Community Corner
No Room at The Inn for Greenwich's Strays
Town animal control facility at capacity, could mean difficult decisions.
“Baby Season” is right around the corner and is full to the brim. This week every cage is occupied. There are dogs, cats, kittens – even a friendly floppy-eared house bunny named Buttons. Mostly though, there are pit bull mixes.
Earlier this month, a McDonald’s franchise in Missouri ran a radio ad promoting the new Chicken McBites by suggesting trying them is not risky, but petting a stray pit bull is. The ad backfired once pit bull owners heard it. YouTube responses to the ad went viral and McDonald's issued an apology and pulled the ad. The brouhaha highlights the persistent myths and misunderstandings that hurt the chances for these smart, loyal creatures to be adopted.
A visit to Animal Control on North Street on Valentine’s Day coincided with feeding time. The dogs were barking with excitement in their cages. All the dogs are highly adoptable, but it was hard not to notice that some of the calmest dogs were the pit mixes, or “pibbles,” one of which was reported seen being released from a car on Weaver Street on a cold day. She even had her jacket on. But the owner drove away and could not be found despite Animal Control’s efforts.
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Then there is Sadie who resides in a crate in the front office. Calm and sweet, she was found with sutures still in her belly, most likely from her recent spaying. She bears a strong resemblance to the beloved, Petey from The Little Rascals.
Still not ready to take a pibble home? That’s fine. There are dogs of all shapes, breeds and sizes, most of which bear the signs of having been loved in the past.
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Let’s hope Animal Control can find homes for these dogs and cats in time for “Baby Season.” If no cages are available by spring, the Animal Control officers may have to make some tough choices.
Please contact Animal Control at (203) 622-8299 to arrange to meet the animals available for adoption. The facility, located at 393 North St., is open from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
To learn about pets available for adoption, visit: http://www.greenwichct.org/policedept/pdAnimalAdoption.asp and read Kerri Ann Hofer's Local Voices blog on animal control and related issues. Her most .
