After reading and listening to the many theories and opinions regarding the deceased dog that was found in Turner on Aug. 12, I wanted to provide some information and facts that might help your readers sort through the event as it occurred. Many of the comments I have read are speculative and demonstrate that there is little public awareness about the actual progression of what transpired.

The Warden Service did indeed receive and handle the call for service regarding this dead dog. On Sunday, Aug. 13, Warden Rick Stone responded to a call for service via the State Police in Gray. Warden Stone promptly called the complainant. The caller advised Warden Stone a dog-like animal had chased her cat around and, after being struck by a car, was lying in a field dead. She asked to have it removed.

Warden Stone inquired about the species of the animal. The caller stated that she was sure it was not a fisher but also stated that she had limited outdoor experience. Warden Stone asked her if she had the Internet. She advised she did. After hearing the verbal description of the animal and thinking it might be a wild animal or a dog, Warden Stone asked the caller if she would research the following species: coyote, red fox, gray fox and fisher.

Warden Stone explained that if it is a wild animal that got hit by a car it could be removed by anyone and discarded. He further explained if it was not one of the four species above, or a dog, that she should call Warden Stone back and he would respond to look at it.

The complainant was very agreeable and cooperative with this suggestion. She even stated that, with gasoline at $3 per gallon, that this made sense.

Warden Stone was off for several days following this call for service. When Warden Stone returned to duty, he promptly checked with the State Police dispatcher – which operates 24 hours per day, seven days per week – to see if the complainant had called back. He was advised she had not. After his conversation with the caller, he reasonably concluded that the matter had been resolved.

Based on: Warden Stone’s report of this incident, his recognition of the fact that he may indeed have to travel to evaluate the animal further and his willingness to do so, the agreeable manner he was attempting to provide service to the caller, the understanding that he must prioritize his work (game wardens received and handled approximately 15,000 calls for service last year), and the fact that she did not call back; it is my assessment that he handled this call for service in a manner that is consistent with accepted bureau practices and what is expected behavior from a game warden for dealing with a call of this nature.

Following the concern expressed over the identity of the deceased dog, Maine Wildlife Biologist Scott Lindsay reviewed the incident and concluded that the animal was indeed a dog and that trauma caused the animal’s features to be distorted.

We’ve concluded that the animal was a dog and not a wolverine or anything else for that matter. We realize that some individuals will continue to take issue with how we handle this incident, but are hopeful that a majority of the public will understand why we responded in this fashion given the circumstances.

Col. Thomas Santaguida, Warden Service, Augusta