Local Spotlight: Hannah Michalewich

Members of the Biddeford Police Department deal with wild behavior almost every day, but one member of the department literally deals with wildlife; day in and day out.

Hannah Michalewich became Biddeford’s newest animal control officer almost 18 months ago, and because last week (April 14-20) was National Animal Control Officer Week, we decided to sit down with her to learn more about the city’s real animals.

Michalewich, 27, is a native of upstate New York. She landed in Biddeford after receiving a bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Management at SUNY Cobleskill. She and her husband now live in Porter.

What drew you into the field of wildlife management?

“I have always liked animals, but I was never very good with chemistry or biology, so I couldn’t really be a veterinarian (Laughs). But I have always been just intrigued by and interested in wildlife and natural conservation.”

What is one of the weirdest or strangest call you’ve received as an animal control officer?

“The really unique calls are usually wildlife related, not domestic pets. Generally, animal control tries not to handle wildlife calls, but when other departments, like the game wardens, are not available we will respond to those calls.

“There haven’t really been any crazy calls, yet. We did, however, respond to calls about two kestrels (small hawks). One of them was trapped inside the Super Sub Shop on Jefferson Street, and the next day there was another one was right here in our parking lot, bumping into cars.”

What would be the one thing you would want everyone in Biddeford to know about your job or the animal control office?

“I’m not looking to get people into trouble. It’s all about animal welfare first. So, when people’s cats or dogs are not vaccinated for rabies; when pets are running loose in the street – I’m not looking to drag their owners into court. I just want the animals to be safe.

So, what are the most common calls or complaints you receive?

“The vast majority of calls come from neighbors who don’t want to confront their neighbors about noise issues or roaming pets.”

What do you think people should know or do before deciding to bring a pet into their home?

“I think you should ensure that you have the financial resources to take care of your pet. I handle a lot of calls where the owners can’t get their cat to the vet or they can’t afford veterinary care.

“If your dog gets loose all the time, and you can’t afford fencing, maybe you shouldn’t have a dog. Annual vaccinations can be expensive, and you never know if your pet will get sick or injured. You really should be prepared.”

Biddeford is a little bit unique because we have changing seasonal dog leash regulations on our beach; are large, heavily wooded-park where dogs are allowed to be off-leash and also densely populated areas. But for the most part, dogs have to be leashed in public, right?

“Again, we’re not trying to be punitive. It’s really about the safety of the dog, and the safety of the public. You can’t trust everybody, and you never know how your dog is going to react.

“City regulations require dogs to be leashed in public places. Clifford Park and our beaches have certain exemptions, but mostly your dog needs to be leashed in public.”

Is it emotionally difficult to deal with pets that have been killed in a traffic accident or from abuse or neglect by their owners?

“In the beginning, it was really hard. It’s still difficult, but you learn coping skills. I still like having my emotions, such as my love for animals.”

There are a lot of missing pet posts on social media. What should a pet owner do if their pet gets loose or runs away?

“They should call me first. It should be public safety over everything.”

What is the worst part of your job?

“It can be hard to work with certain individuals when it comes to enforcing the law. Some people are just blissfully unaware that their dog shouldn’t be hooked outside 24/7.

“Some people can be quite argumentative and having to be the middle man between them and the law.”

What is the best part of your job?

“Being able to reunite people and their pets. That is the best feeling. I also like getting pets out of bad homes and into better situations.”

Randy Seaver is a cranky, nearly insufferable malcontent living in Biddeford. He is a retired newspaper editor and the principal of a small strategic communications consulting firm. Randy Seaver can be contacted at randy@randyseaver.com.