Several dog attacks reported already this year; County task force to present plan

As we approach summer, people are concerned about the number of dog attacks this year.

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As reported on News Center 7 at 5:30, since January, News Center 7 has reported on more than half a dozen dog attacks.

The most recent was on May 24, when seven dogs were on the loose down a bike path, biting people.

“I’d be scared if I saw a bunch of dogs loose,” Neil Harris of Moraine said.

Harris said something needs to be done about stray dogs attacking people.

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“They ought to take them, get the dogs out if they don’t have a collar on them,” he said.

Kara Hamby with the Animal Resource Center shared what to do if you see a stray.

“Keep your distance. Don’t engage them if they aren’t approaching you. If they do start to come towards you, do not run and scream,” Hamby said.

She said there are some signs to watch out for so you can avoid being bitten, including a tucked tail, excessive lip licking, side eye, and “whale eyes.”

“That’s when you can start to see the white around the dog’s eyes. They’ve really got their eyes open wide,” Hamby said.

Kristin Tilton, chair of Montgomery County’s Animal Welfare Task Force, said there are an estimated 1,400 stray dogs in the county.

Tilton said the task force is looking to change laws so these issues are addressed sooner.

“We’re looking at state legislation again on what encompasses negligence, what encompasses cruelty, what encompasses neglect,” she said.

The task force will hold a town hall on June 23, where they will present the three goals of the program:

• Help local rescues cover the cost of vet care for stray dogs

• Set a clear definition for what counts as a stray dog

• Offer helpful services to families who adopt a rescued dog

The town hall will be held from 6-8 p.m. at the Montgomery County Business Solutions Center.

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