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Quincy—s new animal shelter opens; council hears concerns about off‑leash dogs and bites
Summary
Councilors toured the recently opened Quincy Animal Care Center and discussed enforcement of leash rules after an assistant animal control officer suffered a significant bite. Officials said the shelter includes a surgery room, and the department has added staff and stricter enforcement options for aggressive animals.
Councilors inspected the city—s new animal shelter and approved the animal control budget during the May 13 hearings.
Chief Kennedy and councilors described the facility as a substantial upgrade: an on‑site surgery room, expanded canine housing and a location adjacent to an off‑leash dog park. The department recently hired an assistant animal control officer but reported that the new hire suffered a significant dog bite on the job and remains out of work.
Animal control officer Nick Malvesti (named in the hearing) was credited with improving response; the department has quarantined dogs involved in bites and said it will pursue criminal charges when owners violate leash and safety rules. Officials described hearings and, in some cases, recommending removal or euthanasia for animals judged a public safety risk; final disposition can involve court review.
Councilors asked for additional public education and enforcement in parks with recurring off‑leash complaints. The department said licenses are issued through the City Clerk—s office and suggested more proactive, neighborhood‑targeted outreach during summer months when dog activity rises.
The council voted to approve the animal control budget; the chair recorded the vote as unanimous.
