Animal inspector post to be filled by volunteers
Proposed livestock permit fees delayed as Templeton officials mull possibilitiesKerry O'Brien
News Staff Writer
TEMPLETON — Following a hearing at which more than 70 residents voiced opposition to proposed livestock permit fees, an agreement has been reached with the Agricultural Commission to delay any changes for at least the next year.
“We found a way to temporarily avoid this conflict,” said commission member Matthew LeClerc.
The Board of Health proposed a livestock fee as a way to fund the state-mandated animal inspector’s position — for which the $1,360 stipend and $750 expense budget have been cut from the town’s budget.
Health Director Phillip Leger said the board proposed new regulations — which included the addition of a $50 annual livestock permit fee — after the Finance Committee set aside $500 in case the town received a fine for not having an animal inspector.
Numerous residents attended a hearing earlier this month to oppose the proposed regulations, which the health board sent to all barn and animal farm owners Aug. 8.
“The farmers stepped up,” Mr. LeClerc said.
“It was basically everyone came in full force,” said Angelique Bouthot, who was on hand for the meeting. “It was a classic Templeton thing.”
Mr. Leger said although he understands the farmers’ concerns, having an animal inspector is necessary for public safety.
“We mailed out over 140 letters because we wanted a discussion, and I think we’ve accomplished that, so it was a very positive meeting,” he said. “Our whole purpose was to get an animal inspector, and although we heard very clearly the farmers don’t want to pay for it — and I agree with them — it’s all about the safety of livestock and the public health. When it comes to rabies control, (the animal inspector) has an important job and that’s the reason why it’s on the books.”
Although representatives from the state Department of Agricultural Resources indicated the town would not be fined this year, the agricultural commission has arranged for several volunteers to handle the duties of the animal inspector at no cost for one year so the health board and agricultural commission can develop a policy to permanently address the situation.
“That will fix this year’s problem,” Mr. LeClerc said. “Then we have some other ideas on the horizon. We have to make sure it’s all proper.”
“I think we got the attention of the finance committee and the Board of Selectmen — they heard the message that (the animal inspector) is important and it needs to be funded,” Mr. Leger said. “The farmers are going to lobby for proper funding next time around.”
This had little to do with public health and much to do with the health agent's desire for a higher salary. My opinion.
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ReplyDeleteYou can look way back in Templeton's Annual Reports, and you will always find a report from the Animial Inspector. It would come complete with the number of horses, cows and other animals that are a part of the town. This position is really important, because every once and a while you have a person who has a problem, and the result is the animals in their care are not treated as well as they should be. A important part of this job is to be eyes to watch for these problems, and secondly to make sure the animals are up to date with vaccinations required, when people sold milk. Not much of that happens anymore. The Animal Inspector would stop by once a year at our house. He would check to be sure the barn was clean, and be on his way. Bev.
DeleteYou can look way back in Templeton's Annual Reports, and you will always find a report from the Animial Inspector. It would come complete with the number of horses, cows and other animals that are a part of the town. This position is really important, because every once and a while you have a person who has a problem, and the result is the animals in their care are not treated as well as they should be. A important part of this job is to be eyes to watch for these problems, and secondly to make sure the animals are up to date with vaccinations required, when people sold milk. Not much of that happens anymore. The Animal Inspector would stop by once a year at our house. He would check to be sure the barn was clean, and be on his way. Bev.
DeleteAccording to Farm Bureau, the statutory part of the kob is an animal census, which is sent to the state. It is not a board of health function to inspect building plans for a barn. They are also not the humane society, or the MSPCA.
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