Animal Reports: Two Pets Hit By Motor Vehicles

Two dogs were struck by motor vehicles this week. Both were injured and rushed to veterinarians. One, sadly, died. In both cases the drivers stopped and reported the accident as required by law.

The first incident was reported Nov. 3 at 7:20 p.m. by a tearful owner who had just relocated from Hiram Hill Road to a new apartment on Elm Street. When the pup got out, he most likely became confused in the dark in his new surroundings. He was hit crossing the road. Though rushed to emergency care, he didn't make it. No charges were filed.

According to animal experts, it's important to keep pets inside and leashed even out in the yard after a move. Animals need several days to a week to realize they belong in their new location.

The second incident was reported Nov. 5 at 9:53 a.m. by the driver, a resident of Gray Street. He accidentally hit a large black dog at 86 Pepper St. The owner came out, retrieved the injured animal and took him to a veterinarian. The driver was issued verbal warning.

Mistaken Identity

When is a fox not a fox? When it's an opossum. A Monroe resident called to report a dead fox in the road. When Animal Control arrived to retrieve the carcass, instead of a bushy-tailed carnivore, they found a rat-tailed marsupial. He wasn't playing opossum. He was an opossum. And quite dead. For a species comparison, see photos.

Nov. 9, a Wintergreen Drive resident spotted and reported two white German Shepherd Dogs running loose. A paper-trail investigation (all computerized) led to two white dogs, the possible suspects, but they were … Alaskan huskies. For a breed comparison see photos.

Animal Control officers prefer sightings described by color, markings, size, and length of hair unless the eyewitness is a "dog person" and knows all the breeds. 

Sounds in the Night

Nov. 3, a Highfield Drive resident reported raccoons or "something" under the floor in his house. He’s heard the noises and bumps in the night on several occasions. The floor of his home is the ceiling of the garage.

Animal Control investigated, but could find no point of entry for any animal. It was recommended that the homeowner, if he continues to hear the noises at night, hire a plumber to dismantle the ceiling and check the straps holding the pipes, or hire a Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator if he's sure animals are in the floors.

Nov. 8, a Patmar Circle resident reported hearing coyotes for several nights with the rising of a full moon. According to Officer Ed Risko, it's normal fall activity. And, the hunting is easier by moonlight. Better keep small dogs and cats inside at night. 

Long Distance Call for Help

The reputation of Monroe’s Animal Control Guru is spreading wide and far. A call came in Nov. 3 from South Salem, N.Y, after a homeowner there received several recommendations to "call Ed Risko, who knows about trapping."

The desperate New Yorker needed help trapping a stray dog running around town. The animal is a Bull Mastiff, which means it could be the size of a small cow or a very big goat. No one in South Salem and surrounding towns has a cage big enough for this one, nor knows how to trap him.

Risko provided the caller with instructions for building a large live trap from plywood, one that would not injure the animal. He reviewed trapping tips, bait stations and camera placement. Animal Control officers are awaiting word of the outcome.

A False Accusation

Nov.3, at 3:38 p.m., a Birchwood Lane mother reported that a pair of dogs in the street "went after" her children. Animal Control responded and tracked the Dalmatian and terrier to their home across the way. An investigation revealed that the animals were friendly, showed no aggression and most likely only wanted to play with the kids playing in the street. The dogs' quick approach was misinterpreted. No threat to the children was ascertained. The owner was issued a Complaint Advisory Notice. 

More Dog Tales

Stray dogs were reported near 440 Hammertown Road; 16 Harvester Road; and, an Old English Sheepdog, at Cutlers Farm Road and East Dale Drive.

Owners of a loose German Shepherd Dog reported wandering at Hawthorne Drive and Fan Hill Road were issued a Complaint Advisory Notice.

A pure bred boxer was picked up at High Ridge Road and Richards Drive. Two hours later the Bob White Terrace owner reported him lost. The pup was retrieved after the mandatory fees were paid.

A Spring Hill Road homeowner complained of a barking dog. A neighbor, owner of the allegedly guilty party, was issued a Complaint Advisory Notice.

Casualties

Two cats died this week. One, feral, was found under a homeowner's shed. The other a domestic shorthair, black and white "Tuxedo" female, was killed by a motor vehicle on East Village Road at the Block Farm Road intersection near Webb Circle East.

A deer was hit and killed at 115 Old Newtown Road. Another was hit at 472 Pepper Street, but escaped into the woods.

Oops! Correction

A few weeks ago, it was reported that Animal Control badly needed a small, dormitory type fridge. The office does need a refrigerator badly to hold medicines and specimens, but a full-size one. Any resident who wishes to donate an old or no longer used fridge that still runs can call Officer Risko.

Thank you

A Hawley Lane resident donated a stack of used towels this week. The items are used to sop up and clean out the kennels and cages. 

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.