Greenfield hires new animal control officer to help with strays

Some residents in Greenfield are wondering who let the dogs out? Greenfield Police hired a new animal control officer because the city said it’s had a stray dog and cat problem for several years now, and it’s something that needs attention.

Officer Sylvia Camacho said the city picks up more than 100 strays a month.

“I think I know who’s the owner and I think I know who it is, and I told the owner one time,” Camacho said.

Only five minutes into a ride-along with Camacho, NewsChannel 5 was on the hunt for a dog owner.

“So I will have to give her a citation because this is the second warning,” Camacho said.

Camacho has lived in Greenfield for more than 20 years and knows all about the animal issues on her streets, especially when it comes to stray dogs.

Greenfield city rules say that having your dog off leash is a $100 fine for first-time offenders, and another $100 every time after that. The fine is also $100 for not licensing your pet, and a separate fine if a pet isn’t vaccinated.

Camacho said the rules have been in place since the 1980’s but enforcement has been an issue. After recent complaints, Camacho started the job in March, and in April she and the police chief went door to door to explain the new enforcement.

Camacho said the most common dog they find on the streets in Greenfield is chihuahaus.

Camacho toured some hot spots in the city and ran into Emilio Samudio with his dog off leash. As soon as Samudio saw the flashing lights, he held his dog’s collar.

“At that moment I didn’t think about it, and I just thought it was so easy to have it. But as you can see I have everything I need here,” Samudio said.

But Camacho wanted proof, so he ran to his car to grab the leash. Camacho let him go with his first and only warning.

“I have to make hard decisions sometimes I do and its not easy for me but also you know I’ve been hired for this job and i have to do my job,” said Camacho.

Camacho said the department will offer a free spay and neuter day at the end of the month for all Greenfield residents to help control the pet population in the city.