YOUR ANIMAL RESOURCE OFFICER
BACKGROUND
William ( Billy ) Sandstrom is the new Animal Resource Officer for Millcreek Township . He grew up in Erie County and attended veterinary school . Afterward , he moved to Harrisburg , PA . He served 11 years at the Humane Society of Harrisburg where he ended his career as Chief Humane Officer and then served 7 years as a Dog Law Officer for the City of Harrisburg .
William moved back home in 2023 and accepted the Animal Resource position with the township . He is eager to serve the community with his experience and compassion for animals .
Why did you want to start your career in caring for animals ?
BILLY - I can speak for myself and all the colleagues I have worked with over the years when saying that this career choice ( Animal Resource Officer ) certainly isn ’ t known for its glamour . We choose this line of work for a love of animals and the community we serve .
What type of experience do you bring to Millcreek Township ?
William Sandstrom , Millcreek ’ s new Animal Resource Officer with his pets ( left to right ) Luke a three legged Standard Poodle that is a 15.5 years old rescue , Nova a German Shepherd that is a five years old rescue and Todd a DSH tabby TNR feline that is a two years old rescue .
This position is no longer the job of yesteryear , when it was commonly referred to as the “ dog catcher ,” running around with a giant net chasing a dog . Being an Animal Resource Officer entails so much more .
BILLY - Working as a Dog Law Officer for the City of Harrisburg , I enforced animal cruelty laws and was responsible for bringing numerous offenders to justice . I performed this job with care and compassion . Those feelings stemmed from my love of animals and my prior 11 years serving the Humane Society of Harrisburg .
I will bring this same care , competency and experience to Millcreek Township through education , assistance or enforcement if necessary . illcreek
MILLCREEK TOWNSHIP NEWS
What are some of your duties in Millcreek ?
BILLY - Animal Resource Officers don ’ t only catch canines running at large . Duties include , but are not limited to , investigating dog bites , nuisance barking , owners not cleaning up after their animal , and cruelty to animals investigations , usually in conjunction with Humane Society Police Officers .
Do you have relationships with other animal welfare resources in Millcreek yet ?
BILLY - I have had productive conversations with other agencies in the area . This position is new and entails a lot of establishing relationships and procedures . Thankfully , this is something my experience has prepared me for .
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