Chelsea has a new animal control officer. Ellen Bistany introduced herself to residents on Friday, November 13, in a message the Chelsea Police Department posted on its Facebook page with a photo of her standing beside the city’s Animal Control van.
“My name is Ellen Bistany, and I am proud to introduce myself as the new Animal Control Officer for the City of Chelsea,” she wrote.
Bistany said she comes to the job with “many years of experience in animal control,” and described a commitment to “animal welfare, public safety, and responsible pet ownership.” Over her career, she wrote, she has worked with animals of all kinds and helped residents with a wide range of animal-related concerns. Her message does not say where she worked before.
What she says residents can expect
Bistany said she plans to work alongside the Police Department and other city departments, and to get to know residents.
“My goal is to serve the City of Chelsea with compassion, professionalism, fairness, and dedication while making sure both people and animals are treated with care and respect,” she wrote. She added that she wants to be “a resource for residents and their pets.”
The department answered its own post with a welcome: “We are so happy to have you here.”
How to reach animal control
The post gives no phone number or email address for Bistany. The city’s online 311 knowledge base lists the animal control line as (617) 874-0413 for reports of an animal that may need help. That page was last updated in February 2024 and still carries the name and email address of a previous officer, so the email on it should not be assumed to reach her.
What the record does not say yet
- The date Bistany started, and whether the city has more than one animal control officer.
- Her hours, and who covers animal calls overnight and on weekends.
- Whether the phone number on the city’s 311 page is still the right one for her.
This story will be updated when the city or the Police Department publishes her contact information.