Dave Pratt is Southport’s new animal control officer.

The Lincoln County deputy sheriff and 30-year veteran of law enforcement and animal control was appointed by the Southport selectmen Feb. 24. He will receive his certificate from the town after town meeting on March 7.

Pratt, who has worked for the Waldoboro Police Department, is also serving as animal control officer for the towns of Edgecomb, Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor and is backup ACO for Lincoln County.

As ACO, he will be on call for the towns every day.  Pratt is certified by the state formal animal control officer training program. As a law enforcement officer, he is also a graduate of the Maine Criminal Justice Academy.

He will provide services for “anything involving an animal, particularly if it is a health emergency like a rabid or diseased animal,” Pratt explained in a phone interview with the Boothbay Register.

“Folks need to make sure that their animals are vaccinated for rabies,” he said. “We’ve had a light winter,” which means that pet owners should be on the lookout for signs of illness.

Pratt explained that he will respond to most calls, providing that the situation doesn’t fall under the responsibilities of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife which provides a district warden for the area and 24-hour coverage.

Pratt explained that most of his work involves pets and particularly, dogs.  

“We typically receive calls for dogs running at large, unlicensed dogs or dog bites.” He is quick to urge dog owners to make sure that their pets are vaccinated for rabies and have a license.

If the dog is not wearing a license, Pratt explained, they will be taken to the animal shelter where they may end up being adopted by someone else. If, on the other hand, the pet is licensed and wearing the license, “I can bring them right home.” 

Anyone wishing to contact animal control may do so by calling 380-7282.