City welcomes new Animal Control Officer

Friday, 15 June 2012 by Ashley Corn

Andy Montez, of Temple, has been in the Animal Control business for a little more than a year, and a month ago he became the new Animal Control Officer for the city of Belton.

After 13 years, Officer Mike Hawk retired and gracefully gave the position to Montez.

"Officer Hawk is a real great guy," Montez said. "He was working for the city for 13 years and trained me. I look forward to continue working with the citizens of Belton. They're real warm and welcoming."

The main reason he took the job as the Animal Control Officer is because he loves animals of all kinds.

"One of the pros of this job is the ability to make a difference for these animals running loose on the streets," Montez said. "You meet people that really care about animals and some that don't care what happens to these helpless creatures at all. The cons are of course being bitten. In my year in animal control I have been bitten four times."

If you're interested in ever becoming an Animal Control officer, Montez had some words of advice to share.

"You just have to have a love for animals and a passion to make a difference for them," Montez said. "You can't be scared of any animals because you deal with a variety. I get calls for dogs, cats, snakes, skunks, raccoons and opossums. You name it."

If you have any animal concerns, contact the Belton Sheriff Office at (254) 933-5840.

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