On March 23 a Brandon resident was arraigned on a charge of animal cruelty for abandoning a dog found near Mt. Horrid in January. This has left many in the community wondering what to do if we witness animal cruelty, and what’s the legal framework for addressing it. Brandon’s new Animal Control Officer (ACO) Carly Lehrer answers some of these questions below.

Lehrer tells us that she’s been a volunteer and professional in the animal welfare field for the past 15 years. She has worked as a shelter manager for Middlebury Humane Society, currently runs a nonprofit sanctuary, and is an affiliate of Vermonters Against Animal Cruelty and Abandonment (VAACA).

What should you do if you see or suspect animal abuse?

If you see or suspect animal abuse, report your concerns to both police and animal control. Most importantly, leave a call back number. ACOs often have full-time employment separate from their town responsibilities and need concerned citizens to leave voicemails and callback numbers with as much detail as possible, so that you can be contacted. Whether you see something concerning in person or while driving, photograph or video what you can see whenever possible. Cruelty and neglect are criminal offenses and as such must go through law enforcement and court of law for resolution, so factual submissions that could function as evidence are the most helpful. Reporting suspected cruelty or neglect without evidentiary support could result in no action on the part of ACO or law enforcement.

The humane society is not the place to report cruelty. Humane Societies are shelters, but do not have "boots on the ground" humane investigation. Often shelter employees are not significantly more knowledgeable about animal cruelty or neglect than the average concerned citizen. They cannot report to the police for you and do not assist with investigations.

What are the penalties for animal cruelty in Vermont?

The penalties for animal cruelty can vary. Penalties can range from fines and court diversion to jail time. Animal cruelty and neglect are still underserved areas of Vermont law, complicated by the fact that animal abuse is such an emotional topic for the public. What feels correct morally and ethically to most of us has yet to find its equivalent in Vermont's courtrooms. It can often feel deeply upsetting to watch animal cruelty and neglect cases as they proceed through the legal process; court cases are often stretched over long periods of time and justice is not guaranteed.

What are the responsibilities of an Animal Control Officer (ACO)?

The technical responsibilities of an ACO include enforcement of local dog ordinances and state animal welfare law as it applies to domestic animals and livestock, where the provisions exist. In addition, ACOs enforce applicable state statutes regarding animal control, licensing and welfare. It is important to note that an Animal Control Officer is not a police officer in Vermont, so there are limits to an ACO’s scope and power. ACOs must work with local and state law enforcement to address issues beyond their legal scope.

A knowledgeable and experienced ACO is a good resource for community guidance on welfare law and process, basic animal care, welfare education, and being able to direct community members to available animal welfare resources. While these additional pieces are not requirements of the job, members of the community are often not sure where to turn for help with critical animal situations, and dedicated ACOs can often be a good first touch point.

What is Brandon’s “animal control ordinance”? What are you able to legally enforce?

The Brandon Animal Control Ordinance is a document that prioritizes the local government's rules on public health, safety, and peaceful enjoyment as it pertains to animals. There is a misconception that the Animal Control Officer's primary function is addressing animal cruelty and neglect. It is more that Animal Control Officers can be steadfast animal welfare advocates and provide support in cases of cruelty and/or neglect but in all cases the ACO is reporting to police, as these charges are a criminal offense. For local enforcement regarding nuisance animals, proper vaccination and registration, vicious dog cases, or peaceful enjoyment, ACO's are the key point of contact.

Is there still an investigation in the dog abandonment case? What happens next there?

In the recent ongoing case, the arraignment formalizing the charges has been completed. Conditions of release have been issued following the defendant's initial "not guilty" plea. This case is ongoing, so any concerns should continue to be reported to Brandon Police Department or the ACO. The next status conference will be June 15, 2026 at 1:00 p.m.

Thanks, Carly, for taking the time to answer these questions!

You can reach the ACO by phone or email here.