A Hawk, A Dove and A Little Lost Kitten: Latest from Arlington Animal Control

The following are the latest animal control reports from the Animal Welfare League of Arlington. For more information, visit www.awla.org.

Friday, Dec. 6, 2600 block of South Arlington Mill Drive: A passerby came to the league to report a raccoon behaving strangely on the bike path just across the street from the shelter.  An Animal Control Officer responded and saw the raccoon digging in the dirt off the bike trail.  When she approached the animal, it ran away. The officer observed the raccoon for a few minutes, determined its behavior to be normal, and left the animal in the area.

Saturday, Dec. 7, 2650 South Arlington Mill Drive: A white domestic dove, which is being cared for at the shelter because of its owner’s emergency hospitalization, was being housed in a cage on an Animal Control Officer’s desk next to a large window. Suddenly, a large hawk smashed into the outside of the window in what was probably an attempt to catch the dove.  The hawk fell to the ground, but quickly flew into a nearby tree. It did not appear injured and took off shortly thereafter. The officer moved the dove’s cage farther away from the window.

Monday, Dec. 9, 1100 block of North Stuart Street: An Arlington resident called for help with a cat that she discovered under the seat in her car. She did not know how the cat got in, but had been parked in a garage in Springfield the night before with one window down. An Animal Control Officer found a friendly, 3-month-old kitten hiding under the seat. She brought the kitten back to the shelter to be held for a five-day stray period. If the kitten is not reclaimed, she will be spayed and made available for adoption.

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According to the Animal Welfare League of Arlington website: Animal Control officers are charged with the enforcement of all state and local laws regarding the welfare, care and control of animals. While such officers have the authority to issue citations, their primary focus is working with residents to help them provide better care. To report an emergency at any time, call 703-931-9241.