By Sarah Opdahl

It’s been five years since New Fairfield departed a regional animal control group, instead starting a Town-run department, and the service has proved time and again that it gives residents easier access and faster response times to call. For current New Fairfield Animal Control Officers, Lora Boynton and Tomas Kavaliauskas, the duties are split, with each taking their share of the 24/7 coverage for calls. They shared that every animal encounter is different based on wide-ranging situations, from helping stray or lost dogs find shelter to evaluating sick or injured wildlife and beyond. The pair also reflected that, though they appreciate the diversity of their positions, some situations they enter can be extremely difficult.

Lora and Tomas typically handle domestic animal calls, as wildlife falls under the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), but when they are on duty, they do answer calls about wildlife. The pair have a multitude of animal encounter stories and, in a snapshot of recent weeks, they shared four remarkable saves. First, with help from the volunteer group CT Dog Gone Recovery and private citizens, they rescued an eight-pound dog that was lost for eight days out in the woods, ultimately reuniting the dog with its owner. Next, the officers rescued a baby raccoon that had fallen from a roof and got wedged in between a building and a drain pipe, and they safely rescued and released a hawk that flew through a broken screen and got trapped in a screened-in porch. Finally, they were able to reunite an owner with their Quaker Parrot that was  missing for a few days. 

While the officers enjoy animals and every happy, feel-good encounter, the reality is that some situations are more difficult. “The toughest part is sometimes seeing things that are not pretty,” Lora said, adding, “We also prefer compliance to laws and ordinances because we don’t enjoy having to enforce them and when we do, it never feels good.”  All municipal pounds operate under the same rules and regulations the state sets combined with the Town’s ordinances. “Most people are understanding,” Lora observed, though there are situations that frustrate residents, for example, the officers cannot comment on open investigations or criminal cases. “We understand that people want immediate answers, but there is also a process we have to follow… some things are out of our control.”

First Selectman Melissa Lindsey praised the two for their work, saying, “We are so lucky to have both Lora and Tomas working together as a strong and enthusiastic team to support the needs of our Town.  They are doing an excellent job.  Since splitting the position into two positions, we have had increased coverage and improved response.” The two explained that they receive a large volume of calls each day regarding animals and animal complaints. They are always accessible “unless we are out on a call when someone reaches out and, even then, we will return calls as soon as we can.”

When Lora and Tomas started, they gave their building, located on Route 37, a heavy cleaning and “a mini makeover in order to make it homier for the animals that have to stay with us.” Donations poured in last year for flooring materials and installation for the entryway, plus pea gravel to establish a play area for the many dogs that cycle through. A washer and dryer were recently donated and installed in the pound as well. Lora and Tomas are hoping to have new flooring installed in their office and work room areas as well, plus the kennel floors and walls could use repainting. They would also love a large sign for the outside of their building “so people stop mistaking the shelter next door for Animal Control.” Donations are welcome!

 With dogs and a cat of their own in their respective homes, Tomas and Lora are both massive animal fans and are ready to embrace every adventure that comes their way. In the end, “We strive to do our best to keep the public and animals safe which is really our first priority,” Lora said, going on to say, “We will continue to work hard for  the residents of New Fairfield and the animals.”