A pack of wild dogs has wreaked havoc on the community of Scotland Neck, North Carolina, for nearly two years. Initially consisting of around eight dogs, these animals have been a source of concern for residents as they rummage through trash, damage abandoned properties, and attack pets. Authorities have identified these dogs as abandoned pets that adapted to life in the wild. The Scotland Neck Police Department, in collaboration with Halifax County Animal Control, has been actively tracking the dogs to mitigate the threat they pose.
The authorities have set traps throughout the town to capture the rogue dogs. As of Monday afternoon, police estimate that only about three dogs remain from the original pack. The alpha dog, a "highly aggressive" pit mix with a history of killing small animals, was captured at approximately 1 p.m. on Monday. A second dog was captured using a tranquilizer rifle about an hour and a half later.
"These are wire cages with doors that fall when the dog enters the cage," explained Parker from the Scotland Neck Police Department.
Parker further detailed the trapping process:
"These traps are placed in an area where the dogs frequent and use bait such as food to attract them. The traps are checked frequently to avoid distress to the animals."
The pack's presence has been particularly troubling for residents who have lost many cats, chickens, and small pets to these wild dogs. The community's concern prompted authorities in Scotland Neck to announce plans to tranquilize the remaining dogs on Sunday. Police encourage residents who spot the dogs to contact 252-583-6651 or 252-583-1991 immediately. In the event of an active attack, residents should call 911.
“The reality is that many cats, chickens, and small pets have been lost to these dogs," Parker stated, acknowledging the community's distress over the situation.
Efforts to control the wild dog population have seen some success, with two other dogs captured about a month ago. Authorities hope that capturing the alpha dog will diminish the pack's threat and make it easier to capture the remaining members.
“The remaining dogs shouldn't be too much trouble going forward, but they still need to be taken out of the town,” Parker assured.
Leave a Reply