WATERBURY — The Department of Public Safety announced Monday the selection of Lisa Milot to lead the newly created Division of Animal Welfare.
Milot will begin work in May, at which time the new division will start creating a comprehensive plan to coordinate animal welfare services throughout Vermont.
Milot brings experience as a faculty member at the University of Georgia School of Law since 2007 with a focus on animal welfare policy.
She also has worked as a federal policy consultant and has an extensive background in the Georgia state animal welfare movement.
“I am looking forward to collaborating with the many dedicated volunteers and professionals who worked to create this position to improve animal welfare — and by extension, human welfare — throughout the state of Vermont,” Milot said.
Department of Public Safety Deputy Commissioner Batsie said the new director brings not only a comprehensive skill set but also the collaborative spirit necessary to unite stakeholders associated with animal welfare in Vermont.
“We look forward to creating a thoughtful and sensible plan that can serve as a model for states throughout the country,” Batsie said.
Milot’s hiring falls under legislation passed in 2024 that established the Division of Animal Welfare within DPS.
Under the new law, the director is tasked with developing a comprehensive plan for animal welfare laws and overseeing investigation and response to animal cruelty complaints statewide.
