Alert — and grateful — “06880” reader Cia Marion writes:
Early the other morning, we discovered a huge 8-point stag lying in our woods. He appeared to be dead. However, as we cautiously approached, he moved slightly. We realized he was alive, but very incapacitated.
We waited to see if nature would take its course, but it became apparent that this terrified animal was suffering a slow and helpless death.
We left a detailed message with Westport Animal Control. A few minutes later Peter Reid, Westport’s assistant animal control officer, returned our call. He arrived shortly thereafter at our house.
Officer Reid confirmed that the deer could not be saved, so he contacted the Police Department for help. Within minutes, Officer John Margnelli pulled into our driveway, and humanely put the magnificent buck out of its misery.
Peter Reid in 2020, with an injured fawn.
Now the question remained what to do with the 300-pound body. Try to salvage what venison could be saved, or let our neighborhood coyotes and turkey vultures do their unpleasant but essential work as nature’s recyclers?
Fortunately, our neighbor Rob Sweetnam has a hunting friend with a truck. They wrestled this very heavy and unwieldy carcass out of the woods and into the vehicle.
We were very impressed throughout this experience with how competently, compassionately and professionally Officers Reid and Margnelli handled this unfortunate situation. We feel lucky to have such wonderful people working in our town.
And our hats are off to our neighbor Rob and his friend for their quick thinking and Yankee ingenuity in finding a way to remove the deer from the woods, so that some good use could come from its death.
Although the loss of this beautiful creature was quite sad, the response to our need for help was very uplifting. A sincere thank you to everyone involved!
(Do you know an Unsung Hero? Email dwoog@optonline.net)
Among the many things to be thankful for this season is the teamwork and care shown in this story. Thanks for sharing.
Had the buck been shot? If so, gun or bow and arrow? Or maybe hit by a car?
Richard, Happy Thanksgiving and write your last name. Dan requires it and I need it to put you in my WILL for 45 million!
Hi Jack, OK. LOL.
My friend (and Robs) who ended up with the deer discovered that he had been shot in the neck with an arrow. That shot could have taken place a mile(s) away. The good news is that the deer was properly butchered and in fact some of the venison was consumed last weekend.
Thanks for the info. I have heard that they can suffer from arrows. As evidenced by this story. – Sad!
Richard, We’ll connect later so my attorney can iron out the details of the 45 million with you.
Actually James, you’re in my WILL too, and you better not spend that entire 5 dollar bill I’m leaving you in one day!
James, You’re actually in my WILL too and you better not spend that 5 dollars I’m leaving you all in one day!
I needed to write it twice, James, because lately you’ve been a bad boy. I do have a connection with Santa too, so amend your 06880 ways!
James- you spelled it wrong! You’re antagonist!
Oops.. James…. you’re antagonistic.,
There aren’t two Peter Reeds; so today, let’s be thankful that our Animal control has the one that exists.
That Reid…:-(
Horrible that there is arrow hunting allowed. This is not the first nor will it be the last poor creature suffering terribly from a hunters arrow. Let’s stop this butchery now! I thought no hunting was allowed in Westport?!
Please spare me the story about how much meat there is ‘to feed the hungry’. This is cruel and inhumane!