Animal attack shows need for pet control

A Bennett Estates resident says neighborhood dogs are the likely cause of a vicious attack that resulted in the death of multiple cats on her property this week.

While she did not see the actual attack, Girthal Lamp believes one or more large dogs in the neighborhood in which she lives got loose this week and killed four of the nine cats she has kept as pets for several years.

The incident occurred around midnight Wednesday on McGregor Road in Bennett Estates, located off FM 1314 near Texas 242.

“My daughter went out to feed the cats Thursday morning and discovered a very disturbing sight,” Lamp said. “At first, we thought it might be a coyote or other large predator, but that’s not the case.”

Lamp said she discovered a significant number of scratches on her car indicating a flurry of activity as the cats attempted to escape one or more dogs. She found several paw prints which appear to be from a large dog – possibly a German shepherd.

“My neighbor had her windows open and said she heard a lot of noise around midnight,” Lamp said. “We’re sure that’s when it happened.”

Lamp believes the dogs escaped from a neighbor’s yard.

Montgomery County Animal Control did not respond to calls regarding the attack in Bennett Estates, an unincorporated area.

Evelyn Heyde, with Friends of Texas Wildlife, said outdoor pets should be placed in a secure area if there is a danger from predators.

“Cats are quick and agile, but it is unlikely they could compete with multiple dogs that are larger and aggressive,” she said. “Dogs have a pack mentality that allows them to work together efficiently to hunt prey. Cats could easily be victims in an attack.”

While she does not believe the attack was intentional, she is distressed about the situation and urges pet owners to be careful about controlling their pets – especially those with a physical size or disposition that could result in harm to children or other pets.

It’s a sentiment shared by Mindi Mayfield, supervisor with Conroe Animal Control.

“All dogs and cats in public are required to be on a leash within the city limits of Conroe,” Mayfield said. “The regulations are a little different in the county, but there is a leash law in Conroe.”

Animal attacks that result in the death of pets are rare in Conroe, Mayfield said. The Animal Control office receives only two to three complaints each year on this sort of thing, she said.

“If someone has a concern about a potentially dangerous or nuisance animal, they should not attempt to capture or deal with the animal,” Mayfield said. “They should report it to Animal Control immediately.”

Lamp believes the dog that attacked her cats came from inside the neighborhood because there have been similar incidents in the past. She acknowledged the attack is an isolated incident, but said pet owners should be responsible for their animals.

“It’s a horrible thing to find four dead pets,” she said. “It’s a needless tragedy.”

Report dangerous or nuisance animals to Conroe Animal Shelter, located at 407 Sgt. Ed Holcomb Blvd., at 936-522-3211; or Montgomery County Animal Shelter, located at 8535 Texas 242, at 936-442-7738.

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Source: YourHoustonNews (Meyer, 9/22)