, hawks and owls.

Welch has been a state and federally licensed falconer for the past 24 years and formerly served as the president of the Massachusetts Falconry and Hawk Trust, according to an APD press release. She educates the public on falconry and conservation at venues throughout the state and has been called upon numerous times to help capture and rescue birds of prey in the Danvers area.

"My passion to rescue, handle and train animals has led me through many years of experience in this field," Welch said. "I am thrilled to be working in Arlington and look forward to providing animal services and education to the members of the community."

In her free time, Welch rescues orphaned or injured squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, opossums and baby birds and brings them to local animal rehabilitation specialists.

Image via Arlington Police Department