New Animal Control Officer Gorgone Brings Compassionate Approach to the Position

By Katy Rogers

Stacia Gorgone was recently appointed as the Animal Control Officer (ACO) in the City of Everett, and this week she said she is really enjoying her new job.

Gorgone has been well known in the community for her involvement in animal welfare, particularly rescuing and re-homing dogs that otherwise would not have had a second chance without her. Gorgone began her own rescue organization in Everett a few years ago, and was briefly the focus of a The Learning Channel (TLC) television series titled ‘Boston Underdogs.’

Amongst her own pets include Marco, a dog rescued from being hog-tied in Thailand, and her latest addition, Helen, a deaf and blind dog that was negligently used for breeding due her pure white fur, despite her disabilities.

Gorgone, who has had her badge for about a month now, has already received calls to address any number of animals, including bunnies, skunks, cats, and of course, dogs. She has worked hard to make herself known throughout the city and to open the lines of communication between police, fire, and City workers – folks who may encounter animal related situations on the job.

Her success thus far is evident, as she was already called to the scene of a rollover accident on Route 16 to rescue a four-legged passenger while his owner was rushed to the hospital.

Luckily all were ok, and the two were reunited hours later.

Gorgone looks forward to taking a rescue-friendly approach to the animal control position. After all, she is the first person in the State of Massachusetts who previously owned a rescue organization and is now an official ACO.

Although having to set aside her own rescue organization for the time being in order to focus on her new position, she is pleased to introduce a rescue-friendly aspect to the job and is able to network with the organizations who have been by her side in the past.

“The city has been amazing,” Gorgone beamed, wearing her new uniform, and patting a small Chihuahua she just helped.

It is no surprise that Gorgone has already gone above and beyond what is required of her position, helping people with animal-related questions online, tending to an elderly couple’s sick cat, and answering calls even during off-hours.

Gorgone is well-loved by people, certainly, but she said her interests are in favor of the animals first, always making sure that pets end up in safe hands.

While she wants to keep things positive, she adds, “I hope people know that if they break the law and abuse an animal, I’m going to know about it and proceed with consequences.”

She stressed the importance of keeping up to date licenses on pets, spaying and neutering, and routine vet visits for up to date vaccinations.

Coming off a success rabies vaccination clinic last week, Gorgone is in the process of coordinating a visit from the Catmobile – a program that spays and neuters cats inexpensively. The Catmobile will be in Everett on April 20 at the Everett Stop & Shop on the Parkway and Gorgone will be present.

Gorgone looks forward to spreading the word to help Everett pets prosper as she continues her journey as Animal Control Officer. Gorgone encourages anyone with animal related inquiries to reach her at HYPERLINK “mailto:[email protected]”[email protected] (which can be done anonymously if needed), or to contact the Everett Police Department in the case of an animal emergency.