MIDDLEBORO — Lakeville Animal Control Officer David Frates was presented with the National Grange Community Citizen Award at a recent meeting of the South Middleboro Grange.

He was praised by the Grange for his dedication and service to the Town of Lakeville and his devoted stewardship to care and shelter domestic and wild animals in need. The presentation was made by President of South Middleboro Grange Paula Goodwin. 

Frates began working as an assistant animal control officer for the Town of Lakeville and following the retirement of his predecessor, he became the animal control officer more than 20 years ago.

During his career, the Grange reported, he has worked to advance the operation of the Lakeville Animal Shelter. Many years ago, he was approached by other communities that did not have their own shelter buildings. He developed the idea of making the location a regional shelter by offering surrounding communities the ability to house their stray and surrendered animals. 

Today, the regional shelter services 10 other communities by providing mutual aid to shelter animals in need. Through the use of social media, the shelter has become increasingly more successful at rehoming animals and raising funds to pay for medical expenses for animals at the shelter.

Frates also responds frequently to wildlife calls, especially swans and other water birds that become injured or entangled in fishing line and hooks. Residents will reach out to him with injured wildlife inquiries and he will reach out to wildlife rehabilitators for help or deliver the animal to the rehabbers himself. He has picked up owls and hawks that have been injured, usually from car strikes, and delivers them to rehabbers. 

He has also assisted residents with removing snakes from their homes.

The Grange made a monetary contribution to the Town of Lakeville for the benefit of the animal foster program.