Courtney Wilson with new animal-control vehicle. / APD photo
UPDATED March 30: Regarding a position that had been open since October --and in turmoil last summer -- the Arlington Police Department has announced that Courtney Wilson is the new animal-control officer for the Town of Arlington.
The previous animal-control officer, Diane Welch, resigned Oct. 26, Christine Bongiorno, head of human services, told YourArlington on Nov. 8. Welch has declined to tell YourArlington why she left.
Wilson comes to Arlington from the Lowell Police Department, where she served as animal control officer for three years, gaining hands-on experience working with domestic and wild animals.
Wilson graduated from the Massachusetts Animal Control Academy (MACA) in October and is certified in pet CPR and First Aid. She is trained to handle cases involving animal cruelty, dangerous dogs, reptiles and disaster-relief management specific to domestic animals, a statement said.
Animal hospital kennel manager
Before graduating from the MACA, Wilson worked as a kennel manager at a full-service animal hospital in Middlesex County.
Outside of work, she enjoys golfing, skiing and spending time with her dogs, Lola and Booberry.
“We are very excited to welcome ACO Wilson to the Arlington Police Department,” Chief Julie Flaherty said in a March 29 news release. “She brings considerable experience working with animals to her new role, and we look forward to seeing the great service she will provide to the Town of Arlington.”
The ACO enforces town bylaws as well as state animal-control laws and responds to community requests for services, such as loose or lost animals, aggressive dogs and injured animals.
In addition to hiring Wilson, the Arlington Police Department also recently received a new, fully-equipped animal-control and rescue vehicle.
The public may reach Arlington Animal Control through police dispatch at 781-643-1212, or by email at
Welch office changed
Welch, who was popular among the public, went on leave in July for reasons that remained confidential. She later returned to work, but in September, she was transferred from the Mystic Street headquarters to health & human services, without public explanation.
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This news summary was published Wednesday, March 29, 2023, based on information from a news release by Leah Comins of John Guilfoil Public Relations, and from YourArlington's files. It was updated March 30, 2023, to highlight the photo.
