Office: 508-528-3232
Mailing address:
Animal Control Officer
Norfolk Police Department
117 Main Street
Norfolk, MA 02056
PHONE
FAX
EMAIL
Animal Control Officer
Norfolk Police Department
117 Main Street
Norfolk, MA 02056
PHONE
FAX
Every year we face restraints due to what the budget will support and what needs our help the most. Without independent help, many times, an animal can only receive basic services. As you can read from our pages there are several situations where the animals in our care need much more than that.
In Massachusetts there are regulations in place for dogs for animal control purposes (i.e. ten days hold) but did you know there are no regulations for cats, ferrets, other animals? That is why many AC offices will not accept any animal except for a dog. Over the past 10 years, yes I've been at this for a while, I have spent money and time securing safe cages, donations from outside vendors for food and litter, reduced vet costs , even bartering to help other animals get what they need. In some cases, I've been forced to make a very real decision for the fate of an animal based solely on the financials involved.
This has brought about the town's gift account. When monetary donations are made now they may go into a secure account through the town where it will be used strictly for any of the animals in need or for animal control related needs that are not covered through the fiscal budget. Our budget each year is between $3,000.00 and 4,000.00. That is to cover a whole year of animal care, kenneling, car repairs, training, equipment, mailings, food, litter/bedding, and medical needs.
At the time that I write this I have 6 cats (with a litter on the way)who are not altered and will need combo tests and vaccinations prior to being adopted. We do not recoup all costs associated with these animals through adoptions so support is needed. The rough costs for 6 cats to vaccinate, test, alter is close to 900.00. You can see where it's hard to perform electives such as Boo's dental surgery, or to allow a cat who needs a six month quarantine to be supported through this time vs. the alternative of euthanasia. In the past we've had dogs hit by cars that have needed extensive care and the town has paid it forward. When we have found the owner they are grateful for the care given but they surrender the dog because they cannot pay the town back. Three dogs hit in this manner a year can wipe out our entire budget.
The gift account is solely there for donations to the Animal Control Department's needs above and beyond what the budget can support. It may be used in the future for long term plans to build a shelter for the town. All donations made are not at risk for being rolled into the town at the end of each fiscal year to make up for shortcomings in the town's annual budget. They will remain for the same purpose.. To help the animals. Your donation is tax deductable.
Please consider donating. The animals need your help. All donations should be made out to:
Town of Norfolk
Donations are to be sent to :
Norfolk Animal Control
C/O Norfolk Police Department
117 Main Street
Norfolk, MA 02056
Please write on your check or money order in the memo area that you would like these funds submitted to the animal control gift account. A thank you card will be sent for all donations which may be used as your tax receipt.
In the future we will also be doing a "sponsor" or "angel" program. If there is a particular animal in need, a person may donate to that one particular animal's care. In return they will receive a picture of the animal they chose, an update during their sponsorship for the care the animal received, and of course a thank you from all of us for helping out.
If anyone has any questions regarding any donations please call or e-mail me.
Sincerely
Hilary Cohen
Norfolk Animal Control
In Massachusetts there are regulations in place for dogs for animal control purposes (i.e. ten days hold) but did you know there are no regulations for cats, ferrets, other animals? That is why many AC offices will not accept any animal except for a dog. Over the past 10 years, yes I've been at this for a while, I have spent money and time securing safe cages, donations from outside vendors for food and litter, reduced vet costs , even bartering to help other animals get what they need. In some cases, I've been forced to make a very real decision for the fate of an animal based solely on the financials involved.
This has brought about the town's gift account. When monetary donations are made now they may go into a secure account through the town where it will be used strictly for any of the animals in need or for animal control related needs that are not covered through the fiscal budget. Our budget each year is between $3,000.00 and 4,000.00. That is to cover a whole year of animal care, kenneling, car repairs, training, equipment, mailings, food, litter/bedding, and medical needs.
At the time that I write this I have 6 cats (with a litter on the way)who are not altered and will need combo tests and vaccinations prior to being adopted. We do not recoup all costs associated with these animals through adoptions so support is needed. The rough costs for 6 cats to vaccinate, test, alter is close to 900.00. You can see where it's hard to perform electives such as Boo's dental surgery, or to allow a cat who needs a six month quarantine to be supported through this time vs. the alternative of euthanasia. In the past we've had dogs hit by cars that have needed extensive care and the town has paid it forward. When we have found the owner they are grateful for the care given but they surrender the dog because they cannot pay the town back. Three dogs hit in this manner a year can wipe out our entire budget.
The gift account is solely there for donations to the Animal Control Department's needs above and beyond what the budget can support. It may be used in the future for long term plans to build a shelter for the town. All donations made are not at risk for being rolled into the town at the end of each fiscal year to make up for shortcomings in the town's annual budget. They will remain for the same purpose.. To help the animals. Your donation is tax deductable.
Please consider donating. The animals need your help. All donations should be made out to:
Town of Norfolk
Donations are to be sent to :
Norfolk Animal Control
C/O Norfolk Police Department
117 Main Street
Norfolk, MA 02056
Please write on your check or money order in the memo area that you would like these funds submitted to the animal control gift account. A thank you card will be sent for all donations which may be used as your tax receipt.
In the future we will also be doing a "sponsor" or "angel" program. If there is a particular animal in need, a person may donate to that one particular animal's care. In return they will receive a picture of the animal they chose, an update during their sponsorship for the care the animal received, and of course a thank you from all of us for helping out.
If anyone has any questions regarding any donations please call or e-mail me.
Sincerely
Hilary Cohen
Norfolk Animal Control
DONATIONS
Wish List for Supplies updated 11/11/08
PAPER TOWELS!
Cat Toys. Those little plastic mice. Oh how they get beat up around here. We need a new herd of plastic mice.
Stainless Steel pet dishes
Dry Cat Food
Wet Cat Food
Litter boxes
Towels
Flea Control (topical spot on type. No flea collars please) and Capstar.
Cat Carriers
We can accept your old towels. However we cannot accept mattress pads or anything with elastic due to the choking hazard and strangulation risks associated.
All donations may be dropped off in the police station lobby. If you have a large item you'd like to donate (i.e. dog kennels, big cages) I can come by after work with my pick up truck and pick it up.
Thank you for considering the animals.
Cat Toys. Those little plastic mice. Oh how they get beat up around here. We need a new herd of plastic mice.
Stainless Steel pet dishes
Dry Cat Food
Wet Cat Food
Litter boxes
Towels
Flea Control (topical spot on type. No flea collars please) and Capstar.
Cat Carriers
We can accept your old towels. However we cannot accept mattress pads or anything with elastic due to the choking hazard and strangulation risks associated.
All donations may be dropped off in the police station lobby. If you have a large item you'd like to donate (i.e. dog kennels, big cages) I can come by after work with my pick up truck and pick it up.
Thank you for considering the animals.
11/25/07
I wanted to send in an update. Over the past few weeks I have been trying to coordinate a cat shelter project and we'll have the updates on it's progress very soon!
Updates: Busy year end here for animal control. After many attempts to get charitable donations from a large chain store for the interest of a cath shelter, Home Depot of Quincy has come through for our small town! The manager of Home Depot Quincy generously donated thousands worth of materials so that we can get this project started. Updates will be posted as to when this project will commence. This will be a volunteer community project.
I have also secured a HUGE donation of cat litter and quite a sizeable donation of cat food (roughly 3-4 months worth dry). We received close to 3,500 lbs of litter (which will last roughly 6+ months) from Pet Food Experts.
I wanted to send in an update. Over the past few weeks I have been trying to coordinate a cat shelter project and we'll have the updates on it's progress very soon!
Updates: Busy year end here for animal control. After many attempts to get charitable donations from a large chain store for the interest of a cath shelter, Home Depot of Quincy has come through for our small town! The manager of Home Depot Quincy generously donated thousands worth of materials so that we can get this project started. Updates will be posted as to when this project will commence. This will be a volunteer community project.
I have also secured a HUGE donation of cat litter and quite a sizeable donation of cat food (roughly 3-4 months worth dry). We received close to 3,500 lbs of litter (which will last roughly 6+ months) from Pet Food Experts.
ACO's personal truck and horse trailer picking up the supplies
We filled the truck and trailer full from bumper to bumper (40 feet)
Even the sleeping quarters in the trailer were full of supplies
Cat litter and cat food donation in the ACO's personal truck
5/7/08: I'm happy to announce that today we received our permit from the building department to go ahead with our shelter room for animals. I am overwhelmed by the generosity of those who have stepped up and offered their services to help in this endeavor. To recap: I have tried for years to get a shelter together and it just couldn't come to fruition for so many different reasons.
Thank you to David Smith Jr. of Bay State Renovations Inc. As many know, he is a resident of Norfolk and does work in our area. Dave has volunteered not only some of the building materials but the labor that is needed to get this job completed.
Thank you to the manager of Home Depot Quincy. He was so kind and generous to donate all the building supplies that were needed and has offered to allow us to come back for more throughout the process when we need to.
Thank you to all that send in donations to the gift account. Without that we could not do this. As I'm sure you've read above in an older posting, our budget is miniscule and we cannot help animals out the way they should be on that alone. We at this point need to raise money for all the equipment that is going to go inside this room. Everything from modular cat units to dog pens (yes the project has changed from a cat shelter to a multi purpose shelter), to shelving, to a heating unit, the list goes on.
If you received a begging letter from me (they will be sent mid May), please know that the letter is legitimate and we really do need donations at this time. If you have not received a letter and wish to receive one, please email me your street address.
Thank you for considering donating to this cause.
Thank you to David Smith Jr. of Bay State Renovations Inc. As many know, he is a resident of Norfolk and does work in our area. Dave has volunteered not only some of the building materials but the labor that is needed to get this job completed.
Thank you to the manager of Home Depot Quincy. He was so kind and generous to donate all the building supplies that were needed and has offered to allow us to come back for more throughout the process when we need to.
Thank you to all that send in donations to the gift account. Without that we could not do this. As I'm sure you've read above in an older posting, our budget is miniscule and we cannot help animals out the way they should be on that alone. We at this point need to raise money for all the equipment that is going to go inside this room. Everything from modular cat units to dog pens (yes the project has changed from a cat shelter to a multi purpose shelter), to shelving, to a heating unit, the list goes on.
If you received a begging letter from me (they will be sent mid May), please know that the letter is legitimate and we really do need donations at this time. If you have not received a letter and wish to receive one, please email me your street address.
Thank you for considering donating to this cause.
Scroll down to the bottom for the most recent updates
5/23/08
We are heavy under constuction at this point. I have not had a moment today where I haven't heard the air compressor on or a saw going. Ahh the sweet sounds of progress. Nor have I ever brought so much 100 yr old insulation to the dump before. YUCK!
Just a quick thank you to those who have donated. We still need more donations though to get all the caging and extra work done that we want to do.
I'll update with pictures when I get a few moments of time
We are heavy under constuction at this point. I have not had a moment today where I haven't heard the air compressor on or a saw going. Ahh the sweet sounds of progress. Nor have I ever brought so much 100 yr old insulation to the dump before. YUCK!
Just a quick thank you to those who have donated. We still need more donations though to get all the caging and extra work done that we want to do.
I'll update with pictures when I get a few moments of time
Original area
June 08
Our small shelter is complete.
