Dog Warden: Dog attacks on the rise in Carroll County

By Thomas Clapper

CCM Reporter

Dog Warden Cason Leggett appeared at the Aug. 1 Carroll County Commissioners meeting with a warning for the county that there has been an uptick in dog attacks on other dogs and humans. 

“There have been some severe attacks on other animals and some people,” said Leggett. “I want to remind people they are responsible for their own dogs. Control your dogs. One dog was nearly killed, and it was dying in the ambulance. 

Commissioner Robert Wirkner asked what dog breed it was and Leggett replied an American bulldog. 

“One dog even attacked its owner several times, but they still want to keep the dog,” said Leggett. 

Leggett said if a dog is deemed dangerous then they have to follow special laws and make sure the dog is contained. A dog does not even need to attack someone or another animal to be deemed dangerous. If it is off the property and for example a dog causes a car accident by standing on the road it is the owner’s responsibility. 

“This is not good for the dogs because they cannot get the proper exercise,” said Leggett. “It’s not the dog, the dog does what the people want it to do. One person has been through multiple dogs, and they all act out.”

Commissioner Christopher Modranski asked if there are leash laws and Leggett replied he is seeking a proper answer for this because the language is unclear. Controlling a dog could mean having it on a leash or having it obey the owner. Leggett said he will report back his findings. 

Commissioner Donald Leggett II asked if there are repeat dogs that he deals with. Dog Warden Leggett replied yes, but it is repeating people and not dogs. 

“There are around 10,000 dogs in the county,” said Leggett. “There are about 500 to 1,000 that I deal with often. Around 9,000 dog owners are responsible owners. If you are out with a dog and it wanders to a neighboring property and you call it back and it comes back, that’s not a problem. I have a problem when the dog is left alone to wander around, or you do not call it back.”

Wirkner asked what the fine is for a dog running at large. Leggett said the fine is $60 plus $95 for administration fees for dogs at large.

Leggett wanted to take the time and offer thanks to the Kim Davis Insurance Agency in Malvern for the fundraiser it recently held. He said they raised approximately $2,064.08 in monetary donations and several large bags of dog food. 

Leggett also thanked Tractor Supply for having a donation box at the front of the store. 

“These donations really help,” said Leggett. “They always need food, but anything donated is appreciated. Everything must be factory sealed for safety.”

His July report included 30 dogs taken in, 13 adopted, 4 reclaimed, 0 euthanized, 6 citations  for no license, 7 citations for running at large.