Efforts to Snare Dog Upset Some
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A free-spirited mother dog continued to elude both animal control officers and animal lovers this week.
The black-and-tan hound has been described both as beautiful and harmless and as aggressive and dangerous, depending on the source of the report.
As of Tuesday morning, Page, as the dog is known, appeared to be healthy and safe and still at large in Pinehurst. Residents who have glimpsed the dog say she does not appear to be injured despite a report that animal control officers shot her and wounded her in the neck earlier in the week.
"We will continue to make every effort to capture the dog without injuring her," said Al Carter, director of Animal Control, an agency of the Moore County Health Department.
However, the county's response to a complaint about the stray dog prompted a groundswell of complaints from animal lovers.
The Animal Center received a call Oct. 5 from a woman who reported "a barking and snapping dog" that ran toward her and her two children while they were walking near the FirstHealth Fitness Center in Pinehurst.
Carter said that his office received six separate complaints from five different individuals about "a stray dog creating a nuisance in the area, the last of which indicated that the animal had become aggressive."
The description is that of the same dog reported by the unidentified woman on Oct. 5.
Carter said that the dog birthed puppies about four months ago and three of the puppies have been captured and adopted out of the county Animal Center and other animal welfare agencies. No other puppies have been seen.
"Several previous attempts to humanely capture the animal were unsuccessful," said a news release from the Animal Center on Monday. "However, when the Animal Center learned of its aggressive nature, officials redoubled their efforts to remove the animal from the area. The Animal Center has a responsibility to protect the public from potentially harmful animals."
The day after the woman reported the dog incident to the county, Carter said that his officers again tried to tranquilize and/or trap the dog. When those efforts were unsuccessful, Carter gave permission for animal control officers "to field euthanize the animal if no other options were available." Carter conferred with the health director before issuing the order, according to the news release.
In a series of e-mails to The Pilot and to county officials, it appears that a group of concerned residents has been trying for eight months to rescue and rehabilitate Page.
"They have spent many hours attempting to gain the confidence of this dog which had given birth to four puppies," said Earle D. Hightower in an e-mail to The Pilot. "They succeeded in rescuing the puppies, but the mother is still very shy and unapproachable,"
Hightower said the volunteers' work "was ruined by Moore County Animal Control."
Yet another animal lover advised that she will provide a permanent home for Page if and when she can be captured.
An official of Animal Advocates of Moore County countered in another e-mail to The Pilot that the dog "was never injured, has never snapped and is not dangerous in any way shape or form."
The e-mail message was signed by Karen Richardson, director of canine behavior for Animal Advocates of Moore County. She added that "Officer Bryant Voss has been working with us and the community to effect a peaceful end to this ugly and totally out-of-control situation."
Hightower said the "underlying problem is a failure to enact a dog licensing ordinance that would generate badly needed income to Moore County while establishing control over dog breeding and ownership."
The Moore County Board of Commissioners did adopt a revised animal control ordinance last year, but provisions requiring leashes for all dogs were not included because of objections from several influential groups that raise or work dogs.
"Currently, hunters, farmers and irresponsible dog owners can have as many dogs as they want without limitation," Hightower added in his letter to The Pilot. "This leads to the abandonment and mistreatment of helpless animals creating problems and expenses for the Moore County government and its taxpayers."
Despite this criticism, Carter said his agency continues "to make every effort to humanely capture the animal and only use lethal force if no other option is available."
Carter said one of his officers spotted Page in the woods and fired only after determining that there was no way successfully to trap the dog.
Animal control officers are rarely unable to capture an animal presenting a public health threat, Carter said in a follow-up report. He said that animal control officers brought in 2,272 stray or abandoned dogs and cats last year.
"In four instances, we could not capture a dog presenting a public health threat and were forced to destroy the animal - which is the responsible thing to do," Carter said.
In addition, the public dropped off 2,573 animals, making a total of 4,809 animals in 2009. Of that number, 1,179 animals were adopted and another 209 were returned to owners.
"We urge you to please support your County Pet Responsibility Committee in their efforts to educate the public on the importance of spay/neuter," Carter said. "Please help us to dramatically reduce this distasteful, heart-wrenching task."
Contact Florence Gilkeson at florence@thepilot.com.
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Comments
mcguy1 2 years, 7 months ago
a stray bullet for a stray dog
suz 2 years, 7 months ago
It is very sad that Moore County residents are so irresponsible for their pets. If you adopt an animal or buy one you are responsible for that animal till the day it dies. If you can not afford to spay/neuter you should not be allowed to own a pet. If all pet owners did their part we would not have to "Put down" so many animals each year.
MLD206 2 years, 7 months ago
What is the authority of the animal control officers to use small caliber rifles to "field euthanize" animals, and does that extend to discharging that firearm in the city limits where there is an oridinance prohibiting it.
SANDHILLSK9 2 years, 7 months ago
@colesue READING AND UNDERSTANDING SAME IS CALLED MULTI TASKING. THIS DOG IS TRAPPED AND DRUGGED FOR THE LAST 4 YEARS. HERE YOU TRY TO SAVE 1 DOG WHO DOES NOT LIKE HUMANS WHILE AT THE SAME TIME 2,400 ANIMALS HAVE TO BE KILLED EVERY YEAR. COMMON SENSE AND TAX PAYERS MONEY DON'T WORK WELL TOGETHER!
BornAndBredHere 2 years, 7 months ago
why in the hell does Hightower include farmers and hunters just before irresponsible dog owners in his letter to the Pilot? He obviously doesn't know many famers or hunters that own dogs, because I know of a few farmers/hunters that would punch him in the mouth if he were to make such a comment to their face. Yes, we like most communities now days have an animal control problem, but farmers and hunters in general are not the problem. Have you ever seen news footage of a puppy mill being broken up? How mant times have you ever seen them raising a bunch of black and tans or hound dogs, like the ones farmers and hunters frequently own. Not many I'm sure. the fact is that most of the time these videos show people irresponsibly breeding and raising the cute and cuddly breeds, AKA purse bitches and the like. who do you think buys most of those dogs? Here's a shocker..... IT AIN'T FAMERS AND HUNTERS!!!!
krothfuss 2 years, 7 months ago
I find this situation just heart breaking. First of all, Page is not new to the area, she has been around for several years. She has won the hearts of those that see her, and those that have taken care of her in their own way. These people have gone above and beyond to try and catch her and give her the life that she deserves, but she runs away. I am not sure what the whole deal is with the complaint stating that she was aggressive, all of a sudden. Makes one think, that there is more to this story then this complaint maker is offering. I find it beyond appauling that this animal control guy has the right to shoot her, because she was running AWAY from him. Was she showing signs of aggression to him? Was this before or after they took all of her babies from her??? You have SEVERAL people that have dealt with Page for a very long time, who state there is NO way this dog is aggressive. Does that mean because one person, who was walking with her kids, says so, we can open fire on this dog, thinking you wounded her, not even killing her, and the problem is done???? I have a son myself, and I know how kids can taunt dogs, not saying they did anything, but I think there is way more to this. There is definitely a reason why sooooo many people are fighting to save her life, and I promise it is not because they have felt threatened by her, not once. People have a place for her to go, people have taken vacation days, and have given up their weekends to try and catch her, and give her a life. Think about it people! They are a lot of people that think Page is worth saving.... Are they even sure they have the right "aggressive" dog??????
RadioNC 2 years, 7 months ago
What do you mean "use lethal force if no other option is available." Not shooting the dog is ALWAYS and option.
jcinaberdeen 2 years, 7 months ago
A stray dog is a liability even if it isn't aggressive....especially if it is running on the streets, in front of cars, etc. You have to remember that. How would you feel if this dog ran out of front of someone and caused a major, if not, fatal accident? I love how everyone who isn't directly involved is saying "you should do this" and "you should do that"...so easy to call the shots sitting behind a computer!!
There is no way any organization, no matter who you are, can GUARANTEE that dog wasn't aggressive towards someone unless they were there when it allegedly happened!
I say give the people working hard to capture this dog a break. They are simply trying to take care of a problem caused by so many ignorant dog owners of this area.
Poundman 2 years, 7 months ago
The world would be a better place if we euthanized some people instead of animals. Humans should know better, an animal acts on instinct.
wbearp 2 years, 7 months ago
First let me say I have adopted dogs from the Moore County Shelter, and believe all animals should be treated with respect. Having said that, I believe that an animal that threatens public safety should be destroyed - period. It is a sad commentary on our society when some people express outrage over a dangerous stray dog being put down, yet sit on their hands and say nothing about all the murdering, raping, robbing, and drug dealing that goes on day after day in this country. Where is their outrage about that? Thugs could have a shootout, where a stray bullet could hit an innocent bystander and that would be buried in the middle of the paper (if it even made the paper at all). But oh my God, let our Officials try and protect us and shoot a dog and everyone has an opinion that ends up on page one. Maybe one of these do gooder types would be willing to step up and sign a contract taking responsibility for "Page". Then, when a little kid or another innocent person gets attacked they would be held financially responsible for the damages. I doubt any of the critics would want to put their money where their mouth is. In the meantime, I fully support the judgment of Al Carter and his officers. They are in a no win situation. Thank you for making our community a safer place for both people and our animal friends. And most of all...GOOD HUNTING!
None 2 years, 7 months ago
Poundman=> I agree!!! Never seen an animal that needed kill'n, but I can direct anyone to the gray-bar hotel where some need kill'n. Start with Stewart!!
Zoey 2 years, 7 months ago
jcinaberdeen,
Are you not looking at the situation from a worst case scenario ? Try the optimistic view for once. I thought that only in single car accidents (from not paying attention) with no refutable witnesses, that the commonly used term was, "some dog ran out right in front of me".
SANDHILLSK9 says,
"1 DOG WHO DOES NOT LIKE HUMANS"
Wonder why that is K9 ? Could it be that the dog (named Page) has been neglected, mistreated, abused by someone or many and even shot at by animal control ? Trust is Earned, not Granted....
wbearp,
Why can one citizen claim threating gestures and that be the holy grail to your thinkings ? When in fact so many have refuted that notion. Surely the animal control officers know the demeanor of this dog and would have euthanized it 8 months ago if it posed that kind of problem. Which is more dangerous, a dog on the loose or a trigger-happy animal control officer taking pop shots through the neighborhood ?
TASKA 2 years, 7 months ago
For once I wish the Pilot would get all their facts straight before they print a story. Animal Control knew about Page for 4 years ago and tried to trap her on and off. Because she a master escape artist, she is still out there. If she was such a threat to community, why wait until now to issue such an urgent message that a "dangerous dog is at large". Many people who work at the hospital and fitness center have had daily encounters with her over the past 4 years and never one complaint about this dog. There are people who fear dogs so when a dog approaches them, sure it is a threat to them because they are scared of dogs in general. Also, Animal Control trapped the first puppy which was adopted out. The next two puppies were trapped by Barb Shepherd of AAMC and Suzanne Jasuta and put in foster care with the lady who had first puppy. Then, all three puppies were transferred to Moore Humane Society and were put on the Biffle Foundation Transport up to the North Shore Animal League in NY. Believe it or not...they don't have enough puppies up north so they take from the south. That is the whole truth!!
None 2 years, 7 months ago
TASKA => what better place to roam free than around the hospital area where there are so many caring and loving people. Anyone thought about food donations for her? I will gladly donate some food!
And I totally agree with Zoey, animals aren't really agressive unless mistreated by humans. She may go in search of food and someone will hollar or throw something at her. She needs love and compassion - not to be field euthanized. When are people going to understand that over population isn't the animals fault - it's the humans who are to blame.
I was talking with one of my neices from Sanford who told me the Lee County Shelter will only keep an animal for 5 days and then they are killed...nothing merciful about killing a defenseless animal.
AnimalLover 2 years, 7 months ago
I agree with TASKA, Toda, Zoey, and Poundman. As an employee of Moore Regional Hospital, I have personally had "interaction" with Page. She has NEVER exhibited signs of aggression, period. She is only guilty of mistrusting humans, with good reason. She has not yet experienced a loving or non-neglectful relationship with any humans to date, and with our own "Barney Fife" shooting at her, she has absolutely NO reason to trust us. Animal Control, work with the individuals who have developed some kind of trust from her, instead of running through the woods like storm troopers and scaring the bejesus out of this poor animal. It makes better sense for all the organizations to work together and bring forth a happy outcome for Page which, in turn will create a more animal-tolerant, respectful community. After all, if we all aren't better advocates for animals or more respectful towards them, it diminishes us as humans.
jcinaberdeen 2 years, 7 months ago
Zoey...First of all, you don't know me...and I rarely post on here so you are unfounded in saying I 'try the optimistic view for once'. Also, I simply pointed out that there's a viable cause for concern with the fact the dog is loose in-and-of itself, regardless of whether or not it is friendly. Is its Rabies shot up-to-date? Doubtful.
Anyhow, Toda- I have to disagree with you when you say that 'animals aren't really aggressive unless mistreated by humans'. Most of the time, unfortunately, that is true, however I have seen it first-hand where an 8 week old puppy is growling/snapping at someone with every intent on harming that person. Ask any vet worth their weight and they will tell you temperament is part breeding/part environment. Although it is very rare to see that in such a young animal, it does happen. There are also rare medical reasons, such as a brain tumor, that causes an abrupt about-face in an animal's behavior.
I don't personally know this "Page" you all speak of...so I couldn't comment on her behavior. Those people who weren't there when the alleged incident with a child and his/her mother can't comment either on that particular situation. You just can't. You can vouch that in the times YOU have seen her/had interaction with her, that YOU have not seen untoward actions coming from her, but you can't say someone else didn't have a bad incident with her. Also, unless you yourself have been an animal control officer, etc., you can't tell those people how to do their jobs either.
Zoey 2 years, 7 months ago
jcinaberdeen,
I apologize for my deluding usage of "for once". You're right, I don't know you ! I would like to agree with you on, " temperament is part breeding/part environment". The black and tan breed is known for having a level termperament, being outgoing and friendly. I wouldn't equate that to being a so-called "vicious" breed. I lean towards the latter and emphasize that human intervention is the cause of this dog's disorders.
The barking, snapping, raised hair, growling of a dog is nothing more than a "defense" mechanism, like that of a rattlesnake. The "alarm bell" is sounded for creatures to heed fair warnings that they pose a threat. Your reaction to these warnings is entirely up to you. I know, I have scars to prove it. Point being, I've NEVER once seen a dog that is skittish and elusive as Page, NOT try the Flight before Fight concept. "In my opinion", if Page was aggressive, she was backed into a corner.
As far as "me" telling the Animal Control Officer how to do his/her job, you're right I can't, but I can spot incompetence, as many can, a mile away ! How long has Animal Control been pursuing Page ? The Animal Control Officers job (which is commonly called, "Dog Catcher") is to also catch dogs. What a mockery Page has made of the department. Now, I truly believe Page is a "marked" dog....
TASKA 2 years, 7 months ago
Once I was a lonely dog, just looking for a home. I had no place to go, no one to call my own. I wandered up and down the streets, in rain, in heat and snow. I ate whatever I could find, I was always on the go.
My skin would itch, my feet were sore, my body ached with pain. And no one stopped to give a pat, or to gently say my name. I never saw a loving glance, I was always on the run. For people thought that hurting me was really lots of fun.
And then one day I heard a voice so gentle, kind and sweet. And arms so soft reached down to me and took me off my feet. "No one again will hurt you", was whispered in my ear. "You'll have a home to call your own where you will know no fear."
"You will be dry, you will be warm, you'll have enough to eat, And rest assured that when you sleep, your dreams will be sweet." I was afraid I must admit, I've lived so long in fear. I can't remember when I let a human come so near.
And as she tended to my wounds and bathed and brushed my fur She told me about the rescue group and what it meant to her. She said, We are a circle, a line that never ends. And in the circle there is you, protected by your friends.
And all around you are the ones that check the pounds, And those that share their home after you've been found. And all the other folks are searching near and far, To find the perfect home for you, where you can be a star.
She said, "There is a family, that's waiting patiently, And pretty soon we'll find them, just you wait and see." "And then they'll join our circle, they'll help to make it grow, So there'll be more room for more like you, who have no place to go."
I waited very patiently, the days they came and went. Today's the day I thought, my family will be sent. Then just when I began to think it wasn't meant to be, There were people ~ People gazing down at me.
I knew in a heart beat,I could tell they felt it too They said "We have been waiting for a special dog like you." Now every night I say a prayer to all the gods that be. "Thank you for the life I live and all you've given me."
written by Arlene Pace
tgirl 2 years, 7 months ago
I have not met "Page" myself, but do live in Village Acres. Whether or not Page is kind, loving, or completely harmless is not the issue. The issue is that there is a stray dog, for whatever reason, wandering around the area. Many say they have talked to her, love her, say she's harmless....yet, nobody has been able to convince her to go home with them. This leads me to believe she does not want to be domesticated. Sadly, she may have been treated badly by her previous owners; but in that case, who knows what may trigger her aggressiveness. If I am out walking with my kids and see a dog without a leash, I keep my distance. But, I should not have to change my walking route or even stay inside because there is a stray dog wandering around that everyone says is "nice" and wouldn't harm a fly. It is animal controls job to round up the strays and keep the streets safe for everyone. God forbid if this dog snaps and becomes aggressive toward someone, and hopefully not a kid. Then what would you all be saying?
SANDHILLSK9 2 years, 7 months ago
Amen TGIRL
The County Law says the dog is running at large and got no Shots!
But some people are above the Law with the right political pressure!
The same people from Seven Lakes who feed this dog daily would not allow a dog or any other animals to run at large in their own gated living space! They don't even like to look at a hot dog stand 3 miles down the road.
Why don't we start now with wild dog colonies as we do with the cats!
How come a small group of animal activists have more say so as the rest of the Tax Payers???
None 2 years, 7 months ago
"There are also rare medical reasons, such as a brain tumor, that causes an abrupt about-face in an animal's behavior."
Zoey the same can be said about Robert Stewart inoder to justify his psychopathology. There are RED line agressive dogs, but few breeds are born with agressive instintual behaviors: point in question - the Vick pitbulls. Most owners of pitbulls and Rottweillers are quick to say they are by nature loving and non-agressive animals. I had two Rotts - both males and both were big babies. My home was broken into by three people and it was a wonder they didn't take my dog ~ I'm sure he would have gone willingly.
Dogs learn behaviors - that's what dog trainers do...right Sandhills K9. SK9 did share with me a thought over lunch one day, that dogs that run in the wild are not the same as dogs raised in a loving caring environment, and one shouldn't think of some animals as domesticated for various reasons. I think in most cases a human is at fault for something they have done to the animal or abused the animal.
Sorry buddy, SK9, Page would get a bag of food from me...I have a soft heart when it comes to the "ladies"....
Zoey 2 years, 7 months ago
Toda,
Those are NOT my words. Those are words of the Optimist, jcinabereen
None 2 years, 7 months ago
My appology....some times threads become convoluted...Optimist as opposed to persimistic is how one might be perceived by others. I consider myself an optimist until my ire has anything to do with county gov.
None 2 years, 7 months ago
O-I-C hyperbolic "what if" statements...hard to defend or argue a what if statement.
lauraquebbemann 2 years, 7 months ago
So sad. Laura Quebbemann
pinewoodnc 2 years, 7 months ago
Taska, that is a beautiful poem. Thank you for sharing it. I presently have and have had all rescue dogs. Also have done years of animal rescue. I have observed and fostered hundreds of dogs and most times dogs' behavior/personalities are determined by prior experiences (either good or bad) and abuses/mistreatment. Few are born problematic. The only way dogs have of protecting themselves when they feel threatened is by showing some form of assertiveness either by growling, hair raising, or fleeing. That does not necessarily indicate an "aggressive or vicious" dog. Of course, it is always wise to keep a distance from unknown dogs. Remember, you are unknown to them also. As you may fear them, they also fear you.
MikeNC 2 years, 7 months ago
I do hope they catch Page soon. As someone mentioned, there is little possibility that Page would ever blend into a normal home environment that we are accustomed to. But, I am sure animal advocates understand this and a very special home that suits Page's acquired personality and personal needs has been picked out. Catch her soon before, with all this notoriety, something bad happens to her......Mike