BEDFORD – Police Chief Robert Bongiorno and the Bedford Police Department wish to recognize the town’s Animal Control Officer during Animal Care and Control Appreciation Week.
Officer Mike Leskouski has been Bedford’s Animal Control Officer since 1997 and has served the same role in Lexington since 2016.
“The best part of my job is educating people about wildlife and helping injured wildlife,” Officer Leskouski said. “It’s a pleasure to know that we’re doing something good for injured animals.”
Officer Leskouski responds to hundreds of calls each year. Some callers may have a question. Others report stray dogs, neighborhood nuisance problems, rabies concerns, and injured animals. He responds to all calls for injured animals, regardless of the species, and brings the animal to the nearest veterinarian if no owner is present. Some wildlife are brought to Tufts Wildlife Clinic in North Grafton for rehabilitation.
Officer Leskouski is particularly busy with wildlife calls in the spring, when coyote pups, ducklings, foxes and turkeys are born.
“The Bedford community has been fortunate to have someone as committed as Mike in this role. He is a true professional,” Chief Bongiorno said. “I ask everyone to join me in giving Mike a big thank-you for his service and dedication.”
Animal Care and Control Appreciation Week is celebrated during the second full week of April every year. It is sponsored by the National Animal Care & Control Association, which is devoted to setting the standard of professionalism in animal welfare and public safety through training, networking, and advocacy.