Portsmouth's New Animal Control Officer featured on Portsmouth this Week

Ariel Fisher, Portsmouth's new Animal Control Officer (ACO), was interviewed on this edition of Portsmouth this week, along with Deputy Police Chief Jeff Furtado. A Warren native, Ms. Fisher discussed her background for this job, which include her work at the RI SPCA and national certification as a Animal Cruelty Investigator. Both she and Deputy Chief Furtado discussed the various animal control concerns in Portsmouth, including our coyote problem, the increase in Portsmouth's deer (and deer tick) population, and even the pack of wild turkey's that have recently been seen on Portsmouth roads. Her main message to people in Portsmouth who have pets is to ensure that they are regularly vaccinated for rabies and to report any bites from wild animals. People observing any strange behavior by wild animals, such as a lack of fear of humans or the presence of usually nocturnal animals, such as racoons, skunks or woodchucks, in daylight. This might indicate a sick or rabid animal and should be reported. The ACO can be reached at 643-0136 but Deputy Chief Furtado indicated that the best number to call is the Portsmouth Police non-emergency number at 683-0300, so that all appropriate resources can be mobilized. Watch the interview for more details.

Portsmouth this Week, the "Voice of Portsmouth Town Hall", is a weekly television show that airs on Public Access TV (Cox channel 18) on Wednesday's at 7:30 PM. It can also be viewed online anytime by clicking on the video box above or from links on the Town and PEDC websites. This show was taped on 17 August.