Durham Animal Response Team - DART

01/13/2026

Last week we received a request to help a goat who was down in his outside pen and couldn’t get up. It started snowing and was imperative to get him inside. We were happy to help. As of last report he was doing better.

12/31/2025

We recently responded to Bethany to assist the Bethany Volunteer Fire Department with a “down cow”. It was a cold morning with ice in the barnyard, which affected his efforts to get up. Although he made a couple good attempts to stand, the hindlegs were too weak. We placed straps underneath for lifting. We also utilized a piece of equipment, a hip lifter, recently donated by Matt and Melissa Greenbacker Dzuirgot. Bethany Fire provided a loader to lift with. We were successful getting him up, but he couldn’t support himself. We transported him to a box stall. The veterinarian arrived as we were packing up. We later received a message that Clarence was standing on his own. Thanks to Bethany Volunteer Fire Department for all the support.

12/23/2025

As temperatures fluctuate this time of year with freezing overnight and thawing during the day, the ground can quickly become unstable. Ponds, low-lying wetlands, and areas with slow-moving water may not freeze evenly and ice strength can change quickly as temperatures rise and fall. What looks solid ground one day may be unsafe the next, particularly for larger animals.Areas that may look harmless can turn into deep, sticky mud and pose a serious risk for our large animals and livestock.

Just a friendly reminder to take a look around pastures, fields, and turnout areas. Low spots, wetlands, and muddy patches can become especially dangerous during freeze/thaw cycles.

A few simple preventative steps can help reduce risk:
-Temporarily blocking off access to muddy or soft areas
-Using temporary fencing, gates, or other visual barriers
-Redirecting animals to higher, more stable ground when possible

If an animal becomes stuck or you are concerned about a situation, the Durham Animal Response Team can be dispatched through emergency services by calling 911, or through your local police or fire department.

12/16/2025

Our team was dispatched today to assist with a horse fallen through ice on a pond in Oxford. An initial call to the fire chief on the scene made it clear that the team was working quickly to rescue the horse. Fortunately, as we gathered our large animal equipment and began to head out, Oxford Fire Department reached back out to let us know that the horse was out of the water and their veterinarian was on the scene. Excellent work by all involved, a happy ending.

A horse is "doing okay" after it fell through frozen water in Oxford and had to be rescued by local fire crews, according to Oxford Fire Chief Scott Pelletier. Read more in the story below.

12/10/2025

Last month we were requested by the State Police to respond to Old Indian Trail in Middlefield for roaming livestock. Upon arrival we found an elusive piglet. Escaped from the Middlesex Livestock Auction the night before. With the assistance of the State Police, Durham Town crew members and DART, we were able to safely apprehend him. He was returned and secured inside the auction house. Auction staff was notified, the owner contacted, who promptly picked up the wayward piglet. We were able to apprehend him due to a recent donation of nets by John Mitchell of Middlefield.

12/04/2025

In October we worked with Clinton ACO Ryan Sheehan to formulate a plan to capture the infamous Roaming Goats of Clinton also known as as The Golden Goats, Dorothy, Rose and Blanche. The goats had escaped and were living alongside Route 95. Earlier in the summer we loaned a trail cam to monitor the goat’s movements, feeding and health. Once we were comfortable with a routine ACO Sheehan and DART members spent a week constructing and perfecting a corral. A day was chosen and DART and ACO Sheehan along with assistance from Madison ACO Amendola and Regional ACO Fountain were able to safely contain, load and transport the girls back to their owner. Last report was they had adjusted to being home again.

12/02/2025

Today we responded to a MVA on Route 79 involving a horse trailer. The truck was drivable but not the trailer. With the owner, we unloaded the horses and loaded them into our trailer. They were on their way home to Durham and we were happy to help them finish their journey.

11/21/2025

Oct 4 we were contacted by an owner who lost his Hereford Bull out of his trailer on Jackson Hill Rd in Middlefield. DART, ACO Chowaniec and the State Police responded multiple times to try and keep him safe. ACO Chowaniec nicknamed him “Lil Red”. A shout out to Middlefield Volunteer Fire Company for the assist building a corral, and to property owner Nate Roden for allowing the use of his property. Exactly 1 week from the time he escaped he was apprehended. Within 2 hours he was loaded and once again headed out of town. Special Thanks to the numerous State Police officers that responded to calls as well as Middlefield ACO’s Chowaniec and Saucier and all of the public that reported sightings. You all worked together to keep Lil Red safe. Appreciate everyone’s efforts.

11/14/2025

D.A.R.T. Was excited to receive a very generous gift from Matt & Melissa Greenbacker Dzuirgot. We were honored to be able to assist them earlier this summer by transporting Dr. Pepper home from a show after a medical emergency. Matt & Melissa presented us with specialized equipment to assist cows in standing. Going forward it will be known as the “Dr. Pepper Hip Lifter”. Matt & Melissa, Thank You for contributing to our ability to assist animals throughout the state. Your donation is greatly appreciated.

10/28/2025

Come join DART and The Durham Fire Co for trick or treat on Halloween. We will be out front of the Firehouse.

10/25/2025

Had fun participating in the Trunk or Treat today.

08/05/2025

Come visit us and support community, connection, and safety at tonight's family-friendly event! Meet your local emergency responders, explore community resources, and enjoy food, games, music, and more.

🖍️We’ll have special DART themed coloring pages available at the event (sneak peek in the comments)! Whether you're 5 or 95, bring your creativity and be part of the colorful community spirit!