| Officials conducted an autopsy of the
latest report of a 50-pound chow Monday. Raymond and Elsie Guy of Geter Road reported to
animal control around 7:15 a.m. that their dog, Bear, had been attacked and mauled to
death during wee hours Monday.
Raymond Guy said he and his wife
heard nothing unusual the night of the attack, only excessive barking at 3 a.m. by their
other dog, Brownie, which appeared unharmed.
Fox said Bear’s autopsy
showed numerous puncture wounds to the neck and chest area and a deep puncture wound to
the dog’s heart. The post-mortem examination also revealed a ‘‘perfect
slit’’ to the dog’s trachea, which officers say is very unusual. Another
mysterious twist to the case is that there have been no tracks, prints, fur or drippings
left by the dogs’ attackers, which leaves no physical evidence for investigators.
Even a sole survivor of the
attack, a Woodleaf man, couldn’t identify what attacked him.
The attacks are apparently not
limited to canines. Richard Reynolds of Erwin Temple Road, Woodleaf, alleges he was
attacked after dark in a wooded area near his home. Reynolds suffered scratches to his
face and back, but Fox said it’s too early to tell if they can link Reynold’s
case to the others.
For now, animal control
officials plan to conduct more autopsies as they get reports, set more traps in the area,
and have reported the incidents to N.C. Wildlife Commission, though Fox said evidence
isn’t conclusive a wild animal is performing the attacks.
Animal control officials are
encouraging residents to be cautious – especially after dark.
‘‘We suggest residents
be calm, but cautious. If some residents have pets outside, they might want to keep them
inside at night,’’ Fox suggested. ‘‘People should also watch their
kids and report any unusual activity to animal control.’’
Animal control officials say
they strongly discourage volunteers inclined to ‘‘track’’ the culprit
themselves. ‘‘Leave it to animal control,’’ Fox said.
If anyone has any information or
wants to report a dog attack, call Rowan County Animal Control at 633-0482. |
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