Meet Michelle Loy, Massillon's first full-time animal control officer since 2012

MASSILLON – The mayor has announced his pick to fill a newly created animal control post.

Michelle Loy, a 2000 graduate of Washington High School and manufacturing employee at Gold'n Krisp Potato Chips , has been tapped by Mayor Jamie Slutz for the job. Her first day is July 15.

Animal control: Massillon mayor takes aim at pets at large, nuisances and complaints with new officer

"I'm passionate about animals, this position and my community," said Loy. "I look forward to meeting people and showing what I can do."

The position was advocated by Slutz during last fall's mayor's race. He said bringing on a full-time control officer will speed up response for city residents who call authorities to report an issue regarding dogs, cats or other animals.

"(Michelle's) enthusiasm for the job set her apart from the other (four) applicants," Slutz said Monday night to City Council . "She's a welcome addition to Massillon."

Michelle Loy excited to take over as new Massillon animal control officer

Loy, 42, is a former corrections officer at Indian River Juvenile Correctional Facility . She has a bachelor's degree in criminology from Kent State University .

"My life experiences have led me here. I was born and raised in Massillon and love the people here," she added.

Loy will report to Safety-Service Director Renee Baker , but she will be stationed at the Massillon Health Department , 611 Erie St. S.

Job duties include — but are not limited to — responding to resident complaints, and investigating and resolving animal nuisance issues, such as abuse, neglect, strays and escaped pets. Her salary is to be $47,700 per year.

Working with Slutz and Baker will be worthwhile and an honor, Loy said.

"I'm looking forward to building this position from the ground up with their help," she said.

Over the past few years, animal control has fallen under the banner of the city's code enforcement office . There has been no full-time officer since 2012.

Some local municipalities and townships look to Stark County for animal assistance. But the Stark County Dog Warden Division , an arm of the sheriff's office, handles only canines.

Reach Steven at steven.grazier@indeonline.com . On X: @sgrazierINDE

This article originally appeared on The Independent: Meet Michelle Loy, Massillon's first full-time animal control officer since 2012