Middlebury Mourns Local Animal Control Officer; Flags Lowered To Half-Staff In His Honor

MIDDLEBURY, CT — The town's long-time animal control officer is being remembered fondly after he unexpectedly passed away on Sunday.

First Selectwoman Jennifer Mahr on Monday announced Oreste "Rusty" Bona's death on Facebook.

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Mahr authorized town flags to be flown at half-staff in his honor.

According to Mahr, Bona was hired as animal control officer in January of 2004, and he became well-known in the community in the years since.

"Rusty has been a fixture of our community, known and loved for his passion and care for all animals," Mahr said.

Bona was "deeply connected" to both the local police and volunteer fire departments, she said.

"On behalf of the Town of Middlebury, I offer my deepest condolences to his wife, family, and friends," Mahr said. "I am grateful for his service to his country and his town, and he will be deeply missed."

Bona made headlines over the years for his efforts to help animals, including for his rescue of an endangered goshawk.

Over the years, Bona was involved in helping hundreds of animals, from cats and dogs to fawns and owls.

"My personal Rusty story involves me door knocking during my campaign for First Selectman last fall," Mahr said. "It was later in the day, probably about 5:30 or 6 p.m. in October 2025, and I was in a neighborhood where he had just seen a bear walking. He was concerned that I was out by myself and gave me a can of bear spray that I still have in the door of my car."

"He was always out and about in town at all hours of the day, and there wasn't an animal that he wouldn't try to help if possible," Mahr said. "Many pets are safely back home because of him."

Woodbury Connecticut Animal Control posted on Facebook about Bona's passing.

"Rusty was a wonderful Animal Control Officer who truly cared about every animal and every person he encountered," the post states. "In this profession, neighboring towns rely on one another, and we'd often meet at the border to lend a hand and help each other out whenever needed. Those moments are a reminder that while we may wear different patches, we're all part of the same family."

"Rusty's smile, kind heart, and wonderful demeanor will be beyond missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him," the post said.

On Sunday, Middlebury police said they responded to the scene after a man was discovered deceased in a vehicle, and they are working with the Connecticut State Police. A spokesperson for the Connecticut State Police said Monday the untimely death is still an active investigation.

Read more:

Endangered Hawk Rescued by Middlebury Animal Control Officer: Report

Man Found Dead In Middlebury, Investigation Underway: Police