The lack of an animal control officer in Bowling Green has become a pressing issue for residents, particularly those living in neighborhoods populated by skunks. Without a designated officer to handle wildlife, residents like Alex DiPuccio and Nancy Eidson have been left to deal with wild critters on their own. DiPuccio shared his experience of hiring contractors to capture skunks near his home, costing him a significant amount of money. Eidson also recounted instances of the previous animal control officer responding to cases of rabid animals in their neighborhood.
The decision to not fill the animal control officer position after the retirement of the last officer, Tom Sieving, has left residents feeling vulnerable and frustrated. Mayor Mike Aspacher explained that the city assessed the role of the animal control officer and found that many of the services previously provided could be handled by other agencies. The Wood County Dog Warden and the Wood County Humane Society now handle cases involving domestic animals, leaving the city to focus on other aspects of wildlife management.
Despite the city’s efforts to provide information on dealing with wildlife on its website and listing licensed commercial wild animal contractors, residents are still concerned about the presence of wild animals in their neighborhoods. Issues such as deer eating landscaping and aggressive wild turkeys have prompted City Council to pass an ordinance restricting the feeding of wildlife in the city. The ordinance specifically targets deer and turkeys, while exempting other wild animals like squirrels, raccoons, and skunks.
Managing wildlife in residential areas is a complex task that requires careful consideration and planning. The costs associated with reinstating the animal control officer position, including training, equipment, and a vehicle, have been a point of discussion for city officials. Aspacher mentioned that the city administration is open to exploring the possibility of reinstating the position if City Council deems it necessary during their strategic planning process.
In conclusion, the absence of an animal control officer in Bowling Green has raised concerns among residents about the management of wildlife in their neighborhoods. While the city has taken steps to address these issues through ordinances and information on their website, the need for a dedicated officer to handle wildlife remains a topic of discussion. Residents like DiPuccio and Eidson continue to advocate for the reinstatement of the position to ensure the safety and well-being of their community.
