Oneida County Strengthens Animal Welfare with New PositionView

County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr., announced today that Jamie Dreimiller has been hired as Oneida County's newly created Animal Cruelty Coordinator, effective immediately.

"This new position is an important step forward for Oneida County," Picente said. "Animal cruelty is a serious concern that impacts the well-being of our animals, our families and our entire community. I am pleased to name Jamie Dreimiller as our Animal Cruelty Coordinator and am confident her expertise and collaborative spirit will create a comprehensive, proactive system.

Working together with veterinarians, shelters, rescues and dedicated volunteers, she will ensure swift, compassionate responses while building lasting prevention efforts through public education and responsible pet ownership. This is the beginning of a new chapter for animal welfare in Oneida County."

Dreimiller will work in conjunction with the Oneida County Sheriff's Office, other law enforcement agencies, County departments and the public to enforce Article 26 of the New York State Agriculture and Markets Law.

She will serve as the central liaison, building and managing a robust network of local shelters, rescue organizations, veterinary clinics, foster homes, transporters and humane handlers. The goal of the new model is to ensure rapid, cost-effective and standards-compliant care, including assessment, removal, transport, sheltering, veterinary treatment and foster placement.

Key elements of the role include:

• Coordinating assessments, removals, transport, and placements in full compliance with Ag & Markets Law §§ 373 and 374.
• Developing standard operating procedures for consistent, countywide responses.
• Launching public education campaigns on cruelty prevention, responsible ownership and reporting procedures.
• Providing 24/7 emergency availability and ongoing support to law enforcement, including documentation and expert testimony when needed.

Oneida County saw approximately 404 animal cruelty seizures in 2023, involving both small and large animals that required specialized assessment, handling, veterinary care, and placement. The County recognized the critical need for a dedicated, locally focused coordinator to ensure swift, consistent, and compassionate responses while strengthening partnerships and prevention efforts.

"The Sheriff's Office welcomes Jamie to this new role and we are excited to have a coordinator to assist us with animal abuse cases," said Sheriff Robert Maciol. "Being able to focus strictly on the criminal investigation portion of these cases, we can now utilize our resources much more efficiently. Thank you to Oneida County Executive Picente for his commitment to doing all he can to end animal abuse in our community."

Dreimiller brings more than a decade of hands-on leadership in public education and stakeholder collaboration, complemented by dedicated experience in animal welfare. As Vice President of Rover's Do Over and Dog Control Officer for the Towns of Bridgewater and Sangerfield, she has successfully enforced animal control laws, investigated complaints and built strong partnerships with shelters, rescues, municipalities, veterinary clinics and law enforcement.

Her background also includes award-winning public education and stakeholder collaboration as Recycling Educator for the Oneida-Herkimer Solid Waste Authority. In her new role, she will develop standard operating procedures, launch public education campaigns on recognizing and preventing cruelty, and ensure seamless coordination in response to complaints.

"This is an incredibly exciting opportunity to develop a truly comprehensive system for Oneida County," Dreimiller said. "By uniting law enforcement, veterinarians, shelters, rescues and community partners, we can respond more effectively, reduce future incidents through education and ensure every animal receives the compassionate care it needs. I look forward to working hard to make Oneida County a model for humane and efficient animal cruelty response."

The position was awarded following a competitive RFP process launched after the Central New York SPCA notified the County in May 2025 that it would no longer provide cruelty investigation and response services due to staffing challenges. The new contract began April 1, 2026, and emphasizes prevention, partnership and transparency, building directly on the County's long-standing commitment to working with community stakeholders.