Greenwich Animal Control Seeks Help Finding Owners of Anatolian Shepherds Found in Bruce Park

Greenwich Animal Control is looking for help identifying the owner of two dogs found in Bruce Park on Christmas morning.

According to Animal Control Officer Suzanne Ondreicka, the dogs, Anatolian Shepherds, appeared to have been abandoned.

Greenwich Police Dispatch detailed Ondreicka to Bruce Park for the two large dogs without their owners, no collars and no identification.

“I am always, skeptical when I get calls about roaming dogs at that location, as it has always been a hot spot for abandoned dogs,” she explained, adding that Animal Control also picked up a roaming pit bull type dog the day before Thanksgiving and no one has come looking for him.

Two Anatolian Shepherds believed to have been abandoned in Bruce Park on Christmas 2024. Photo: Greenwich Animal Control

“There is no excuse for abandoning your pets, driving them to a location setting them free and driving away. Especially on a holiday. That is just extra cruel!” Ondreicka said.

Ondreicka said owners should call for help, rather than ignoring behavioral or medical problems and waiting until the last minute.

There are Humane Societies and nonprofit organizations that can supply and stock pet food pantries for those in financial need. There are low-cost vaccines, spay & neuter clinics, and veterinary help, as well as trainers who can assist with behavioral problems.

“Dumping your dog or any pet is not the answer. There is no excuse for this, and it is illegal,” Ondreicka added.

Abandonment is illegal and a violation of Connecticut State Statue Animal Cruelty 53-247.

Two Anatolian Shepherds believed to have been abandoned in Bruce Park on Christmas 2024. Photo: Greenwich Animal Control

Two Anatolian Shepherds believed to have been abandoned in Bruce Park on Christmas 2024. Photo: Greenwich Animal Control

On Christmas, Officer Ondreicka drove through the park and spotted the two large dogs, who she recognized to be Anatolian Shepherds.

Anatolian Shepherds are a large livestock guardian dogs who hail from the countryside in Turkey. According to Spruce Pets, “These calm dogs were bred to protect their flocks—sheep, goats, or cattle—on their own, deterring any predators with their big bodies and loud barks.”

She said the dogs were dirty and appeared to have been outdoors for a while.

While both dogs were friendly and interested in people, they resisted being caught or leashed.

“Anatolian Shepherds are guardian dogs,” she added. “While many people were enjoying a morning walk with their dogs through Bruce Park on Christmas morning, these two dogs were left to fend for themselves against wildlife, cars – the park is near I-95 – as well as unfamiliar people and their dogs.”

Both dogs had initially been observed around 1:00am on Christmas morning. Greenwich Police Officers received two separate calls regarding the roaming dogs, but the dogs ran into the woods when police arrived.

Later in the morning, when ACO Ondreicka responded to the park, the dogs were unwilling to be caught and she called Dispatch for another unit to help corral them.

“The dogs exhibited some protective territorial behavior towards those passers-by who were walking their dogs in the area. The dogs charged at them with deep, loud threatening alert barks, but no one was injured,” she explained, adding that both dogs were eventually secured in two separate patrol cars, impounded and brought to Animal Control on North Street with the help of Captain John Slusarz and Officer Michael Limitone.

“Given the dog’s reaction to being leashed, they probably have never been leash walked, which is not uncommon for this type of breed – working dogs protecting their property,” Ondreicka said.

“Sadly, the rate of cases of Animal Cruelty has risen over the years both in this town and throughout the State of Connecticut,” Ondreicka said.

Officer Ondreicka said that with the addition of the two dogs found on Christmas, Animal Control has impounded a total of five Anatolian Shepherds since late September when three of them were abandoned at another location in Greenwich.

It is unclear whether the dogs came from the same property, owner or breeder, or blood lines. But, for now, Ondreicka said the two dogs found on Christmas morning are warm and safe at Animal Control.

Animal Control is asking the public for help in locating the owner of these dogs.

Any information can be reported to Animal Control or Greenwich Police.

Anyone with information can call Greenwich Animal Control at (203) 622-8299 or call Greenwich Police dispatch at (203) 622-8004.

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Duncan, a Rat Terrier & Jack Russell Terrier Mix Dog for adoption through Greenwich Animal Control.

In the meantime, Animal Control does have some dogs (and cats) available for adoption. Check out their PetFinder page where you can see Duncan, a Jack Russell Terrier mix who is 3-4 years old, neutered and up to date with vaccinations.

According to Animal Control, Duncan is a little bit fearful when he first meets people, but he warms up quickly. Once he knows you, he is very sweet and playful. Duncan would do well in a home with older kids, and possibly with another dog his size.

Greenwich Animal Control is located at 393 North Street in Greenwich, CT 06830. If you see a dog or cat you’re interested in, call ahead to make an appointment.