Sixty days probation. That is the disciplinary action by Dunkirk's Common Council against its animal control officer for disposing of two dead dogs into a private dumpster.
"The business involved is not seeking any further action be taken, agreeing that a formal written apology will be sufficient," said Stephanie Kiyak, councilwoman at-large during a meeting earlier this week. "The ACO has handled the apology today and has provided us all with a copy."
While the punishment may not be severe enough for some, it is much more than most officials who deal in the public-sector receive. Most often, full-time public-service workers receive a slap on the wrist - privately - if they are caught in the wrong.
In this case, the independent contractor has been publicly disciplined and warned about any future problems. It may not be perfect for many, but it is a proper step.
