Animal Reports: A Bat in the Bedroom, an Animal in the Attic

It's been a tough week for Monroe wildlife and pets. Early nightfall, icy roads and drivers rushing to get home are a recipe for tragedy. 

Jan. 18, 7:01 p.m. — A Merlin Avenue resident reported a deer hit by a motor vehicle in the 400 block of Fan Hill Road. When arrived the deer could not be located or tracked.

An hour later a pup on the loose was hit at 652 Monroe Turnpike. The driver didn't stop or report hitting the dog. Others did, and Animal Control found its body alongside the curb. It was a licensed pet.

The owner was notified. The dog had no record of complaints against it. It simply had left its home and gone on a romp. The owner picked up her pet's body from the Animal Control facility to take it home one last time.

Jan. 19, 9 a.m. — A good neighbor on Cutlers Farm Road reported holding a stray dog. Animal Control picked up the animal. Research showed that it was validly licensed and vaccinated. The owner was notified. The pup was later redeemed for a $15 fee and a written warning for Roaming.

9:15 a.m. — A Stonehedge Lane resident reported her gray and white cat with black stripes missing. If you see the feline (see photo) call Animal Control. Unless it's been taken in or picked up and transported, it will usually be within 20 houses of its home in any direction. 

12:34 p.m. — A Maryanne Drive resident reported a bat in her bedroom. Her family had been exposed to the creature. Animal Control caught and removed the insect-eater and sent a specimen to the State Lab in Hartford for rabies testing. The test came back negative saving the family from post exposure treatment. 

7:32 p.m. — An Elliott Road resident reported an sick raccoon in the roadway at 650 Main St. By the time an officer made it to the scene, it had been hit and killed by another motorist. The carcass was collected.

7:48 p.m. — A worried Easton owner reported her West Highland Terrier missing (See photo). If you see "Westie" Call Animal Control. 

Jan. 20, 10:20 p.m. — A Shady Lane neighbor reported suspected cruelty. A dog in the neighborhood could be heard barking incessantly. Officers could not locate the canine and the case is still open.

Jan. 21, 3 a.m. — An injured deer was reported in the roadway on Moose Hill Road at the Trumbull Town line. Officers were unable to locate it.

9:46 a.m. — A call came in from Animal Control in Trumbull reporting that it was holding a beagle mix wearing a Monroe license. The pup had been picked up on Tashua Road in Trumbull. A Monroe officer contacted the owner of "Painter," informing her of his whereabouts. He was later retrieved in Trumbull.

9:05 p.m. — A Wheeler Road resident reported a deer hit by a motor vehicle on Walnut Street in Shelton. Shelton police were notified. 

Jan. 23, 10:50 a.m. — A Knorr Road resident reported an animal in the attic of her home. She heard it and found where it was tearing up insulation, but she had yet to see what it was.

Animal Control advised her to contact a licensed and insured Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator (NWCO)  to investigate, determine the type of animal, entry point, removal, exclusion (repair of the opening) and cleanup (removal of fecal/urine) as needed. 

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.