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Contact: Aly Baltrus, 301-491-2452
Potomac, MD - At least three deer have been attacked by a pair of dogs off-leash in the last week as witnessed by park staff and visitors. At least one deer was killed. The first attack occurred on Friday, December 2nd, along the entrance road to Great Falls. Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park staff was able to chase the dogs away. The deer was left exhausted. The second attack occurred on Friday, December 9th, when the dogs chased a deer into a stream. Park staff pulled the deer out of the stream, but had to put it down because of its injuries. One of the dogs, a Scottie mix, was caught and handed over to Montgomery County Animal Control. The other dog, a 40-50 lb. Airedale Terrier, ran away. Less than an hour later, the terrier was spotted chasing a third deer into the flooded Potomac, just one hundred yards upstream of the falls. The dog, which has a pink collar, is still at large. Over the few past years, C&O Canal park staff have seen a number of problems stemming from dogs off leash, including people being bitten, dog fights, lost dogs, and other wildlife harassment incidents. They are asking visitors to keep visitors safe and help protect park resources by adhering to leash laws and reporting violators to park staff. Regulations state that dogs must be on a six-foot or shorter leash and under full control of an owner while in the park. Owners can be charged $50 per dog plus a $25 fee for dogs off leash and with any class B violation, the maximum penalty is 6 months on jail and $1000 fine.Dogs harassing wildlife in the park may be dispatched on site. To report dogs off leash please call 866-677-6677. -NPS- |
Last updated: May 10, 2016