Animal Reports: The Nightmare Before Halloween

Oct. 19, 2:11 p.m.—­­ A Huntington Road resident living below Guskie Pond noticed a sudden influx of water inundating her property. Splashing up the street to investigate she spied a homeowner from Blanket Meadow Road opening up a dam beavers had built across one of the pond’s natural outlets.

The water behind the dam had risen to the point that his adjacent property was being engulfed. It never entered his mind that draining the pond might flood homes downstream. Consequently, he was intent on taking out the dam and destroying the beaver lodge. 

Monroe's Animal Control soon arrived and issued a "cease and desist" along with a verbal warning for trespassing on town property. Cognizant of the problem, over the past few weeks the police unit had been building pond-leveling devices to install in the dams and control the flow from the pond. 

Since the incident, the devices, designed by Monroe Eagle Scout Matt Morabito, a Masuk High School senior, have been installed. Peace has returned to the Guskie Pond area along with drier feet.

Too Much Dog

Oct 25, 10:25 p.m.— A Turkey Roost Road canine took to streets again. And was picked up again, in the middle of Elm Street, and impounded, again. Diesel, a high energy dog with a rap sheet 19-offences long has spent more time running than the pink Energizer bunny. His two four-legged housemates, have spent only half as much time in the poky.

The brown-face boxer mix hates being locked up and spent the night howling. So much so that neighbors near the Animal Control facility on Purdy Hill Road called local police to report the racket.

Diesel's owner called in to report him missing at 8:17 a.m. the next morning. The pup was released after his owner received an infraction ticket and paid a $92 fine, plus a $15 charge for his "hotel room." Diesel is definitely becoming a high-maintenance dog. Any kind tips for the poor, and getting poorer, owner? 

Cat Tales

Oct. 24, 11:45 a.m. — A good Samaritan living on Bridgeport Avenue discovered a one-eared black cat newly injured by a dog on Walnut Street in Monroe. He immediately took the animal to the VCA Shoreline Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center in Shelton. The Center notified Animal Control that a Monroe pet was at the hospital. 

The next morning the cat's owner from William Henry Drive reported her missing and was told she was at the hospital. Pet and owner were reunited. 

Oct. 25, 11:52 p.m. — Another Samaritan on Chalk Hill Road reported taking in a black cat with green eyes. It's been coming into their yard for nearly three weeks. They have put up posters in the area attempting to find its owner. No black cats have recently been reported lost. If it's yours call Animal Control. 

Oct. 25, 4:39 p.m. — "Cali" has been reported missing from her Aspen Lane home in Trumbull. (See photo) She's a loving 10-year-old calico female with two ears, one brown and one black. If you see her, call her owner or Animal Control.

Other Domestics

Oct. 19, 1:41 p.m. — A stray brown lab retriever was reported dragging a leash in the yard of a Sentry Hill Road resident. The animal had disappeared by the time officers responded.

Oct. 20, 12:19 — A resident reported a stray dog in the road. Before Animal Control arrived, she had found the Turkey Roost Road owner (at the same address as Diesel) and returned the canine. Both parties agreed that no police action was necessary.

Oct. 21, 5:11 p.m. — A homeowner on Quarter Horse Dr. reported a dog's chronic barking over on Bridle Path terrace. The complaint is being investigated. 

Fifteen minutes later owners on Settlers Farm Road reported their small tan dog missing. They called back shortly to say that they had found their pet. 

Oct. 22, 2:09 p.m. — A small brown dog with a pink collar and Monroe license tag was found by a Wells Road resident. It was picked up and returned to its owner with a verbal warning.

Oct. 23, 2:18 p.m. — A gold mix breed dog was found in the yard by a Hiram Hill Road resident. After reporting the stray to Animal Control the owner was located. No police action was taken.

On the Wild Side 

Oct. 21, 8:27 a.m. — One of Monroe's resident  bobcats was sighted at 248 Pepper Street, north of Cutlers Farm Road.

Oct. 26, 8:22 a.m. — Animal Control rescued a raccoon from a garbage container at 250 Old Newtown Road. It was released into the woods. 

Last week deer were hit and killed by motor vehicles at Walnut Street and Osborn Lane;  404 Elm St.; 397 Elm St.; Cutlers Farm Road and Sheep Meadow Drive; and at 331 Cross Hill Road between Milo and Doris Drives.

Sick or injured raccoons were sighted at 414 Pepper St. and 6 Jans Court.

Trick or Treat 

It’s a dangerous time of year for pets, says Animal Control Officer Ed Risko. While a costumed Fido or Fluffy may look adorable they may be suffering from too tight or uncomfortable belts, collars and strings. Make sure they're comfortable, aren't choking and don't eat the costume.

He advises residents to make sure costumes are fire retardant and to keep pets away from lit pumpkins and candles. Residents taking their pets out Trick or Treating in the dark, should use a leash and put light sticks or reflective tape on the costume just as you would for a child. Also, owners should not let their pets eat the candy. Chocolate is toxic to many animals, especially dogs. 

Saturday is Mischief Night. Bring outdoor pets inside. Pranks could include letting the dog out of the yard or painting the cat purple.

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 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.