Animal Reports: Who Let the Dogs Out?

Monroe's masked bandits are alive and well, foraging for food for their young and seeking warm, safe havens for the on-coming winter season. If you don't see the culprits in action, you might find clues that they were at the crime scene in their distinctive tracks. (See photos)

Last week a homeowner reported raccoons on the roof of his residence. If they had stayed around they could have done real damage by chewing their way into the attic. They den in attics, chimneys, sheds and barns. And they’re noisy when lumbering around an attic. They grunt, growl and churr-churr, while the young chitter like birds.

Oct 1, 2:31 p.m. — CVS, 535 Monroe Turnpike, reported a raccoon burglarizing the dumpster. By the time Animal Control arrived the alleged thief had fled.

Oct.4. 9:43 a.m. — Dunkin Donuts, 447 Monroe Turnpike, reported a dumpster robbery in progress. Animal Control responded and discovered four raccoons trapped inside. Having lifted the lids, squirmed through the skinny opening, and dropped down inside, they were now unable to climb out after spending the night feasting on jelly donut rejects. 

Animal Control officers covered an old swimming pool ladder with chicken wire and carefully lowered it inside. Then they retreated to their truck and watched. The masked bandits soon emerged and scattered back into the woods. Rescue and release completed. 

Oct. 5, an early morning call came in from Dunkin Donuts, 447 Monroe Turnpike. Raccoons again. This time Animal Control officers found two raccoons cuddled up fast asleep at the bottom of the dumpster. Lowering the wired ladder, they again helped the trapped animals escape. Raccoons are protected furbearing animals.

Dog tales 

Sept. 28, 8:11 a.m. — A homeowner on Quarter Horse Drive, tired of the barking dog left outside all day, finally filed a complaint against its master on Bridle Path Terrace. Disturbing the peace wasn't the fault of the black mix canine, rather of an unaware owner. 

At 1:23 p.m. — A Surrey Lane Homeowner reported  two dogs out and running along Purdy Hill Road and Church Street, one black and one white. Recognizing the dogs, Animal Control issued a Complaint Advisory Notice. 

At 3:55 p.m. — A concerned driver reported a German Shepherd Dog standing in the road on Route 34 and Johnny Appleseed Road in Newtown. The report was forwarded to Newtown Animal Control.

Sept. 29, 2:49 p.m. — A resident on Old Zoar Road reported a stray light brown dog in the yard wearing a 2010 Monroe license tag. Animal Control was able to quickly identify and notify the owner. A verbal warning was issued.

At 4:33 p.m. — A stray poodle was reported on Wheeler Road just north of Route 110. When Animal Control arrived they were unable to locate the dog. 

A few minutes later, at 4:45 p.m., an older yellow lab retriever was spotted roaming on Holly Place. The dog made its way home before Animal Control arrived. 

Sept. 30, 2:03 p.m. — Easton Animal Control reported they were holding a stray yellow lab retriever wearing a blue electric fence collar. It was found near the Monroe town line.

At 5:23 p.m. — A Patmar Drive resident reported two stray dogs, a black lab and a brown one, in her yard. She called back minutes later to report that the owner had been located.

Oct. 1, 11:09 a.m. — A Webb Circle resident reported finding a stray, a German shorthair pointer with collar and Monroe license tag, the night before at Route 34 and Roosevelt Drive. Animal Control impounded the dog and located the owner, who picked it up after paying the required fees.

At 8:39 p.m. — A barking dog complaint was lodged against a Walnut Street owner. He was given a verbal warning. 

Oct. 2, 11:57 p.m. — Owners reported their cocker spaniel missing for a brief, panicky time at Lorraine Drive and Diane Road. The pup was found.  

Oct. 3, 8:45 p.m. — A stray dog was picked up on White Plains Road and impounded by Trumbull Animal Control. It wore a Monroe License Tag. Monroe Animal Control located the owner, who had moved to Stratford.  Trumbull redeemed the dog to its owner. The pup may have been trying to get back to its old home in Monroe. 

Oct. 4, 1:25 p.m. — A White stray dog was reported at the Masuk High School intersection on Route 111. The owner was located and given a Complaint Advisory Notice. 

Two other dogs were reported roaming, a brown boxer near 1014 Monroe Turnpike and a black dog on Moose Hill Road. They could not be located. 

Wildlife Sightings

No animals were reported killed by motor vehicles this week. There were three reported fox sightings: Pinto Lane, Beech Tree Lane and Cross Hill Road at Route 111. Fisher cat activity was sighted up on Marlin Road in Newtown.

Lost 

A Hammertown Road resident is looking for her lost Siamese cat. The kitty was last seen west of Wheeler Road and Josies Ring Road. Call Animal Control if you have found the feline. Siamese cats are taupe or light brown with black stockings and facial markings. (See photos)

A Hawthorne Drive owner is looking for her Calico cat, a domestic short hair, five-years old, female and spayed. She was last seen near the intersection of Hawthorne and Fan Hill Road. A "Calico" is white with black and tan markings which vary widely cat to cat. Call Animal Control if you have seen her.

Thank you

A thoughtful resident from Old Highway Road dropped off a sack of dry kibble and half-a-dozen cans of dog food at Animal Control this week. The donation is appreciated.

Carriers, bird cages, pet toys and terrariums are still needed. The Monroe Animal Control office and pound is located in the school bus yard at 447 Purdy Hill Road. It's the small, red building to the left and open to the public seven days a week, 8:30 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. In an emergency call 911.