Agawam's approval of an intermunicipal compact between it, Westfield and West Springfield to send stray dogs to Westfield's dog pound has seemingly moved foward efforts to stem problems in West Springfield.
WEST SPRINGFIELD – A possible solution to the city’s stray dog woes has moved forward another step with the approval by Agawam of a municipal compact between it, West Springfield and Westfield.
The Agawam City Council earlier this week approved the pact, which calls for Agawam and West Springfield to send their stray dogs to Westfield’s dog pound. Neither Agawam nor West Springfield have a dog pound.
Mayor Edward J. Gibson has been under fire in recent months over the fact that since July 1 West Springfield has had no place to send its stray canines. The Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center of Springfield ended its contract with West Springfield as of July 1.
Although Agawam and West Springfield have shared an animal control officer since July 1, some people in town have complained publicly about the situation at West Springfield Town Council meetings.
Gibson said Thursday that Agawam’s decision to send its stray dogs to Westfield is a good decision for that community.
However, Gibson said he has not yet decided whether he wants West Springfield to sign onto the proposed intermunicipal compact or begin a new agreement with the O’Connor facility.
Last year, West Springfield paid the O’Connor center $73,000 for taking in stray dogs and it has agreed to take them in again at its old rate of $2.50 per city resident.
Gibson said he expects to reach a decision Monday and that the issue will then be sent on to the Town Council for consideration at its April 4 meeting.
However, that is not enough to assuage animal-lover Lucy Lukiwsky of Garden Street.
“I’m extremely disappointed. It has been almost 10 months without no animal control. I don’t think he has really made an effort,” she said of Gibson.