Animal Reports: Runaway Pigs

Nov. 15, 1:32 p.m. – A traffic hazard was reported at the junction of Wheeler and Old Coach Roads. Four pink pigs with curly tails were on the move.

The domestic, and potentially delicious, swine of various ages and weights ranging from a cute 20 to a meaty 60 pounds, had escaped from their home on the Aversa property, Old Coach Road.  

Animal Control officers responded corralling the pigs in a nearby wooded area with the assistance of several neighbors who rushed forward to supply temporary fencing. The animals were then held two hours waiting for the owner to return with crates to remove them. The pigs couldn't have been happier.

Due to repeated similar incidents, the owner was ticketed for creating a public disturbance and fined $103.

The pigs were trucked home perfectly content.

According to Officer Ed Risko, pigs need to be in pens with concrete floors to prevent them from digging their way out. The grass on the other side, is always greener to a pig. Pigs in the road can cause serious accidents just as surely as crossing deer or raccoons.

Welsh Corgi Found

Nov. 11, 9:24 a.m.- A Camelot Drive resident discovered a Welsh Corgi on her property and called Animal Control. The un-neutered male was picked up and impounded. 

No one has reported him lost. A loving, cared-for lap dog, some family must be missing him greatly. (See photo) 

Monroe's Animal Control has notified the Animal Control offices in surrounding towns. However, the pup could have been picked-up and transported many miles before being dumped. If you know who owns the Corgi temporarily dubbed "George," call Officer Risko. George needs to get home.

Owner bitten 

Nov. 11, 12:12 p.m.- A Webb Circle resident reported being bitten by her own dog, a chow mix, drawing blood. Monroe Emergency Services was notified, but she declined medical treatment preferring to drive herself to Griffin Hospital.

The dog was properly vaccinated and licensed. The owner believed she startled her pet from a sound sleep. He could have been dreaming and the bite was instinctive. No police action was  required.

More Dog Tales

Nov. 9- A pair of white shepherd-mix dogs could displace the record of Roaming Rocky, the black lab pup. The pair who live on Windgate Circle in a condo were out for an unscheduled romp. Alert residents sighted them on Wintergreen Drive, High Rock Road, Hammertown Road and Fan Hill Road.

The repentant, but wary animals were eventually caught by Officer Risko behind Chalk Hill School using only his voice to entice them into the Animal Control vehicle. The dogs were released to their owner after the required fines were paid.

Sightings

Nov. 10, 8:15 a.m.- A coyote was seen over in the Knollbrook Street and Brook Street area.

Nov 12, 10:19 a.m.- On Webb Circle, a resident caught a glimpse of one of Monroe's resident bobcats.

A Big Thank You 

Monroe residents are stepping forward to meet the needs of the town's Animal Control facility. The Krauss family on William Henry Drive has donated a used 4,000-watt generator for emergency use. Now the facility will have power come hurricane, October blizzard or any other power-blowing disaster.

Michael Murdock on Purdy Hill Road brought in large wire cage/crate which will transport animals safely.

Monroe's LT. Brian McCauley saw the request for a fridge in last week's column and pledged the full-size one that he has already replaced. A fridge was badly needed to store medicines, specimens and other supplies requiring refrigeration. 

Marsha and Michael Beno of Webb Circle dropped off scrap lumber, sheetrock, plywood and decking for various repairs and ongoing projects at Animal Control.

The generosity of these Monroe residents will enable  Animal Control to take care of all Monroe critters better, safer and more effectively. 

Playing Santa Clause

During hard economic times it's important that pets stay in their homes, not only for pets' sake but for their owners. Be sure to put pet food on your Christmas list for donation to the Monroe Food Pantry.

Casualties

Three deer were hit and killed my motor vehicles this past week at 921 Main Street near Swamp Road Newtown; 1380 Monroe Turnpike — just north of Bagburn Road — and on Monroe Turnpike, north of Old Zoar Road. 

A raccoon was hit and killed on Swendsen Drive just south of Captain's Hill Road. Another, sick or injured, was sighted near 195 Purdy Hill Road but could not be located. 

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 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.