Search underway for large dogs in cat deaths

Published 12:45 pm Friday, September 6, 2019

THOMASVILLE — A trio of large dogs seen in northeast Thomasville residential neighborhoods is believed to be responsible for the deaths of at least two cats.

The Thomasville-Thomas County Humane Society animal control division has set up traps in areas where cats were mauled and died.

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A pet cat was killed in the Springdale Circle/East Clay Street area. Another cat was found dead in the East Clay/Crawford Street area.

“The deaths are about a mile apart with three dogs. I believe it is the same three dogs,” said Bill Shultz, animal control director.

Dr. Beckey Malphus, a Thomasville veterinarian and Humane Society medical director and board member, said the dogs seem to be attracted to places where cat food is left out.

Dog owners should keep their dogs confined on their property, Malphus said.

“We’re going to need the neighborhood to help us.” she added.

Malphus asks that anyone seeing a pack-like group of dogs in the neighborhood take photos. Also, she said, surveillance camera videos and motion-activated cameras should be monitored.

It is not known if the roaming dogs have owners or are strays.

“We’re increasing our patrol in those areas,” said Maj. Wade Glover, Thomasville Police Department public information officer.

Anyone seeing dogs in packs should call 911, he said.

Efforts are being made to identify breeds of the dogs and whether they have owners.

Glover pointed out that a city ordinance prohibits dogs from running at large. 

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820