SOUTHWICK – The West Springfield Police Department is looking to use the Southwick Animal Control Facility due to their contract with the Westfield Police Department about to expire.
According to Southwick Chief of Police Kevin Bishop, West Springfield Chief of Police Robert Duffy reached out about a month ago about using the Southwick Animal Control Facility.
The Southwick Animal Shelter. (Photo from Southwick Animal Control)
Currently, the Town of Southwick is working with West Springfield to draft up an intermunicipal agreement.
This process isn’t new to Southwick as Agawam has been using the Southwick facility for about two years now and are charged an annual rental fee of $10,000.
Select Board Chairman Joe Deedy noted that if the intermunicipal agreement goes through, West Springfield would pay an annual rental fee of $15,000.
Bishop added that the town is happy to help West Springfield, but Southwick will be the main priority.
“I think it’s a good idea to show good cooperation,” said Bishop. “When we reach a certain number, we will no longer accept West Side or Agawam dogs, to make sure we have enough room for Southwick.”
Even though animals from West Springfield would be housed at the Southwick Animal Control Facility, West Springfield Animal Control would still be responsible for their own animals.
