New London — Just weeks before Animal Control Officer Tonya Kloiber is scheduled to go on medical leave, the city has welcomed a new officer who will oversee operations in her absence.

According to police Capt. Brian Wright, Kelly Duso is the new hire. She joins the force from Ledyard Animal Control, where she worked for about a year and a half.

For the next couple weeks, Duso will shadow Kloiber. While Kloiber is away, Duso will be the primary responder to animal-related calls.

Upon Kloiber’s return, Wright said, the office will revert to its old scheduling, which incorporates two full-time officers.

Michael Martin, a longtime animal control officer with the city, retired in the fall.