The town of Smithtown Animal Control Officers (ACO) and the Smithtown Animal Shelter were stork raving busy, coming to the rescue of three fawns over a 36 hour period. Each fawn, or baby deer was recovered from imminent danger, given the necessary triage and taken in by the STAR Foundation where they will be nursed back to full health.
The first call came in after a commercial lawnmower did not notice the newborn fawn. The landscaper immediately called the Smithtown Animal Shelter to dispatch ACO’s to the scene. The Fawn was given IV fluids, and was taken to STAR Foundation for medical care. The second call came in from a concerned resident, who noticed that the fawn’s mother had not yet come back to care for the baby. Upon arrival, the baby appeared lifeless and was covered in maggots. The ACO’s worked quickly to hydrate the infant by bottle feeding. The baby promptly began to perk up. The fawn is now in the caring hands of the STAR Foundation. The third and final call for a fawn rescue came in when a mother dear gave birth too close to a pool. The fawn fell into the pool, severing the umbilical cord, which caused a hernia. The Smithtown ACO’s quickly wrapped the fawn’s wounds and cared for the baby until the STAR Foundation arrived to take the third fawn.
It’s Baby Season: Mother deer give birth in late May through June. The first three months are critical for survival and often based on the quality of habitat, hiding cover and food supply. Often, a mother will give birth in a heavily wooded area, however, large patches of un-mowed grasses or fields provide an ideal cover from predators and are surrounded with favorable food supply. Residents or property owners should use caution when mowing fields in the months of May and June.
All four of the Town of Smithtown ACO’s possess a number of veterinary, and wildlife rescue certifications, and are responsible for rescuing the various vertebrates indigenous to Long Island. If you notice a loose domestic or wild animal in distress, such as geese, owls, deer, or even a loose pig (yes, they’ve rescued them too) please contact the Smithtown Animal Shelter (631-360-7575) to dispatch the town’s very compassionate, and experienced Animal Control Officers. The Smithtown ACO’s are also responsible for the TNR (Trap, Neuter and Return) Feral Cat program which humanely manages the populations throughout the township.
About the STAR Foundation:
The STAR (Save The Animals Rescue) Foundation is non-profit volunteer based organization devoted to the rescue and welfare of domestic and wild animals. STAR foundation provides a safe haven for every injured or orphaned animal in need of medical care and rehabilitation throughout Long Island. The STAR Foundation returns as many healthy animals as possible to their natural habitat.
HOW YOU CAN HELP: The STAR Foundation is currently in need of resources such as Sod, food and hay. Additionally, the community can help with every Amazon purchase by adding STAR’s AMAZON SMILE registry to your profile. Monetary donations are always welcome and can be made securely online at SaveTheAnimalsRescue.org or by mail. Donations by mail should be sent to: STAR Foundation, PO Box 519, Middle Island, NY 11953.