Blenheim Champions County Animal Control

BLENHEIM — In the face of the ongoing dog control crisis within Schoharie County, Supervisor Don Airey took a moment during the Blenheim Town Board last Wednesday to talk about the need for a county-wide animal control officer. 

After briefly covering the latest violent dog attack in Richmondville and the failed inspection of the county shelter last month, Supervisor Airey gave his full support for the budding idea, saying that he will continue to fight to keep both people and animals free from harm.

As of now, the idea of a county-wide ACO is still prospective, and it will likely remain that way for some time as the County Law Committee deliberates on the need and value of the position. 

While Supervisor Airey is neither on the Law Committee nor the Ag and Markets board, he insists that the issue is an important one for more reasons than people may realize.

Firstly, adjoining municipalities will be able to communicate better with one another if animals cross town lines. On top of this, more oversight will lead to less people getting hurt and less incidents occurring, which is the main goal.

Secondly, the officer may be empowered to directly arrest those found with illegal possession of animals or abusers that cross into cruelty, much like a peace officer would.

And thirdly, Supervisor Airey pointed out that at the moment, towns only have jurisdiction over dogs, leading to the massive farm animal population of Schoharie County going unchecked.

However, many other municipalities do not have a stake in the dog control crisis and are left wondering why county-level authority is needed on the matter.

Responding to these criticisms, Supervisor Airey elaborated, saying “We’re fragmented, and we have more than just dogs running around,” citing that there is strength in unity. 

With his stance firm, Supervisor Airey finished by saying he hopes to see change for the better before his tenure in local politics is over, and invited supporters to make themselves known.