Town Manager announces appointment of part-time animal control officer

(Editor’s Note: Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree’s office recently issued the following press release.)

Town Manager Scott Crabtree is pleased to announce the appointment of Jack Ciulla as part-time animal control officer for the Town of Saugus.

In his role as part-time animal control officer, Ciulla will benefit the town and residents by providing additional coverage to assist with calls for animal complaints and lost pets. Ciulla will also help monitor the proposed Dog Park at Stocker Playground, should the project obtain successful approval and permitting.

Ciulla will help Animal Control Officer Darren McCullough in responding to requests for assistance involving animals, including the enforcement of town and state regulations relating to the control, impoundment and disposition of animals.

Among Ciulla’s responsibilities include investigating residents’ calls for issues such as unleashed dogs, stray animals, and animal cruelty. The part-time animal control officer is also tasked with dealing with dog bites, quarantining animals, transporting animals from the pound to shelters to be adopted, working with kennel staff to house animals adopted from the pound, performing first aid on pets and wildlife as necessary, and euthanizing pets and wildlife that are severely injured.

Ciulla will work some weekends, weekdays, and provide on-call coverage on occasion.

Ciulla works as a K9 handler/supervisor for the Walcott Group LLC, where he supervises all K9 operations, training and certifications. He also serves as the lead K9 handler and director of the K9 program at the Middlesex County Constables Office.

Ciulla is certified with the International Police Working Dog Association; holds the title as current president and master trainer with the New England Police Working Dog Association; and is the president of the Boston Area K9 Handlers with SPFFA International Union Local 1405.

Ciulla earned an associate’s degree in criminal justice and environmental science from Middlesex Community College.

“I welcome Jack to the role of part-time animal control officer,” Town Manager Crabtree said. “He has the experience and skills to be a real asset for the town and residents by providing additional coverage for animal-related calls.”