Leashless Dogs Attack Distressed Osprey After Flight Mishap In Vernon, Rescue Group Says

VERNON, CT — A distressed osprey is being cared for by a raptor rescue group after being attacked by leash-less dogs following a mishap minutes earlier in Vernon, the organization said.

Ashford-based Horizon Wings Raptor Rehabilitation and Education was caring for the bird after the Monday incident. On Tuesday, the bird was transported to Tufts veterinary center because it was coughing up blood, Horizon Wings said.

An update is expected over the next two days about its condition.

According to Horizon Wings, a walker on Hockanum Boulevard near The Mansions apartment complex unintentionally startled the bird. The bird then took flight, but hit an industrial building in the confusion, the group said.

A pond is nearby that would be attractive to ospreys.

The walker called for assistance but, while watching the bird while waiting for a Horizon Wings volunteer to pick it up, along came someone with two unleashed dogs and the dogs proceeded to attack the bird, according to Horizon Wings.

The incident prompted a statement from the rescue organization.

"This certainly did not help this bird‘s condition," Horizon Wings said. "Please, if you cannot keep your off-leash dog under your control and keep it from attacking Wildlife, then keep it on leash."

It's also a critical time of the year, the organization said.

"It is baby season. Ground birds are nesting, soon deer will be having their fawns, and other Birds will be fledging," Horizon Wings said. "They are all open to predation from your out of control off leash dogs. Respect our wildlife, keep them safe and keep your dogs on a leash."

Horizon Wings said Vernon Animal Control is looking for the person involved, described possibly as a woman in her 30s with two "pit bull type" dogs — one white, one dark gray/black.