"Two Stray Dogs Shot" by Moore Humane Society News

Two Stray Dogs Shot

Blog: Moore Humane Society News

August 18, 2011

Moore Humane Society has recently learned that two stray dogs were shot and killed on Tuesday, August 16th by Animal Control Officer Frank Ringelberg at Mid South Club. According to a witness, the two dogs had been in the development for about two months and Animal Control tried to capture them on several occasions but were unsuccessful.

On Tuesday, August 16th, two walkers were able to secure the dogs in a fenced in area of the tennis courts and Animal Control was contacted. According to community gate security logs, Animal Control arrived at 8:54 a.m. The witness was waiting to tee-off nearby and heard the first gun shot at 9:00 a.m., followed by a “dog squealing and yelping in pain.” A second shot was then heard, followed by more squealing and yelping.

The witness and her golf companion then drove over to the tennis courts to find “the dogs lying dead with a bullet in their chest.” They attempted to talk to Officer Ringelberg but he refused. The witness also contacted Animal Control Director Al Carter and stated to him “it is apparent the officer had no intention of capturing the dogs, from gate entry to the shots it was 6 minutes.”

Moore Humane Society is still investigating the situation.

We fear the act of shooting stray dogs is becoming a common practice. As a community that cares about animals, it must stop. We ask that Animal Control Officer Frank Ringelberg be suspended while the incident is investigated.

About Moore Humane Society Moore Humane Society is a private, nonprofit organization incorporated in 1966. We are the founders of animal welfare in the Sandhills. Moore Humane Society operates the only privately funded, state licensed animal shelter in Moore County and practices "no-kill" philosophies.

We are not part of Moore County Government or Animal Control. We receive no government support of any kind or funding from any organization. Private donations are our only source of income and our ability to rescue homeless animals in need depends entirely on the compassion and generosity of our members.

For more information about Moore Humane Society, please visit www.moorehumane.org

AnimalLover 1 year, 9 months ago

Officer Ringelberger should be fired if the investigation finds his actions unwarranted. Shooting an animal is inhumane and NOT acceptable in a civilized society! Animal Control Officers and Staff: Do you REALLY think that shooting a dog is a humane way of controlling pet overpopulation? Pathetic!

GoldenDreams 1 year, 9 months ago

This should really be investigated. Everyone has told me what a great guy and animal rights activist Officer Ringelberger is. He should really speak out about what happened. I hate to dogs shot and I can't believe there was a good enough reason to shoot these dogs, especially since they were already secured. What is going on?

tellitlikeitis 1 year, 9 months ago

I've seen this guy in a few article in the Pilot already. I can tell you this, if it ain't a horse, he he doesn't care about it. He should be fired for his actions. Wonder how he would feel if one of his dogs got out and somebody shot it. Dress them up in their little s.w.a.t. pants and give them a little badge and BAM, next thing you know they start taking down innocent animals. Way to go Frankfurter. Stick to your guns...I mean horses.

Alistener 1 year, 9 months ago

People like those above are what make this world a scary place. I posted this on another article, but I repeat: I can't believe all of this indignation over two wild dogs! Why can't you use your time and energy feeding hungry children or reducing human suffering in some way? I hope Officer Ringelberger sues you all for slander and character-assassination because that is what your hate-filled spewing is. Would you be happier if he had left them alone and one of the dogs had attacked a child? Officer Ringelberger: You did the right thing!

emb6683 1 year, 9 months ago

These weren't someone's dogs who got loose that morning while they were being walked, they had been in the area for two months and were part of a pack of wild dogs. How is shooting them any more inhumane than catching them, bringing them back to the Animal Control facility and giving them an injection of poison?

Why don't you direct your energy to stopping puppy mills and indiscriminate breeding of dogs by people interested only in making a buck?

psd96 1 year, 9 months ago

GEEZ, little over the top there lady. You didn't see anything, I'd bet you didn't have a stopwatch...6 minutes...ok. I know Frank, and he TRAINS dogs. Maybe he didn't want to talk to you because he was upset...and you were b@t$@y. Now me, I think every yelping little dog not on a leash, stray or wild dog should be taken to the pound.

native 1 year, 9 months ago

Evidently these were not PETS, but wild animals. If you were out walking your 3 lb yorkie and these dogs attacked you and your yorkie, you would see it differently.

breeba 1 year, 9 months ago

I have seen these dogs. They were not wild. Some idiot obviously dropped them off because they were no longer puppies. the animal control officer is insensitive and inhumane. History judges a society by how they treat their children, the elderly, and ANIMALS. I JOGGED AROUND THESE DOGS SEVERAL TIMES. THEY WERE NO THREAT AT ALL. They were abandoned and afraid. How would you like it if your 3lb yorkie had seen 2 other dogs being shot?

jasminepony 1 year, 9 months ago

If you felt that they were no threat, why not take them into your home and feed, vaccinate, spay/neuter, train, and either keep or place them with a suitable family??? You are so quick to judge that these dogs were "no threat" and yet did any one of you over at Mid South try to take them in and shelter them from the heat and bugs?? Feed them good food??? Give them cold, clean water??? Train them?? Show them kindness?? No, you didn't...how very hypocritical of all of you!!!!!

breeba 1 year, 9 months ago

I have a rescue dog. How ignorant of you! I dropped off "good food" for them. How about you? Animal control is "control" . Not kill.

native 1 year, 9 months ago

Why didn't some of these people who love dogs so much take these two little poor tame dogs into there home and adopt them.???No. they called and complained......

breeba 1 year, 9 months ago

I am quite sure they didn't expect them to be shot on the tennis court. And I am also sure the animal control officer didn't try to capture them for 20 minutes. He went in and shot them immediately

jasminepony 1 year, 9 months ago

Wow, Moore Humane, how to throw a fellow animal advocate under the bus!!!!! Thought you were all in this together??? What would have been the point of bringing in those 2 dogs, having to "kick out" 2 perfectly placeable dogs,(in other words, euthanize them!!!) and find out after their 72 hours of stress that they aren't suitable for adoption anyway???

This county doesn't have the means to rehabilitate and when people realize that, perhaps they will stop criticizing what these animal groups do. They do what they can with the funds/facilities/resources they have and until that changes, nothing more can be done....it's not a perfect situation but it's Moore County's situation!!!!

kohammer 1 year, 9 months ago

It was a terrible injustice to these two puppies, that the Animal Control Officer felt it necessary to take this particular action; what chance they had of being tamed and finding loving homes is now gone, and it doesn't sound as though these two particular dogs were part of a wild pack; had they been, they would have been with the pack and not hanging out together away from the pack, and as young as they were reported as being 6-8 months, taming them would have been a relatively easy chore. It is doubtful though, that Animal Control has the time and man-power to actually work with any of them one-on-one to tame wild animals and make them adoptable. Would the Humane Society have been willing to take them? Would any of the other animal organizations in Moore County? We have such a problem with irresponsible pet owners and strays that all of our animal advocate organizations have pretty much all they can handle all the time. Still, the Animal Control officer should have given someone a chance and contacted some of these organizations about these puppies before simply shooting them. He never gave the puppies, or anyone who might be willing to help them a chance. And, as for the people who live at the Mid-South Club who are upset about the situation. What, exactly, did they think was going to happen when they locked them in the tennis courts? Why didn't some of these kind, good-hearted animal lovers who saw the puppies on a daily basis try to do something for them? Probably because they simply did not want to be inconvenienced and have their time taken up by two homeless puppies; they wanted to pass the problem on to someone else, but anytime Animal Control is called this is subject to happen, because they see it simply as a complaint, and that is what they are in the business of doing, handling animal complaints. They are not in the business of animal rehabilitation, so I would suggest that in the future try doing something yourselves, or at least call an animal organization that is in the business of helping and rehabilitating. Do not call Moore County Animal Control because they are just that "animal control," and the calls they have are treated as animal complaints. I have seen this particular animal control offier in action before; he does not have a gentle hand when it comes to dealing with dogs. - Concerned Moore Resident.

breeba 1 year, 9 months ago

Mid South people are getting a bad rap over this. I am quite sure that they didn't expect these dogs to be shot on their tennis courts. The poor person who was able to capture these animals must feel awful knowing he/she signed their fate in such a terrible manner. He/she probably thought the dogs were going to get some help. Obviously, the bloggers feel that Mid South residents are responsible for all strays that come into their neighborhoods. The person who "dumped " these dogs off should be jailed. They shouldn't be allowed to have any animals. The animal control officer acted irresponsibly. What if a child had been nearby? I will definitely refrain from calling Animal Control. The officer should be fired. So many people are out of work, I am sure they could find someone with a little more compassion and common sense to replace him.

jasminepony 1 year, 9 months ago

There are people who "dump" dogs everywhere in this county, so, you're right, that person is to blame ultimately. But the problem is so much greater than these two dogs and there are hundreds of people, including officer Ringelburg who are putting in thousands of hours trying to improve the situation.

The reason people are criticizing Mid South residents is that they have shown no gratitude towards a Moore County employee who came out to do his job. As stated in the original article, these dogs had been around and had attacked other dogs. How would the residents of Mid South have felt if one of these dogs had attacked a child????

You are correct that these dogs are innocent in all of this but we here in Moore County do not have the facilities nor the resources to rehabilitate dogs. So dogs such as these were subject to being euthanized anyway. And they may have displaced 2 other perfectly adoptable dogs had there not been room at the Animal Center to house them for 72 hours.

Let's all lighten up on each other. The problem does not lie with caring Mid South residents, or good hearted Animal Control officers such as Frank Ringelburg, or with any of the concerned citizens who have posted their thoughts on this incident. The problem lies with the citizens among us who find it ok to allow their unaltered animals to roam around. So redirect your disappointment to those citizens and encourage them to spay or neuter their animals. Or become a foster home for the hundreds of dogs(and cats!!!) who show up at the Animal Center on a monthly basis!! Thank you

breeba 1 year, 9 months ago

You are right. We need to lighten up on each other. This is such an emotional issue, though, for both sides. I would not want Mr Ringelburg's job. And I am sure many days he does not want his job either. I have seen other dogs abandoned in this area because there is an area where new houses are built. And for some reason, people abandon these dogs here. You sound like a very passionate and compassionate person. Let's be positive and work on this issue in the same manner. with passion and compassion.

Courseaire 1 year, 9 months ago

Animal Control should have tranquilized the dogs, then take them back to Animal Control, not shoot them in public. Now all the Mid South tennis players will have to live with the thought of the dogs being slaughtered on their courts, tennis just won't be the same.

jasminepony 1 year, 9 months ago

If you go back and read the original article, you will read that the AC trucks are not equipped with tranquilizer guns, nor can they be.

And let's hope that the tennis players focus on their game rather than this incident!!

These dogs suffered far less than they would have living on the run as they were. They were going without food, water, and shelter from this heat. And had they been hit and not killed by a car, they would have suffered far more than they did at the hands of an animal control officer doing his job.

Let's focus on the real problems in this county regarding abused, homeless and neglected dogs. Spread the word about spaying and neutering. Good God, it can't be any easier to do with our Companion Animal Clinic right in town offering low cost spaying and neutering to those who can not afford it!!!

And, in honor of these two dogs, let's do something positive and go adopt one (or two!!!) of the many wonderful, innocent, forgiving dogs waiting at the Animal Center!!!

AnimalLover 1 year, 8 months ago

AC has tranq guns in their possession. They have used them before. Ringelberg just chose not to take it with him. And they suffered far more by Mr. Ringelberg "field euthanizing" them by firearm, in the chest/stomach than they would have if he followed proper procedures as outlined in their own Policies and Procedures Manual, or been properly euthanized at the shelter by lethal injection or gas.

Courseaire 1 year, 9 months ago

So it's OK for the AC trucks to have Uzi's & such, but no tranq. guns. Now that sounds humane, let's not traumatize the animals but it's OK to traumatize the people with a live fire exhibition at the animals.

jasminepony 1 year, 9 months ago

Oh please, aren't you being a bit dramatic? What is done, is done. The officer used the means he is legally allowed to use. He did what he thought was in the best interest and safety of the people in the area. With the information he was given, he made a decision and, like it or not, that's what he is paid to do.

Instead of continuing to stir the pot, and if you feel so strongly about the fact that these two dogs could have been handled differently, why don't you find out why tranquilizer guns are not carried on the trucks? And if there is a way around that, start lobbying and fundraising to equip the trucks with different means by which to handle unfriendly dogs.

It makes no sense to continue complaining. Do something positive so that these dogs will not have died in vain!!!!!

Courseaire 1 year, 9 months ago

The dramatics emphasizes the issue. The AC had 2 dogs trapped in an enclosed area, no chance of escape. You mean to tell me that the best course of action by the AC was to immediately shoot first. That this is what the County & State laws says to do in this situation. I think not.

GoldensMom 1 year, 9 months ago

This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.

Alistener 1 year, 9 months ago

I can't address you as "Lady" because you're so obviously not one. I can't believe how you're praising yourself while using such profane language to beat up a man who was doing his job and helping the community - if the dogs were so wonderful, Animal Control wouldn't have received so many complaints. I hope your comments are removed.

victor3 1 year, 9 months ago

If "control" is a 9mm or .40 bullet, I'm glad this guy isn't on the police force. Hopefully, they take his badge and gun. What happened to nets and tranquilizers? Capture sticks with ropes? Surely a small dog's chest doesn't stop a bullet. Where did it go after the dog? This is about human safety and judgement by someone wearing a gun! Correct me, but isn't it considered animal abuse to shoot a dog? What is "animal control," if they can't control two puppies in a fenced tennis court?

Courseaire 1 year, 8 months ago

The three comments below were to another commentor's profanity laced comments that were deleted entirely (name & all.)

Courseaire 1 year, 8 months ago

Don't hold back, tell us what you really think. I think your CapLock key was stuck, you might want to have someone take a look at it.

Courseaire 1 year, 8 months ago

They all have a right to their opinion & right to express it. In fact, I prefer their intelligent comments as opposed to your vulgar diatribe. Frank working for Animal Control may have been doing his job, hut his decision to publically execute of 2 contained puppies show poor judgment on his part and deserves the backlash he received. They could have been transported & euthanized at the AC facility. As a public official, he is subject to judgment by the public.

Courseaire 1 year, 8 months ago

It's not what you say, it all the profanity to use in saying it. Using profanity shows your trus class.

Courseaire 1 year, 8 months ago

Dear Pilot - Since my above comments were to a comment that was completely erased, why don't you go ahead and erase the 5 comments of mine as they are now irrelevant.

bdavis 1 year, 8 months ago

surprised therer has not been an editorial about this incident , especially since many editorials are so insignifigant such as " back in parking"

Toda 1 year, 8 months ago

Hint: don't feed stray animals that wonder around your neighborhood.If you chose to feed them, they will avoid the food in the traps. I keep saying over and over...the County has millions for criminal care at the new and improved Gold Bar Hilton. But when it comes to providing the necessary tools for ACO's to effectively do their jobs, there seems to be a short allocation. A new Larry Ray Caddell Emergency Training Complex...no dogie dollars. And give Frank a break. After hours of attempting to trap these two dogs, and I'm sure numerous telephone calls, he took the only action in his arsenal. Frank should be given an award for his compassion not just for horses but for his compassion for all animals. Anyone who desires changes should speak loudly the next election. Apparently Commissioner Melton has become less active since he was reelected.

Sign in to comment

Or login with:

OpenID

Click for more Weather

Today

Currently 68°
Overcast

Latest Videos Click Here

Language arts teacher Lisa Elliott had her head shaved by hairstylist Nichole Jenkins during an after-school event at Crains Creek Middle School May 3. Elliott promised students she would shave her head if they helped her raise money to participate in the Disney Half Marathon, which raises funds for St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. Students and the school community held Elliott to her promise and helped her raise more than $4,000. Enlarge