A northeastern North Carolina town is planning to tranquilize a pack of wild dogs that has kept citizens on high alert in recent weeks, police say.
The dogs have been spotted in Scotland Neck, about 86 miles northeast of Raleigh, according to the Scotland Neck Police Department.
According to police, the dogs have been seen for several weeks and their activities have been “particularly troubling for many residents.” The dogs appear to travel in a group of three, according to photos authorities shared.
Police said the dogs were “abandoned by their owners and are now acting on instinct.”
The dogs have tried to attack chickens and small pets, police shared on Feb. 3.
The dogs’ leader is a pit mix and is “highly aggressive,” police said on Feb. 5. The dog has a history of killing small animals.
“We don’t know why the dogs have grouped up, but the lead dog is a huge problem,” police said. “It is crucial that people keep their small pets indoors until we confirm the capture of this dog.”
According to authorities, animal control officers and other personnel have tried multiple times to capture the dogs, including setting live traps for them.
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Police say there are distinctions between wild dogs and strays in the area
Authorities encouraged those seeing the wild dog warnings to share information with loved ones.
Community members should do what they can to stay safe and report sightings of the dogs to authorities, police said.
“As a last resort, if you find yourself needing to protect yourself or your pets, you can do so ethically without fear of legal repercussions,” police said on Feb. 3. “There are several strays in the area that are harmless. Do not take action unless these dogs are actively attacking. These specific dogs will most likely stay in a pack, and may even challenge you.”
Police said they are trying to find a humane solution for the dogs and added that some people have asked about potentially adopting them.
Animal control will decide if the dogs can be adopted, police said.
Those who see the dogs should contact (252) 583-6651 or (252) 583-1991 to report the location of the pack. If there is an active attack in progress, call 911, police said.
Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY’s NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Email her at sdmartin@usatoday.com.
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