2009-02-05

Gaertner takes aim at irresponsible pet owners

By Jennifer Gaertner

Community Liaison Animal Control Issues

Irresponsible pet owners are the root cause for many of the wrongs associated with cats and dogs – from the spread of rabies to overcrowding at shelters, rescues and pounds across America. One of the saddest outcomes of irresponsible ownership happened in Bandera County recently.

On Wednesday, Jan. 21, the sheriff’s department received a call about two stray dogs in Lakehills. Senior Animal Control Officer Rick Neely responded to the call.

While attempting to capture the two at-large dogs, they turned and started to attack him. Although Officer Neely shot the two dogs with tranquilizer darts, they ran off before the tranquilizers took effect. Due to the area’s rough terrain, he was unable to track them.

The following day, Neely and I headed out to try again accompanied by Lieutenant Allen Tucker and Corporal Brian Blackburn.

The dogs were there when we arrived, but took off almost immediately. While the law enforcement officers continued to make numerous unsuccessful attempts to catch the dogs, I talked with neighbors.

At that point, I learned that these two dogs had been terrorizing this neighborhood for about two weeks. In fact, there were several reports of the dogs blocking people in their homes and cars.

I contacted several local animal rescue organizations to see if anyone had any ideas about capturing the dogs. I also gave them a heads up that because of a potential public safety situation, we might have to use deadly force. This was not a decision any of us made lightly or easily.

The lady who had made the initial call felt that she might be able to get the dogs to come to her if we left.

We explained the risks associated with attempting to capture these dogs, but she remained adamant that she would like to try. So, we left for a short time. Although she managed to secure one of the dogs, she was unable to catch the other.

Neely and Blackburn approached the secured dog to put it in the truck. Once Neely had secured the dog with the catchpole, the second dog turned and attacked both officers. Blackburn was forced to take the dog’s life – thankfully with one clean shot.

We want the community to know that our animal control officers and deputies are people, too. Many are pet owners and love their dogs and cats. Incidents such as this one upset us as well.  

Using deadly force is never our first option and no one wants to resort to it. However, our job is to protect the community and us.

What makes it harder for us to accept is that the people responsible for abandoning their dogs to the streets cannot be identified.  Dumping animals on the street and abandoning them to fend for themselves is against the law. If you witness anyone dumping an animal, get a license plate number and call the sheriff’s department immediately. 

We want those folks held accountable for their cruel acts. We also want to get the animals off the streets before they become feral or aggressive and still have a chance to be saved. 
Working together, we can make a difference.