IPSWICH REGIONAL ANIMAL CONTROL
(Ipswich, Boxford, Newbury & Rowley)
Animal Control Officers are dedicated to providing prompt, courteous and professional services to the residents of Ipswich, Boxford, Newbury & Rowley. Animal Control Officers are responsible for the education and enforcement of local, state, and federal rules, regulations and laws pertaining to all animals (domestic, exotic, wildlife, livestock and marine); investigates complaints; patrols assigned areas; captures animals; performs other duties related to humane animal protection and control; performs daily shelter care to animals in custody or when needed.
Animal Control Services are typically available 7 days a week, normal business hours do vary from time to time due to events such as court, pre-arranged appointments, night meetings, late night emergencies & severe winter storms. From time to time one of our ACO’s will take sick or vacation time and coverage may be limited or unavailable. We do our best to prioritize calls based on urgency. ACO’s are available after hours for specific emergencies and to assist first responders on an as needed basis for situations such as; car accidents, arrests, medical aids, fires and human welfare checks.
BUSINESS HOURS CALL TYPES
- Loose livestock
- Loose dogs impeding traffic and or causing a public safety threat
- Found dogs in custody of finder
- Injured domestic animals with no owner present
- Injured or possibly sick wildlife with or without human or domestic animal exposure
- Animal bites
- Living cohesively with wildlife education
- Shelter inquiries
- Follow up calls regarding barking or other nuisance complaints
- Cats in trees: be advised this is a resource only call; ACO’s do not climb trees to retrieve cats.
- Removal of deceased animals on public property
- Inspectional services and animal permitting
AFTER HOUR EMERGENCIES:
- Domestic animal hit by car alive with no owner present
- Domestic animal hit by car deceased with no owner present
- Large animals in roadway causing a public safety hazard
FOR EMERGENCIES: Rowley Police Dispatch 978-948-7644
RESOURCES FOR CALL TYPES NOT HANDLED BY ANIMAL CONTROL:
- Beaver complaints on private property should be made to your local Board of Health
- Nuisance wildlife such as animals in attic, gardens, etc. Please google Massachusetts Problem Animal Control Agent a list of licensed professionals is available.
- Removal of deceased animals on private property. Small animals can be disposed of by double bagging and putting out with regular trash, burying or placing in the woods for nature to take its course. If you have a deceased deer on your property, we will sometimes assist in removal but this service is a case-by-case basis and depends on resources available.
*Calls regarding alleged abuse, neglect or abandonment may be handled during business hours or on an emergency basis depending on the allegations.
Animal Control Officers do not accept owner surrender of any domestic animal not involved in an on-going case; however, we do provide resources with reputable licensed rescues and are happy to assist in ensuring your pet is responsibly surrendered. If you feel you need to surrender your pet and do not know where to turn, please call us for assistance.
Non-emergent ANIMAL CONTROL CONTACTS:
OFFICE: 978-356-6652
FAX: 978-356-6625 attn: ACO