Brooklyn (male/left) & Lulu (female/right)

We have been called, emailed and we bump into concerned citizens nearly every time they see our orange and white Majestic car in the area (which is pretty frequently since our vet office is right up the street in Noank). When people express their concerns that the village ducks aren't being cared for properly, we reply:

"Majestic Waterfowl Sanctuary has no authority in this situation, but local Animal Control Officers do. If you have a concern about the care of the village ducks, please contact someone with the authority to help--especially if you frequent the village or are a Mystic resident. And then, follow up on your inquiry to confirm that it's been handled to your satisfaction."

Stonington Animal Control (handling Mystic, CT):

Phone #: 860-599-4411

Full Time ACO:  Keri Bush

Part Time ACO:  Tanya Wescovich

Connecticut law defines “animals” as all brute creatures and birds.  CGS 53-247(a), as amended by PA 12-86, prohibits people from overdriving, overloading, overworking, torturing, depriving of substance, mutilating, cruelly beating or killing, or unjustifiably injuring any animal.  If impounding or confining an animal, it prohibits:

• Failing to provide it proper care
• Neglecting to cage or restrain it from injuring itself or another animal
• Failing to supply it with wholesome air, food and water

The statute also bans unjustifiably administering or exposing a domestic animal to any poisonous or noxious drug or substance intending that the animal will take it. Individuals in custody of an animal may not act cruelly to it; fail to provide it with proper food, drink or shelter, abandon it; or carry or cause it to be carried in a cruel manner.  Fighting with or baiting, harassing, or worrying an animal to make it perform for amusement, diversion, or exhibition is also prohibited. A first offense is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, imprisonment for up to one year, or both.  Each subsequent offence is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to five years, or both.

Under CGS 53-247(b), maliciously and intentionally maiming, mutilating, torturing, wounding, or killing an animal is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000, up to five years imprisonment, or both. 

Recognizing the Signs of Cruelty

Cruelty can take many different forms ranging from unintentional neglect due to lack of education and/or finances all the way up to and including premeditated cruelty like dog fighting. It is important to look at both pets and their environment to determine if abuse may be taking place.  Aggressive, timid and fearful behavior can occur for many reasons other than abuse.  A pet that is being actively treated for a medical condition may look unhealthy at the beginning of their recovery process.  The two lists below will help you determine if the pet(s) you’ve observed may be victims of cruelty or neglect.

Physical signs of abuse:

• Collar that is embedded in the pet’s neck or so tight it is causing a wound
• Open wounds, signs of multiple healed wounds, or a chronic injury or illness that isn’t being treated
• Untreated skin conditions that have caused loss of hair, scaly skin, bumps or rashes
• Flea, tick or other external parasite infestation of the fur
• Patches of bumpy, scaly skin rashes
• Signs of inadequate grooming; matted fur, overgrown nails, dirty coat
• Limping or the inability to walk or stand normally
• Extreme physical weakness
• Heavy discharge from eyes or nose
• Observed beating or other signs of physical abuse
• Visible signs of confusion or extreme drowsiness
• Pets are visibly emaciated
• Pets that cower and/or act aggressively to their owners and/or ALL people

Environmental signs of abuse:

• Pets that are kept outside (chained) for long periods of time without adequate food, water or shelter
• Pets that are regularly left alone for long periods of time without food or water
• Pets kept outside in inclement weather without access to adequate shelter
• Pets living conditions are constantly filthy and littered with feces, garbage, broken glass and other harmful objects
• Pets are kept in overcrowded cages/kennels
• Pets kept in cages/kennels that aren’t big enough to allow them to stand, turn around and make normal movements

Making A  Report

Witness information:

Provide your name, address and phone number when making the report.  This will help ensure that ACO has the initial information they need to proceed. In Connecticut, an ACO will not respond to complaints based on hearsay.  The eyewitness of the abuse must make the report.

Perpetrator information: 

Provide as accurate an identity of the perpetrator as possible. Include: name, address, phone number, physical description and if possible vehicle description/tag number, place of employment, known associates/co-perpetrators of the acts of cruelty.

What happened and how: 

Provide as many details as you possibly can of the incident and/or conditions you have observed.  Include descriptions of the animals and their conditions, any available written reports/documents verifying the conditions, any pertinent conversations you may have had with the perpetrator(s), and names of others who may have witnessed the incident/conditions along with you.  If possible, include photos and/or a video. Please, do not put yourself in danger or enter another person’s property without permission. Exercise great caution around unfamiliar animals who may be frightened or in pain.

When and where: 

Provide date, time and specific location of where the incident/conditions were observed. If you can take a photo of what you're witnessing, remember to do so.

Remember, your local ACO cannot do their job without community involvement. If you witness animal cruelty and neglect, make a report. Your action could make all the difference in the life of that animal.