Animal Control Officer: Robin Wilkey
Somerset County Sheriff Dispatch at (207) 474-6386
If you have an animal problem or concern, or if you have lost a pet, don’t hesitate to call the ACO and report the missing animal, so together we can get the animal home quicker. The best way to reach him is by calling Somerset Dispatch at 474-6465 and ask for the Embden ACO. He will get the message and return your call. The contracted Animal Shelter is Franklin County Animal Shelter in Farmington. They can be reached at 778-2638.
Each municipality is required to appoint an Animal Control Officer to enforce local and state laws. Every ACO must receive proper training and be state-certified. Although the ACO’s duties are limited to domesticated animals, the officer can usually direct residents to trained personnel to deal with situations involving squirrels, reptiles, rodents, skunks, bees, etc. Residents are cautioned against handling injured or sick animals. The Animal Control Officer should be contacted to attend to such animals as he is trained in the safe handling of these animals.
Remember, animals are members of our community too. Help your pet be a good citizen by:
- following state and local laws
- training your pet for good behavior
- securing or controlling your pet at home and in public
- recognizing that not everyone likes animals, and some actually fear them
- providing animals with ID through tags, microchips, or tattoos
- preventing nuisance barking
- bagging and disposing of waste, both on your property and that of others
- respecting the rights of your neighbors
- setting an example, and urging all pet owners to be responsible.
IT IS UP TO YOU TO HAVE YOUR DOG/DOGS LICENSED EVERY YEAR BY JANUARY 1st. License your dog at the town office during regular hours. A license is $6-$11. All you need is proof of Rabies vaccine. Dog licenses expire each year on December 31st. Late fees of $25 per dog (in addition to the license fee) go into effect Feb. 1st. THIS IS A STATE LAW. In March summons are issued to owners of unlicensed dogs; that will be an additional cost of about $80.00.
This area is currently having a Rabies problem. In the last two years Embden, Madison & Norridgewock have all had cases of Rabies. Rabies is a serious problem in this State. Please take the time to protect your pet against this deadly virus. Dog licensing ensures rabies vaccination, which protects the health of your pet.
Citizens should also know that by licensing their dog they are directly fighting animal cruelty and abuse. Most people do not realize that up to 90% of their dog license fees go directly to the Maine Animal Welfare Program. Dog license fees account for 95% of the State Animal Welfare Program’s entire funding and without these fees, the State would be unable to protect the animals of this state. Maine law also requires that all cats be immunized against rabies, although there is no requirement that cats be licensed.
Please spay and neuter your pets. The Town of Embden’s Animal Control Officer urges owners to help eliminate the number of unwanted animals born every year. Please do your part to help control the animal population.
You can also help those who are working to stop animal cruelty by supporting your local animal rescue organization or shelter. You can donate money and supplies, or, better yet, your time. Volunteer at a local humane society, foster a shelter animal or adopt a companion animal. Promoting and practicing responsible pet ownership is another way to stop many abuses from starting.