Focus On Cumberland County Animal Safety volunteers donated a doghouse to Monterey Police Department, as department reunites owners and pets
Police Chief John Mackie said FOCCAS reached out to the department as the town recognized an uptick in escaped dogs needing temporary care. Mackie said the department has assisted with several stray dogs around town this month. Mackie said the police department aims to find the owners of these pets and reconnect the two.
“Most of the dogs that we do get are owned by a family member that has just got away from that family member, and they’re just needing to be caught so they can get to it and be able to take it back home with them,” Mackie said.
Mackie said many of those who assisted the department with donations were Putnam volunteers. Mackie said this was a community effort, as a local business donated a bale of straw for the doghouse. Mackie said others have donated dog food and offered to buy food bowls for the department.
“It’s just citizens wanting to help out that live around the county,” Mackie said.
Mackie said the doghouse and the straw are necessary additions, as they keep the dogs from laying on the ground. Mackie said the straw helps keep the dogs warm through the winter months.
“So now the K-9s have a warm bed to sleep in and have at least a meal before they go back home,” Mackie said.
Mackie said the department will keep a dog all day while it tries to find the owner. Mackie said if the department does not hold these dogs, they are transported to the pound. Mackie said these donations will help the dogs stay at the station longer, bettering their chances of going home.
Mackie said he encourages residents of Monterey to call the station if they have lost a pet. Mackie said he would rather rule out all possible owners than take a dog to the pound.