Efforts To Pick Up Stray Dogs Steps Up Near Fair Park
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DALLAS (CBS11) - With traps, patrols and stepped up enforcement Dallas Animal Services on Thursday highlighted their efforts to get a handle on loose dogs in a community where last week a woman was killed.
"It's a little too late now," groused Sharon Robertson, who lives in the neighborhood. "They're trying to show force and muscle and we've called them numerous times about them particular dogs."
Clearly, Robertson is frustrated.
"They would get out and come on my porch and kill my cats," says Robertson, who admitted to chasing the dogs back to their owner.
"I'd chase them. I'd beat on that man's door and he come out and [he] told me to stop chasing his dogs and I told him I'd call somebody that would chase both of y'all…the dogs and you!"
And while her point could be more delicately made, even officials agree: capturing all of the loose dogs does nothing to address the source: bad owners.
"There's no way to prohibit people from getting dogs," says Kris Sweckardm, Dallas' Director of Code Compliance. "We can take them. But, they can turn around and get more."
In fact, the family that owned the dogs believed responsible for Antoinette Brown's fatal attack, had had animals taken from them previously. And although neighbors complained…
"We've got challenges throughout the city," says Jody Jones, Dallas Animal Services manager. "What I will say to the citizens is that you have got to be engaged, continue to call. But, I also want to say to pet owners: this is a very serious matter, we're taking it very seriously, and if you aren't keeping your pets indoors, you will be receiving citations.
Still, the community just south of Fair Park was not one that had logged the most complaints to 311 about animal issues. But, concerns can be found all over the southern sector.
"Even in the Bishop Arts area, you see people walking with sticks, because they live in fear," says Jeremy Boss, "two of my friends were bitten." Boss is an animal rights activist. While he says he is not defending violent animals, he worries that long term solutions will be lost in the rush to reassure the community.
"This is a feel good set up right here," said Boss gesturing to the media assembled to speak with Dallas city leaders and follow along with animal control officers. "Without going after the irresponsible owners this is going to continue to happen."
The criminal investigation into Brown's fatal attack is ongoing.
No word yet on when a decision will be made on charges. A hearing to determine the fate of the seized animals is scheduled for May 16.
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