The city of Dunkirk has a dog control officer for the first time since December 2023.

The Common Council unanimously approved Jennifer Sasso as the officer, during its meeting Tuesday.

Sasso will provide dog control services on a part-time basis starting Sept. 23, at a monthly salary of $1,600. Money for her salary is budgeted in an animal control officer line item.

City police officers were previously forced to handle dog calls. The city had made multiple attempts to hire an animal officer since 2023, but none were successful. The situation led to numerous and persistent complaints from city residents.

Councilwoman Nancy Nichols previously said the city should hire dog control officers over the long term, as they are easier to hire than animal control officers who have more stringent certification requirements. She asked City Attorney Elliot Raimondo if the city would be changing its law to require just dog control.

“We will be changing the local law. It is (Sasso’s) impression that she will just be dealing with dogs,” Raimondo replied. “Right now, with state ag and markets law, the inspections are just for canines.”

Nichols inquired, “So we will be having it as a resolution changing it, and then doing a public hearing on it?”

“Correct,” replied Raimondo. “I will add, just to mention for residents … if someone has an alligator or another type of animal, it would be the state DEC that will (handle the call).”

“We’re going to send them to your house,” cracked Nichols.

The councilwoman said she wanted to make sure that Sasso keeps a monthly log of dog captures. The city’s last three animal control officers kept such records, she said.

“We just want to see, for the record… so council will get a clear report of captures and all that,” Nichols said. Raimondo said he had discussed such a log with Police Chief Chris Witkowski.

“And I’ll tell them: Please, no alligators,” said Nichols. “Purina does not provide the food for that. They do provide our food for our four-(legged) critters, but not alligators.”