Sparta's Animal Control Officer Recognized for 23 Year Service to Community

SPARTA, NJ – The township’s animal control officer, Don Critchlaw was recognized at the township council meeting on Tuesday during Police Chief Jeff McCarrick’s report in honor of National Animal Control Officers Week.

McCarrick said Critchlaw has served Sparta for 23 years so far, having a total of 33 years in the profession.

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Critchlaw said, “It’s a great job.”

He said one of his most interesting calls was to catch an alligator.  Critchlaw said a homeowner “opened his barbecue and got a surprise,” a three-foot alligator.

Critchlaw said they surmised it had gotten out of a residence where it was being kept.

He said he put the alligator in a cat carrier and had to bring it home for the night because it was Sunday. New Jersey Fish and Wildlife picked it up and it is now residing at the Camden Aquarium he said.

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McCarrick echoed Critchlaw’s sentiment; “He is invested because he loves his job.”

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