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NECCOG flags animal-services strain, discusses funding and new facility needs
Summary
In the Nov. 22 NECCOG meeting the Director reported multiple animal-services cases—including a Woodstock case caring for 145 animals and a Dec. 11 court date—said a new animal-control supervisor started in November, and noted the need to secure funding for a new regional animal control facility.
The NECCOG Director reported several active animal-services cases and urged attention to facility needs at the council’s Nov. 22 meeting.
The Director said a new animal-control supervisor began in November and will primarily cover the Norwich area. He reported an Eastford case nearing settlement, a Woodstock case with a new court date of Dec. 11, and another ongoing Woodstock case currently caring for about 145 animals. The Director said the Killingly facility requires updates and expansion to meet increased demand and coverage for additional towns; staff are reviewing feasibility and cost options.
The Director listed securing funding for construction of a new animal control facility as a 2025 legislative priority. A caller during the meeting expressed strong support for a new animal control facility, and the CEO Roundtable later included funding for a new facility on its agenda.
Why it matters: The volume of active animal cases, the stated shortfalls in existing facilities, and the inclusion of funding for a new facility among legislative priorities indicate a regional service-capacity issue that may require intermunicipal coordination and state funding.
Next steps: NECCOG staff are reviewing feasibility, costs, and potential funding sources. A Woodstock court date on Dec. 11 was cited for one case; specific funding sources and timelines for facility construction were not specified in the meeting record.
