Auburn has a new animal control officer.

The City hired Ray Peckham on Monday as an animal control officer in the Auburn Police Department.

Auburn Police Chief Bob Lee said the City expects to hire a second animal control officer within a few weeks, and the two officers will work a staggered schedule to give the city animal control seven days a week.

Former ACO George Winner left the post late last year to take a job as a code enforcement officer with the City. The ACO’s annual salary ranges between $55,758 and $66,223.

Peckham comes to the job with experience in animal behavior and dog training. He has coordinated major animal transports with affiliated rescue groups and led massive adoption events with his previous employer.

Tasks and responsibilities include: stray animal pick-up, transport and confinement; responding to reports of animal cruelty; licensing violations; vicious animals; property damage complaints related to animal involvement; educating and training the public on proper animal care and legal requirements; preparing reports; attending meetings; testifying in court; and conducting applicable vaccinations and sanitizing activities.

Peckham is also responsible for creating and nurturing a community-oriented animal services program that encourages citizen involvement in developing creative approaches to animal services.

In his spare time, Peckham enjoys exploring the wilderness and finding new, exciting places to eat. He is originally from Southern California and currently lives in Snohomish.