Town of Southampton Animal Control Day at the Farm • Southampton, NY
For Immediate Release
Town of Southampton, NY August 6, 2026 —The Town of Southampton Department of Public Safety’s Animal Control Division responds to issues, complaints, and emergencies involving animals throughout the Town of Southampton and some of the incorporated villages. The Division also oversees some commercial animal business operating permits and conducts inspections at events where animals are present as part of the approved event activities. Animal Control is made up of one part-time and three full-time Animal Control
Officers. Southampton Town Animal Control works seven days a week and has someone on call for emergency response at all hours of the day.
In the process of responding to animal emergencies and dangerous animal situations, Animal Control Officers must exercise a variety of knowledge, skills and techniques to ensure the safety of people in the area, as well as the safety of the animal(s) involved in the situation. In an effort to enhance their skills and capabilities, the Southampton Town Animal Control Officers recently partnered with Cornell Cooperative Extension and the Suffolk County Farm and Education Center to refresh their knowledge and handling skills regarding farm common farm animals. Animal Control Officers learned about different conditions and behaviors to look for as signs of animals being healthy or not, and were able to catch and handle different animals including chickens, ducks, goats, alpaca and others.
“As a town with strong agricultural roots, and which remains very pro-agriculture, our Animal Control Officers have a much greater likelihood of encountering animals that many other jurisdictions do not regularly have to deal with. Allowing our Animal Control Officers to practice catching and handling these animals under the guidance and instruction of our partners from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County is very helpful in enhancing their knowledge, skills and capabilities,” said Ryan Murphy, Town Code Compliance & Emergency Management Administrator.
On top of the periodic refresh of animal handling skills, and learning about healthy and unhealthy animal behaviors and physical conditions to look for, the Town of Southampton Animal Control Division maintains an ongoing relationship with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County. “These periodic visits help maintain open lines of communication and staff familiarization. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County is a great resource and partner to our office for all sorts of animal guidance,” Murphy went on to say.
To learn more about the programs and activities available from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County and the Suffolk County Farm, visit
