Caldwell County Family’s Struggles with Dog Attacks
Location: Dale, Texas
A family in Caldwell County is grappling with a series of brutal dog attacks that resulted in nearly $9,000 in veterinary expenses. The situation escalated when a pack of stray dogs attacked and killed one of their pets, severely injuring another.
Background
Robert Wilcox, a resident for 40 years, has long dealt with packs of wild dogs roaming his property. He recounts previous incidents where these dogs have killed his livestock, including sheep and goats. Recently, these attacks culminated in a tragic event where one of his dogs was killed and another left with serious injuries.
Wilcox described the horrifying moment when he discovered the attack: “By the time—I’m halfway crippled—by the time I got back to the garage to get a shotgun, they were going underneath the fence.”
Attempts for Help
Wilcox believes the stray dogs belong to a nearby neighbor and has reached out to various local and state authorities for assistance, including the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office, Animal Control, and the Texas Game Warden. Despite multiple responses from Animal Control, officers have not witnessed the dogs during their visits, preventing them from taking any legal action.
Caldwell County Animal Control has indicated that enforcement actions require photographic evidence of the dogs and confirmation of ownership. Wilcox has also been informed that he can request a trap to capture the loose dogs.
Community Concerns
The ongoing threat has left Wilcox and his family fearful not only for their pets but also for the safety of the community, particularly vulnerable populations like the elderly and children. Wilcox expressed his worries for his family and neighbors: “So it’s not only I’m worried about my life. I’m thinking about these elderly people, these kids.”
The family remains vigilant, hoping local authorities can effectively address the issue before another incident occurs.
Source: Information gathered from Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office, Animal Control, and reporting by FOX 7 Austin.
