Woodbridge animal control reports heavy caseload, plans 5K fundraiser to cover veterinary bills

At the June 15 meeting, animal control officer Jess briefed the Board of Police Commissioners and the Traffic Authority about a heavy caseload in May and ongoing veterinary expenses tied to cruelty and abandonment investigations.

"The veterinary costs are very, very high," Jess said, describing several animal cruelty cases this fiscal year that generated bills ‘‘anywhere from 6 to 8 thousand each.’’ In May the unit handled 119 calls for service across the four‑town contract area (49 in Woodbridge, 17 in Bethany, 10 in Beacon Falls and 43 in Seymour), impounded 26 animals (13 dogs, 12 cats, one other), and facilitated 22 adoptions.

Jess described partnerships that reduced shelter expenses: the Connecticut Humane Society provided free spays/neuters for a litter of five cats, New Leash (a low‑cost clinic in Orange) will support future low‑cost procedures, and Lock and Barrel in Bethany donated roughly $1,000 in supplies. A recent rabies clinic collected $490 in donations for Woodbridge Animal Control.

To offset veterinary costs and other expenses, staff said they are planning a 5K fundraiser at the corn field on August 8 (date pending parks approval) and are compiling per‑town cost breakdowns — including veterinary, overtime and impound per‑day charges — to determine whether intermunicipal contract rates cover actual expenditures. Jess noted the standard impound charge is $15 per day and that restitution requests can be pursued through the state prosecutors and judges, who weigh the defendant’s ability to pay.

The commission moved to accept the animal control report; the motion passed by voice vote.