ÈËÊÞÐÔ½»

The city is now for dog control and kennel services within city limits for 2025, with an option to renew annually for three more years. Proposals are due by noon Thursday, Dec. 12.

The contractor would provide the services required by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets law and local dog control law, and report to the city clerk's office. 

Those who complete a form on the city's website, , can view its full request for proposals.

The request was issued because the city's dog control officer for 19 years, Finger Lakes Dog Protection Agency President Carl Collier III, is retiring Dec. 31. 

City Clerk Chuck Mason praised Collier's dedication over the years, noting he is also the dog control officer for several other municipalities.

"It's a big loss for the city of Auburn. Carl has served us very well," Mason said. 

"He has, probably more oftentimes than not, gone above and beyond the call of duty when it comes to looking out for the dogs of not only Auburn but the greater Auburn area."

While Collier will be hard to replace, Mason said, he has earned his retirement. 

"He's served us for a very long time, and it's time for Carl to take care of himself as effectively as he's taken care of the community," Mason said.

Collier told ÈËÊÞÐÔ½» that while he would like to continue working, it has been harder in recent years for him to meet the job's physical demands.

He said it has also been more dangerous — not because of the animals, but because of people he has encountered and their "total disrespect."

On the other hand, Collier's love for animals, and particularly dogs, has endured since he was a child. He's been involved with animal and dog control for more than 40 years, working from 1980 to 1986 as the humane law enforcement officer for the Finger Lakes SCPA of Central New York (then the Cayuga County SPCA). He started his dog protection agency in 1988.

The city has been great to work with, Collier said. He also praised his daughter Jennifer, saying he's been continually impressed by her throughout her 25 years working at the agency.

"If she can't do something, it probably can't be done," he said. 

Collier's other children, grandchildren and six younger brothers have all been involved at the agency as well, making it a family affair. So has his wife, Thadine, who is retiring as the county's rabies coordinator at the end of the year. He feels the agency's work has helped make the county safer and reduced animal euthanasia, along with groups like the SPCA and Auburn Community Cats TNR.

Collier said he hasn't fully processed his retirement yet, but he's glad he has been able to serve the community for so long.

"I am proud of what we have accomplished," he said.