Hello, my name is Gwendolyn Heaghney. I'm a lifelong Vermonter, permanent Winooski resident & concerned citizen. I am, and always have been, an animal lover who values all animals, both wild & domesticated. Every living being in our community deserves to be protected & cared for. We cannot call ourselves a progressive, functional city if we opt not to extend our community care to animals of all kinds.

One of the best and simplest ways to ensure the safety and well-being of animals in Winooski is by creating an animal control officer position. This officer would be on call for the animals of our community that are in need of assistance, relocation & rescue. By having a dedicated professional ready to take swift and effective action when we witness animal abuse or neglect, we can better protect these vulnerable creatures & avoid putting these issues on the local police department's plate as they are not equipped to deal with them.

We are witnessing the repercussions of our city manager's failure to install an Animal Control Officer firsthand, despite several residents of Winooski requesting one be installed, in the ongoing animal abuse case concerning Luna. Luna is a sweet local pup who numerous Winooski residents have seen being abused by her owner & her owner's partner over the past four years. To date, she has not been rescued from this dire & abusive situation despite several eyewitness reports & sworn testimony.  

Please join me in urging the city council to establish this crucial role within our local government! I am hoping to share this petition with the city council at our upcoming meeting June 3rd at 6 PM. Please sign this petition & join me in making Winooski a safer, kinder city for everyone!