By Travis Barton | [email protected]

Just as children love to open a new toy, West Valley City got to open its newest present. 

West Valley City Animal Services unveiled its brand-new animal control vehicle during a West Valley study meeting on April 4.

 “This changes our ability and makes it easier for us to protect the citizens,” said Nate Beckstead, field supervisor.

The new vehicle replaces the older version that Beckstead said needed to be replaced.

“It had worn its time,” he said. The vehicle had over 100,000 miles.

“We need to make sure that they’re up and running all the time cause we do have respond to emergencies,” Beckstead said.

When it was time to replace it, Eric Madsen, city fleet manager, had the idea to build something better.

The new truck can now hold 13 animals at a time compared to the limit of five from the previous vehicle.

Beckstead said it doubles his officers capacity to do their job no matter the situation, whether its picking up animals quicker or transporting animals to and from the veterinarian.

“It just gives us the ability to be out working, out in the field, out with the people where we're needed more than at the shelter unloading animals,” he said.

Other features include a camera beneath the Ford sign on the back, new air flow system to better reach each kennel, recycled strobe lights and officer-friendly tool boxes that allow for quicker access.

“So, instead of reaching up and trying to get at things, especially with some of my shorter officers, it's all right at arms-length,” Beckstead said. “In a situation where we need that equipment, we need it fast cause we've got aggressive animals or we've got horses loose or we've got something that is an emergency.”

The vehicle will service both West Valley City and Taylorsville with Taylorsville owning part of the no-kill shelter.