Frederick Ryan, Chief of Police
112 Mystic St.
Arlington, MA 02474
For Immediate Release
Monday, July 30, 2018
Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Arlington Police Department Swears In New Animal Control Officer
ARLINGTON — Chief Frederick Ryan is pleased to announce that Diane Welch was sworn in as the town’s new Animal Control Officer last week.
ACO Welch began working for the town earlier this month and was officially sworn in at a ceremony at Arlington Town Hall on Thursday, July 26.
“Diane has an extensive history of working with animals and I believe she will be a great fit for the town and the department,” Chief Ryan said.
ACO Welch, of Burlington, owns her own dog walking and training business, where she works closely with dog owners to teach them training techniques.
She has several years of experience working for the Burlington Science Center. There she cared for over 60 animals including snakes, snapping turtles, alligators, hawks and owls. She was responsible for caring for the animals and bringing them to and from classrooms at the center.
ACO Welch has been a state and federally licensed falconer for the past 24 years and formerly served as the president of the Massachusetts Falconry and Hawk Trust. She educates the public about falconry and conservation at venues throughout the state.
She has been called upon by the Massachusetts State Police numerous times to help capture and rescue injured birds of prey in the Danvers area.
In her free time, ACO Welch has rescued many orphaned or injured squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, opossums and baby birds and brought them to local animal rehabilitation specialists.
“My passion to rescue, handle and train animals has led me through many years of experience in this field,” ACO Welch said. “I am thrilled to be working in Arlington and look forward to providing animal services and education to the members of the community.”
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