A family in Caldwell County is grappling with the aftermath of a series of vicious dog attacks that have resulted in substantial veterinary expenses and the tragic loss of one of their pets. The family has incurred nearly $9,000 in medical bills following these incidents, which have left their remaining dogs severely injured.
Robert Wilcox, a resident of Dale for four decades, has witnessed a growing threat from wild packs of dogs in the area. He recounted, “I’ve had sheep and goats and everything else on this property. The wild dogs have killed them.” Wilcox reported that these packs, consisting of 15 to 25 dogs, frequently trespass on his land. The situation escalated recently when one of his dogs was attacked and killed, while another suffered severe bite wounds during a subsequent encounter.
The attacks have left Wilcox feeling desperate and frustrated. “By the time—and I’m halfway crippled—by the time I got back to the garage to get a shotgun, they were going underneath the fence,” he lamented. “This is the third time. The third time is enough.”
Wilcox suspects that the roaming dogs may belong to a nearby neighbor, although attempts to reach the neighbor have been unsuccessful. In his search for help, he has contacted various local and state agencies, including the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office, Animal Control, the Texas Game Warden, and the local fire department. Unfortunately, his efforts have not yielded any assistance.
Caldwell County Animal Control acknowledged that officers have visited the property multiple times but have not observed the dogs during these visits, which limits their ability to take action. A public information officer explained that enforcement measures require photographic evidence of the pack and identification of the dogs’ owner. Wilcox was informed that he could request a metal trap cage to capture the stray dogs on his property.
The ongoing situation has left Wilcox and his family deeply unsettled, raising concerns not only for their pets but also for the safety of the community. His daughter expressed worry for her father’s well-being, a sentiment echoed by Wilcox as he considers the potential danger to vulnerable individuals in the area. “So it’s not only I’m worried about my life,” he stated. “I’m thinking about these elderly people, these kids.”
As the family remains vigilant, they are hopeful that local authorities will find a solution before another attack occurs.
