LITTLE EGG HARBOR – Township Police Chief Richard Buzby issued a Feb. 7 statement noting that an ongoing investigation involving three dogs who bit six residents on Feb. 3, were not vaccinated for rabies.
Buzby said, “during our initial investigation the owner of the dogs responsible for the attacks maintained toour investigator that the dogs were vaccinated for rabies. A court proceeding on the matter was held today where additional relevant information was added that gave rise to additional investigation by this department. As a result, we have now determined that, although required by law, no such vaccinations for rabies ever happened regarding those animals.”
“We believe that there may be other victims of these attacks whose identities are not yet known to us. Because of this, I strongly urge you to advise your medical professionals of this fact,” the chief said.
Township police responded around 2:15 p.m. on Feb. 3, to the area of Lake Winnipesaukee Drive in reference to a reported dog bite. Upon arrival they found a 69-year old woman, and a 40-year old man suffering from multiple dog bites.
The officers witnessed three dogs, that were referenced as being “well known to the officers” terrorizing residents and having bitten a total of six residents.
During the next hour, police and residents worked to contain the dogs as they continued to terrorize the neighborhood.
In the last four months, these dogs have gotten free on seven different occasions and bit a dozen victims. At one point the dogs were turned over to animal control. The dogs’ owner however, has been able to retain custody of them.
The dogs are currently in the custody of Animal Control. A video of the incident was posted to the Little Egg Harbor Police Department Facebook page along with a press release.
On Dec. 10, 2019, following one such incident, the dogs were removed by animal control and once again, were returned to the owner at a later time.
The Feb. 3 incident was described by police as “horrific, nobody should live in fear of allowing their children to play outside, walk down the street or simply get the mail,” Chief Buzby said.
The chief added, “the Little Egg Harbor Police Department will do everything in its power to ensure these dogs are never returned and allowed to menace this neighborhood in the future. This is an active investigation, and we will keep the community apprised of its resolution.”
Township police thanked those residents who assisted officers with the Feb. 3 incident.
Jersey Shore Online was unable at press time to reach township police concerning whether the owner of the dogs may face additional charges due to the lack of vaccinations and if the dogs were tested for rabies while currently in confinement.
