Millis/Medway Animal Control

05/30/2026

Today, ACO Ward responded to a call for a merganser that had found her way into a resident’s chimney.

Wood ducks and mergansers are unique among waterfowl because they are natural cavity nesters, relying on hollow trees and other natural openings to raise their young. Unfortunately, chimneys can sometimes be mistaken for these safe nesting cavities, leading ducks to become trapped inside.

Thankfully, this beautiful female merganser was safely removed by ACO Ward and released back outdoors where she belongs.

If you hear unusual sounds coming from your chimney during the spring and early summer months, it’s possible a bird or other wildlife has mistaken it for a nesting site. Having a properly installed chimney cap can help prevent wildlife from entering while still allowing your chimney to function properly.

Great job by ACO Ward for helping this pretty girl get back to the wild safely!

05/30/2026

Update…Moose has been found.

Moose, an indoor cat, has gone missing from the Lovering Street area in Medway. As an indoor cat, Moose may be scared, hiding nearby, and unfamiliar with being outside.

If you live in the area, please check under decks, porches, sheds, bushes, and other small hiding spots. Many indoor cats do not travel far from home when they get outside.

If you see Moose please contact our office.

05/29/2026

From Police Chief Bill McGrath:

UPDATE/CORRECTION: All you experts in the comments section are correct! She’s pregnant and currently at the Veterinarian’s office ready to go.

Anyone recognize this poor girl? Emaciated, covered in f***s and urine, recently had puppies, dumped at the Wrentham dog park, found at 4:30 this morning, picked up by patrol officers. WE WOULD JUST LOVE TO SPEAK WITH HER “OWNER” !!!

Call 508-384-2121

05/28/2026

It’s that time of year again when turtles are on the move looking for places to lay their eggs. You may see them crossing roads, parking lots, and neighborhoods as they travel to sandy or soft soil areas. Please use extra caution while driving, especially near wetlands and ponds.

If you see a turtle crossing the road and it is safe to help:
• Always move the turtle in the direction it was already heading
• Pick it up gently by the sides of the shell
• Keep fingers away from snapping turtles — they have very long necks and powerful bites
• For large snapping turtles, you can carefully guide them with a shovel, board, or by gently sliding them onto a towel or mat
• Never relocate a turtle far away from where it was found. Turtles know their home territory and relocating them can be deadly

Please remember: you do not need to call your Animal Control Officer or local police department for a turtle crossing the road. Chances are by the time we arrive, the turtle has already safely crossed and continued on its journey. The best thing you can do is slow down, give them space, and assist only if it is safe to do so.

Every turtle matters — many species take years to mature and every nesting female plays an important role in the population. A few extra moments of patience can help protect our local wildlife.

05/23/2026

05/22/2026

Update…Josie has been found! She was found by a kind neighbor after seeing the post.

Josie, pictured here with her mom, is currently missing from the Pond St area near Mahan Circle in Medway.

If you see her or have any information on her whereabouts, please contact our office so we can help get her home safely.

05/22/2026

Update…owner has been located.

Unfortunately, this morning Animal Control responded to the Summer/Adams St area for a deceased cat. The cat is a brownish-gray tabby with a white bib and white paws and was wearing an Apple AirTag collar.

If you believe this may be your cat, please contact our office.

05/22/2026

This is the time of year when many people begin finding baby birds on the ground and it can be difficult to know when they truly need help.

If you find a nestling (little to no feathers, unable to hop or perch) that has fallen from the nest, the best thing to do is try to place the baby back in the nest if it is safe to do so. Contrary to popular belief, the parents will NOT reject their babies because of human scent. If the original nest is damaged or inaccessible, a small make shift nest can be secured nearby in the exact area so the parents can continue caring for them.

If you find a fledgling (mostly feathered, hopping around, learning to fly), this is usually completely normal behavior. Mom and dad are often close by watching and feeding them. Unless the bird is injured or in immediate danger, it is best to leave them alone and keep pets away from the area.

Yesterday ACO Mallette responded to assist with these baby birds after they repeatedly fell from the nest. Mom had chosen a great nesting location, but unfortunately the babies could not stay secure. A make shift nest was carefully placed in the exact location so mom could continue tending to and feeding her babies safely.

Remember, not every baby bird on the ground needs to be rescued. Sometimes the best help we can provide is simply giving wildlife the opportunity to continue raising their young naturally.

05/19/2026

Today ACO Mallette and Norfolk ACO Cohen had the opportunity to speak with the students in the Environmental Science program at the Norfolk County Agricultural High School. We discussed our roles as Animal Control Officers and how our work pertains to wildlife and public safety.

It was a great time speaking with and interacting with the students, and we appreciate the invitation. We wish them all the best in their future endeavors!

05/13/2026

Large animal rescue equipment is a critical resource for our area. From horses stuck in mud or ditches to injured animals needing safe emergency removal, having the proper equipment can make all the difference for both animal and responder safety. These situations require specialized tools and training to ensure rescues are done quickly, safely, and humanely.

Thanks to Nora and the generosity of donors, our community will soon have access to this much-needed horse rescue equipment. This is a huge step forward for emergency preparedness and animal welfare in our region. Job well done by all!

G