(This story has been updated. Click here to read it).
Derby’s animal control officer, Joe Klapcik, “abruptly resigned” Friday (April 13), according to police.
Klapcik, whose tenure as animal control officer spanned revelations of a high kill rate at the shelter and recent changes that have resulted in fewer dogs being put down — had planned to retire at the end of the month.
Officials said Oxford animal control officials will step in to help out while Derby looks for a new animal control officer.
A four-sentence press release issued Monday morning by Derby Police Lt. Sal Frosceno said the city had been looking for a replacement for Klapcik.
“Acting on Klapcik’s April 30th timeline, the City of Derby was exploring options for his replacement,” the press release said. “In response to his untimely departure, Oxford Animal Control agreed to provide coverage in the interim, which includes emergency calls and maintenance of the Derby Animal Control Shelter.”
A message seeking comment was left on Klapcik’s cell phone Tuesday morning.
A new Facebook page for the Derby shelter was created Tuesday morning, with pictures and video of five dogs available for adoption. Click here to visit the page.
