The Town of Southampton Department of Public Safety and Emergency Management’s Animal Control Division recently partnered with the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County to enhance skills and knowledge related to handling farm animals.
Through a partnership with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County, Town Animal Control officers were provided with education and hands-on experience in dealing with chickens, ducks, turkeys, goats, sheep, cows, pigs, horses, llamas and alpacas. Town Animal Control officers were able to practice catching and containing the different animals. They were also taught about different health factors to be aware of for the animals and things to look for when dealing with the animals.
When speaking about the recent training, Southampton Town Supervisor Maria Moore said, “I’m pleased to see our Town staff from the Department of Public Safety and Emergency Management working with the Cornell in this manner. We have several new Animal Control Officers and such a diverse Town. With everything from a high-profile animal event like the Hampton Classic, to people who raise chickens to provide fresh eggs for their household, our staff will undoubtedly encounter a wide array of animals during their careers. Providing the new officers with enhanced education and skills in this area is incredibly important and useful in allowing them to better serve our residents.”
Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Executive Director Vanessa Pino Lockel, who helped welcome the team to the farm, stated, “We are thrilled to work with the Town of Southampton on this educational and skills development effort. Partnering with, and supporting, local government officials in their efforts to better serve their communities and provide for enhanced services that improve the quality of life for people and animals alike, is part of our mission. We look forward to partnering with the Town of Southampton for more community outreach activities in the future.”
Councilwoman Cyndi McNamara echoed Lockel’s statements in saying, “We are looking forward to arranging some additional public education and outreach efforts with CCE. Many of our residents have these different types of pets and could benefit from more knowledge about how best to care for them. People considering owning chickens, or goats, or other animals might also benefit from learning more about what that ownership will entail before they make their decision.”
Southampton Town Code Compliance and Emergency Management Administrator, Ryan Murphy, who also attended the training with the Animal Control staff, said, “Our dedicated Animal Control team has dealt with a variety of different loose animals over the years; Everything from emus, to chickens, to horses, and even the occasional exotic animal/reptile. Between the agriculture roots of our Town and the associated presence of farm animals, petting zoos and other events that enter the Town, and the variety of pets that people have, the skills will prove highly valuable for our staff to possess. Having a relationship with CCE and the ability to tap into their knowledge and expertise will also prove very valuable.”
