LIBERTY COUNTY, Texas – One day before a meeting of the Liberty County Commissioners Court where the issue is said to be addressed, a realtor says the problem of stray dogs is causing issues for business.
Over the past two weeks, KPRC 2 has seen the issue firsthand, hearing the stories of people who were attacked by stray dogs in the county.
KPRC 2 reporter Corley Peel spoke with realtor Anjanette Stehlgens, who told her the issue has caused problems.
“How has this stray dog issue in Liberty County impacted you as a realtor?” Corley asked Stehlgens.
“As a realtor, it’s a lot harder for us to show properties when we never know what animals are to roam around on the property that don’t belong there. It is a risk for our incoming clients as well as the owners of the homes,” she responded. “We’re not getting as many showings in some of the areas that have so many loose dogs as well as other animals that have been running around lately.”
The aggressive dogs and attacks have been a concern throughout the county. KPRC 2 spoke with different people who said they were bit by stray dogs or cornered by a pack of aggressive canines. One woman said she had to get a series of rabies shots after she was attacked. Over the past week, KPRC 2 crews have also witnessed aggressive dogs in the neighborhoods.
“Have you ever had a close call or ever encountered a dog that was aggressive?” Corley asked Stehlgens.
“I have not. I have seen some other people who have,” she said. “Most of the time they are very friendly.”
Liberty County doesn’t have an animal control or a shelter. Some neighbors rescue the dogs themselves by taking them shelters in other cities, or into their own homes, but that doesn’t solve the growing problem.
Stehlgens says the dogs are typically abandoned by owners or dumped in wooded areas where they migrate to neighborhoods.
“They are a risk for all of us when we’re all out there, but at the same point, they are just harmless, innocent animals that are just really, they’re scared. It would just be like us being out there with no help,” Stehlgens said.
On Monday, Corley was as a gas station in the Cleveland area where she witnessed several stray dogs roaming the parking lot. They came from a nearby wooded area and were likely attracted to nearby food trucks.
One of the dogs approached Stehlgens. Unlike other encounters residents say they have experienced, this dog did not act aggressively, but appeared to be lonely and hungry. The dog easily let Stehlgens pet him.
“I’m sorry sweetheart, I don’t have any food right now,” Stehlgens said to the dog.
Stehlgens eventually got food for the dog, but she wishes the county had a shelter that could keep him safe.
KPRC 2 will be at the Liberty County Commissioners Court meeting at 9 a.m. on Tuesday. Several neighbors said they will also be attending.
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