UPDATED: Milford /Orange Animal Control Now in Charge

Police Commissioner Don Lewis swore in Rick George, Scott Ellington and Chris Connors as animal control officers for the new Milford/Orange Animal Control on Thursday at the Orange Police Department.

George said the partnership is a blending of two communities that actually started out together in the late 1600s, so it is like a natural fit.

"On a number of occasions when Orange needed assistance we were happy to comply," George said. "I'm really excited, I like working on new things, and I'm big into education — through enforcement or through the school system. We're looking forward to getting involved in that in Orange."

He said the Milford/Orange Animal Control has excellent services to offer the town of Orange and is available 7/24.

"If you have a problem during our open business hours Monday thru Saturday, call us at 203-783-3279, Press "0" to get into the office if you have a question, otherwise our voicemail will give you direction about normal incidents," he said. "If it's after hours and it's a critical situation, you may call your local police department and they will contact one of the officers on call."

Wild animals are governed by the DEP, the Milford/Orange Animal Control will respond if the police have to shoot a suspected rabid animal and pick up the carcass and send it for testing (if there was contact with another animal) or cremate it.

After the swearing-in, George and Connors visited Jim Zeoli in the first selectman's office to chat for a while. When they left, Zeoli said, "I think this is a step for Orange that is painful for some, but a pleasure for others. I think it's a wise choice made by the Board of Selectmen. We'll see how it works with time."

"I think that it's an advancement for Orange, and you can't know unless you try new things periodically — and that's what the board and I chose to do with this venture," he said. "I think our venture with Bethany and Woodbridge lasted for a long time and it was for a good run and hopefully we'll have as long a run with the new animal control venture."

The new animal control officers begin patrolling Orange today. If you have any animal control issues, remember, the number to call is 203-783-3279.

The new Woodbridge/Bethany Animal Control congratulates the Orange/Milford partnership and wishes them well.

"We'd like to remind all pet owners to keep their pets safe this weekend, because with all the loud noises, fireworks, firecrackers, dogs and cats get scared and this is the biggest weekend for runaway pets," said Karen the Woodbridge ACO. "Everyone be safe out there and good luck!"