Animal Control Officers Association Of New Hampshire

10/31/2026

👻 HAPPY HOWL-O-WEEN 🐾
Forget ghosts, goblins, and haunted houses… Animal Control Officers deal with some real-life nightmares:
🧟 The loose dog that has been “friendly” for the last three hours but still won’t let anyone catch it.
🐈 The feral cat colony that apparently has a better neighborhood watch system than the police department.
🦨 The skunk that just sprayed a family dog… and now everyone wants to know if it needs a rabies test.
🐍 The snake found in someone’s basement that is somehow ALWAYS an emergency.
🐕 The dog bite where the victim, the dog, and the witnesses all have completely different stories.
🐓 The escaped livestock call that turns into an impromptu rodeo.
🦝 The raccoon in the dumpster that someone is absolutely convinced has rabies because it looked at them funny.
📞 And the classic: “I know it’s after hours, but there’s a dog barking!”
Our idea of a horror movie? A full kennel, three pending cruelty investigations, an uncooperative loose dog, and a phone that won’t stop ringing. 😂
To all our ACOs working this Halloween: may your leashes stay untangled, your bite reports be few, your skunks keep their distance, and your coffee be strong. Stay spooky, stay safe.

10/28/2026

Hooksett Woman Faces Multiple Animal Abuse Charges After Animals Rescued From House In June

Hooksett, NH - Karen Peterson, 70 was arrested by Hooksett Police after an extensive investigation into complaints of animal abuse at a house on Dundee Avenue.

Hooksett police removed dozens of animals from the Dundee Avenue residence after executing a search warrant in June, where they say the animals were being neglected.

Officers from the Hooksett Police Department, assisted by the New Hampshire Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NHSPCA), and the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire, executed the warrant at 12 Dundee Ave. following reports of a large population of cats living in conditions consistent with animal cruelty and neglect.

Upon entering the residence, officers encountered deplorable living conditions, including animals suffering from various health issues and dangerously high levels of ammonia. The severe environment prompted immediate responses from the Town of Hooksett Code Enforcement Officer and the Hooksett Fire Department.

Due to the hazardous ammonia levels, search and rescue operations were briefly paused while firefighters ventilated the structure. Members of the Southeastern NH Hazardous Material Mutual Aid District (SENHHMMAD) also responded to the scene, equipping rescuers with specialized personal protective equipment to safely enter the home and retrieve the remaining animals.

In total, officials transferred custody of 29 cats and two dogs to the NHSPCA and the Animal Rescue League of NH for care and evaluation. Authorities believed an additional 10 to 15 cats remain in the home.

The allegations Peterson faces state that the defendant negligently deprived animals in her custody of necessary care, detailed by the charges below:

Charges 1 & 2 (Canine Neglect): Involve two Bearded Collie dogs named Rowan and Tavish, both of whom suffered from extensive, dense, and compacted matting across substantial portions of their bodies, severely compromising their normal movement and comfort.

Charges 3 through 7 (Feline Neglect & Environmental Hazard): Involve five domestic felines exposed to dangerously high ammonia levels inside the residence alongside severe, unaddressed medical conditions. All five cats had to be euthanized due to poor quality of life:

Charge 3 (Feline Hooksett 1 - 44636): Suffered from respiratory and neurological disorders.

Charge 4 (Feline Hooksett 3 - 44636): Suffered from severe dehydration and muscle wasting.

Charge 5 (Feline Hooksett 12 - 44645): Suffered from severe oral ulcerative lesions, respiratory infection, dehydration, and a flea infestation.

Charge 6 (Feline Hooksett 15 - 44648): Suffered from abnormal abdominal palpation, flea infestation, dental tartar, muscle atrophy, a heart murmur, and upper respiratory congestion.

Charge 7 (Feline Hooksett 16 - 44649): Suffered from a neurological disorder, flea infestation, and overall poor body condition.

Peterson was released on $400 cash bail after being booked at the Hooksett Police Station.

NHSPCA President and CEO, Lindsay Hamrick, said, "We're extremely relieved these animals were able to receive the critical medical care they needed. The NHSPCA is committed to helping the most vulnerable animals in our community, and we couldn't do it without the support of those who give to our SOS Fund, which helps us respond when animals in crisis need us most."

If you would like to support NHSPCA you can learn more at https://nhspca.org/donate/ways-to-give/

Hooksett Code Enforcement officially posted the residence as uninhabitable following the operation.

© FOM-Media

Hooksett Fire Rescue Department Hooksett Police Department New Hampshire SPCA Animal Rescue League of NH

10/27/2026

Rest in peace Officer Holmes. Conway NH first ACO 🙏

10/27/2026

Free educational webinar

Presented by John Griffin, senior managing director of urban wildlife programs with Humane World for Animals, this free recorded webinar examines the lives of bats in our urban communities and provides information on how to respond to the public’s concerns about potential zoonotic disease transmission. You'll also get helpful guidance for agency phone and field responses that humanely and effectively resolve conflicts with bats. Get started at: https://bit.ly/4kc8nIu 🦇

📌 All of our webinars are approved for NACA (National Animal Care & Control Association) and CAWA (The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement) credits.

10/27/2026

Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by the recent suspicious death investigation in Manchester. We recognize the devastating circumstances surrounding incidents like these and appreciate everyone working to support the community.

Animal Control officers play an important role in public safety, assisting with everything from SWAT team callouts to complex investigations, including this incident, where Animal Control Officer Landrey assisted.

Animals are involved in every aspect of human life, which means Animal Control Officers are, too. Whether protecting animals, supporting law enforcement, or helping families during difficult moments, our role extends far beyond what many people realize.

Thank you to Officer Landrey and all the professionals who serve their communities in these challenging circumstances.

****Breaking News

Two Adults Dead - 8 Year Old Alive

Attorney General John M. Formella and Manchester Police Chief Peter A. Marr announce that law enforcement officials are investigating the suspicious deaths of an adult male and an adult female in Manchester, New Hampshire.

This morning Manchester Police responded to a home on Wheelock Street in Manchester, following a report of a domestic dispute. Officers arrived to find an adult male and an adult female deceased and an eight-year-old child alive, suffering what is believed to be a non-life-threatening injury. The injured child was transported to the hospital where they are reportedly in stable condition receiving treatment.

The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under active investigation. Additional information will be released as it becomes available, pending the results of autopsies to be conducted by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

Anyone who may have information about the incident under investigation is asked to call the Manchester Police Department at 603-668-8711.

© FOM-Media

10/27/2026

October 27th
The Day Our Pets Come Home

What if, just for one night, the paws we’ve lost could find their way back home?

In a beautiful tradition associated with Día de los Mu***os (Day of the Dead), October 27th is recognized by many as a special day to remember beloved pets who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge.

10/23/2026

Interesting 🧐

A recent study finds bobcats to be carrying toxic compounds found in rat poisons.

"We analyzed opportunistic samples collected from 2013–2024 across the northeastern United State... [and] detected seven AR compounds in 352 bobcats (59% exposed) across 4 states; the highest levels of exposure were in New Hampshire and Vermont."

This means bobcats across the whole northeast - especially those in NH - have been poisoned through exposure to rodenticides, by eating poisoned mice and rats. These compounds kill bobcat kittens, and interfere with the health of adults. Immunodeficiency (resulting in higher rates of disease) and reproductive dysfunction are just two known consequences of rodenticide exposure, and when body burdens become too great, even adults die.

New Hampshire fishers are also known to suffer body burdens of these same compounds. If we're detecting them at high rates in both species, isn't it likely they are widespread in foxes, coyotes, hawks and owls, and others as well?

When will we wake up and ban rodenticides?

The study, "Spatiotemporal patterns of anticoagulant rodenticide exposure in bobcats across the northeastern United States," was published in PLOS One and can be found with just a quick search.

10/22/2026

Animal cruelty is never acceptable. 🐍 Every animal deserves humane treatment, regardless of species. Thank you to the officers and animal welfare professionals who advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves.

Should you know anything regarding this case please contact Manchester New Hampshire Animal Control:

https://wmur.com/article/snake-found-in-manchester-drive-through/74209561

10/21/2026

What are some things you do to ground yourself during the chaos?

One call ends. The next task is already waiting. Sound familiar?

When you can, take two minutes between them: get some water, take a breath, and notice how you’re doing. It won’t erase a hard day, but it can give you a moment to check in with yourself before moving on.

What’s your small reset during a busy shift?