Templeton Select Board members and residents said the town's regional animal-control agreement with Winchendon has not met expectations and asked staff to gather records and invite the contractor to discuss performance. The discussion focused on on-call coverage, what the contract defines as an "emergency," and whether the vehicle and staff are available to Templeton residents as required.

Board members and residents described multiple incidents in which callers were told animal-control did not have on-call coverage and would not respond. A resident cited a report of three cows running loose and said the incident raised public-safety concerns because of the animals'size and potential for danger to people and vehicles. Board members said the contract requires 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. coverage and overnight emergency coverage by an animal-control officer (ACO) but does not define who determines an emergency.

Why it matters: The agreement runs through June 2026. Board members said the budget cycle approaching later in the fiscal year is the logical time to decide whether to renew the contract, renegotiate terms, or consider providing animal-control services directly. Several board members described this as a possible breach of contract if the vendor is not providing required on-call service.

What the board asked for: Members asked the town administrator and police chief to request call logs and monthly activity reports from the vendor and from Templeton dispatch to compare counts and response times. One board member proposed adding the contract review to the board's issue tracker and inviting Winchendon officials and the ACO to a future select-board meeting so members could ask questions directly.

Background and details: The current municipal agreement cited by the board assigns employee appointment authority to Winchendon and describes the vehicle as supplied and marked by Winchendon. The agreement requires the ACO to maintain records and provide monthly reports acceptable to the towns, and to adhere to on-call procedures adopted by the town. Board members and residents said they have not seen regular reports and that the marked vehicle has been observed in other towns.

Next steps: The board directed staff to request the ACO call logs and monthly reports from Winchendon and Templeton dispatch, place the item on the board's tracker, and invite the parties to a select-board meeting within the next six months to present fY25 results and answer questions. No formal vote to terminate or amend the contract was taken.