MISSISSIPPI -- A pit bull was shot and killed and two other pits bulls remained on the loose Thursday after a Jackson County Sheriff's deputy responded to a call about the dogs chasing people in Vancleave, Jackson County Sheriff Mike Byrd said.
One of the dogs had a dead cat in its mouth, the sheriff said.
The incident occurred on McGregor Road, which is off Highway 57. Three carpenters called about 1 p.m. to report that the dogs had chased them into a house where they were working.
Byrd said the department has a lead on who may own the dogs.
Violation of the county's animal control policy carries a fine of up to $1,000, according to spokesman Ken Flanagan, but that is typically for pet owners facing multiple offenses.
"Typically the penalty comes in at about $100 for first-time offenders," Flanagan said.
Animal control officers were on the scene Thursday talking to residents and leaving notes on doors in an effort to identify the owner, he said.
The county keeps animals determined to be aggressive and violent for a minimum of five days, and longer if an investigation warrants it, Flanagan said.
They are kept in isolation, away from other animals and public viewing, he said.
Byrd said if and when the remaining dogs are caught, they will likely be euthanized.
"These dogs, I'm telling you they will hurt you," Byrd said. "All they want to do is bite."
Pit bulls are a controversial breed because some people raise them to participate in illegal fighting. They do have supporters, whoever, who contend that pit bulls that are raised properly make gentle pets.
Flanagan said the county leaves it to a responding officer to determine whether or not to fire on dogs he or she feels are vicious.
When Deputy Johnny Sigalis arrived on the scene, the dogs charged him, Byrd said. So he fired, killing one and wounding another. The wounded dog and the other dog ran into nearby woods, Byrd said.
He said the area is relatively remote.
The department has responded "on numerous occasions" to calls about vicious dogs. Often, he said, the calls involve pit bulls.
(The Mississippi Press - Sept 23, 2011)
