Topsfield Town Government
Animal Inspector
Animal Inspector:
Joel Larson
Assistant Animal Inspector:
Sandra Larson
Contact:
Phone – 978-887-5257
Fax – 978-887-0495
Description:
The Animal Inspector is the local agent of the Massachusetts
Bureau of Animal Health and is appointed by the Board
of Selectmen. He is responsible for matters of animal health
as relates to public safety. The Animal Inspectors responsibilities
are:
The annual animal census of farm animals - Yearly inspection
of properties to count and log the numbers and health of farm animals
in the town of Topsfield. At this time the vaccines, habitat, and feed
stores are checked. This information is then filed with the Massachusetts
Bureau of Animal Health. During the time of the Topsfield Fair, animal
holding facilities at the Fairgrounds are checked frequently and barns
are informed of new state policies.
Rabies Control:
Animal Bites - Ordering the quarantine of animals
which have bitten a person or other animal.
Animal Wounds - Ordering the quarantine of animals
who have sustained wounds or bites of unknown origin. Veterinarians
are required by law to report bites of unknown origin to the Animal
Inspector. This is for the safety of the animal and its owners.
Wild animals - Attempting to capture and test for
rabies wild animals that show signs of illness or feral animals that
bite humans or other domestic animals.
Testing - The Animal Inspector also collects and transfers
animals/birds for testing by the Bureau of Animal Health (ie West Nile
Virus, Rabies).
Further Information -
(outside links)