Animal Reports: A Dog Fight, A Dog Bite and Near Dog Abuse

It was a week for the dogs, good, bad and ugly as the first snow of the season sent Monroe wildlife into torpor and hibernation. Nary a raccoon nor skunk was reported sighted anywhere in town. 

On Jan. 12, 4:23 p.m. a Meadow Circle resident did see two foxes off Hollow Tree lane, but the responding officer was unable to locate either of them. Two deer were hit and killed by motor vehicles. One across from Monroe Elementary on Saturday and the other, also hit on Monroe Turnpike, but at the Century Plaza intersection on Friday the 13th.

"DOG" was the three letter word on the rest of the week's animal reports. 

Jan. 10, 6:07 p.m. — A Pastors Walk neighbor reported the "chronic problem" of a dog left outside, tethered, tangled up and crying. Animal Control investigated and notified the owner in the 100 block of Pastors Walk of the complaint. He was given 24 hours to provide the dog with proper shelter. He did. Case closed. 

Forty-four minutes later a Turkey Roost Road resident reported the disappearance of his two dogs — a black lab mix and a boxer mix. Residents who sight the pair should call Animal Control.

Jan. 11, 11:37 a.m. — A resident from Sandy Hook spotted a stray dog in the middle of Hammertown Road near Garder Road. He picked up the pup and transported it to the Animal Control facility. The dog was wearing a collar and was licensed. The owner was contacted and the dog was retrieved after a verbal warning for a roaming dog was issued.

Jan. 12, 8:47 a.m. — A distraught resident of Trumbull on Firehouse Road reported her Siberian Husky, Lucy, missing since the day before. She called back at 4:20 p.m. to report Lucy returned home without incident.

Jan. 13, 11:46 a.m. — A Purdy Hill Road resident reported her dog missing. At 11:53 a.m. a patrol officer reported seeing the dog loose in the roadway at Monroe Turnpike and Ryegate Terrace. By 11:55 a.m. the officer had rescued the pup without incident and notified the owner. The dog, which was licensed and validly vaccinated, was returned to its owner. 

3:52 p.m. — A Hillside Lane resident reported seeing a medium sized, tan colored, mixed breed dog running in the road near Quarry Ridge. Animal Control officers searched the area, but could not locate the animal. It did not match any lost dog reports. 

7:06 p.m. — A Walnut Street resident reported that a stray dog came into her yard and fought with her dog, which was tethered to his dog house. Her pup suffered minor physical injury. However, no immediate veterinary medical attention was required. The owner of the stray spoke with the woman and recovered her dog, which was being held. Both parties agreed on a solution. No police action was needed.

Jan. 14, 4:24 p.m. — A U.S. Postal Carrier attempting to make a delivery of certified mail, knocked at the door of 141 Bagburn Road. When the resident opened the door, a Pit Bull pushed past its owner, went through the doorway and attacked the postal worker. She was bitten on the arm and received physical injury requiring medical attention.

The dog was validly vaccinated, but ordered by Animal Control "quarantined to the property for 14 days." The owner received an infraction ticket for failing to license his dog and Nuisance 1st Offence — dog bite. Fines totaled $150.

Thank You

A big Thank You to the Immel family of Gaylor Drive who dropped off much needed towels and blankets at Animal Control. They are much appreciated.

The Monroe Animal Control office and pound is located in the school bus yard at 447 Purdy Hill Road. It’s the small, reddish brown building to the left and is open to the public seven days a week, 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Remember. Monroe’s creatures were here first. Respect them. Enjoy them. And if you need help with them, call Officer Ed Risko at Animal Control (203)452-3760. For an Animal Emergency call (203) 261-3622.