Ayer Board of Health approves animal permits, opioid advisory group takes shape

AYER — June 8, 2026 — Ayer Board of Health approves animal permits and discusses opioid working group leadership gap. The board voted unanimously at its June 8 meeting to approve animal and fowl permits for 23 properties holding hundreds of chickens, ducks, and goats, and authorized payment of a $16,309.23 public health services invoice covering community health and environmental services. Nashoba sanitarian Bridget reported a first-violation cease-and-desist issued to Ray's Smoke Shop for selling flavored tobacco products and noted that the state now recommends food vendors apply 30 days in advance for temporary event permits. The board also grappled with the pending departure of Francis Dago from the Littleton Board of Health — he has been the primary coordinator for the regional Nashoba opioid abatement working group — raising uncertainty about representation ahead of a June 17 coalition meeting to review two proposals for an administrative program services vendor, with the board's opioid spending ultimately subject to annual Select Board approval.