Mansfield Police Department Defends Animal Control Officer

The following is a statement from the Mansfield Fire Department posted on the Town of Mansfield website, responding to criticisms of Animal Control Officer Jeff Colllins:

The Town believes that the public has been misinformed about the frequency of the euthanasia of pit bulls in the Mansfield Animal Shelter. We would like to provide the following facts so that anyone interested will have the most accurate information regarding this issue:

Since 2006, there have been 6 pit bull/pit bull mix dogs euthanized at the Shelter. One of these dogs had inoperable cancer and one of the dogs was Rocco, the details of which have been fully disclosed. The other 4 pit bulls had significant aggression and/or bite history and would have not been safe candidates for adoption. The decisions to euthanize these animals was not an easy one, and Mr. Collins, with his 20 years' experience, carefully considered all options, including hiring and consulting with other evaluators, before making these very difficult decisions.

According to national statistics provided by the American Humane Society, 60% of dogs in shelters are euthanized annually. We are very pleased to report that our Shelter's statistics of euthanasia are significantly lower, approximately 5%. Thanks to the support of The Mansfield Shelter Friends, who help with training, medical expenses and care, which would normally not be covered within the Town budget, we have the ability to care for more animals and to avoid unnecessary euthanasia.

We are very proud of our adoption statistics. Approximately 62 dogs have been adopted and/or returned to their owners during the last year. We are very proud of our animal shelter volunteers and the work that they do at the shelter as well as the non-profit organization, Mansfield Shelter Friends, who have assisted in providing a wonderful place for hundreds, if not thousands of animals over the years.

We hope that the public will take the time to consider the above statistics and understand that the Town of Mansfield, volunteers and the Mansfield Shelter Friends are committed to providing the best care possible and to maintain as low a euthanasia statistic as possible, while complying with Massachusetts laws and protecting the public.