A loose pack of six dogs is prowling along the Lake–Ashtabula county line, killing backyard chickens and keeping animal control officers busy, according to county officials. Shelter staff say the dogs have been spotted in rural pockets on both sides of the county border, and a trap-and-capture operation is now underway. Neighbors in the area are being urged to lock down small animals while crews work to track the dogs.
As reported by Cleveland.com, the Lake County Dog Shelter said in a Facebook post that the pack, about six animals, has been roaming rural roads and “killed chickens that were in a pen.” The shelter said it has already set a trap and is asking residents not to feed the dogs so capture efforts are not disrupted. The Ashtabula County Dog Warden is working alongside Lake County staff in the search.
WOIO also relayed the shelter’s plea, noting that the animals have been slipping back and forth across the county line while staff coordinate where to place traps. That report reiterated the shelter’s advice for residents to secure pets and livestock and to call in sightings quickly. If you spot the pack, the shelter asks that you call 440-350-2640 and share as much location detail as possible.
What officials are asking residents to do
County animal control officials say residents should keep dogs and cats indoors, lock up chickens and other livestock in predator-proof enclosures, and avoid approaching or feeding the roaming dogs. According to the Lake County Dog Shelter, feeding the animals could interfere with the trap that has been set and put both people and animals at greater risk. Officials also ask residents to note the time, location, and any distinguishing features of the dogs before calling, so crews can respond efficiently.
Legal note for property owners
Ohio law allows a person to kill a dog that is actively chasing or killing livestock, but officials urge residents to contact animal control or law enforcement first to avoid legal and health complications. The state’s dog statutes make owners liable for damage their animals cause and lay out quarantine and reporting rules for biting or attacking dogs. See Ohio Revised Code Section 955.28 for details.
Animal-control staff say that tracking and safely capturing loose animals in heavily wooded, rural terrain can take time, and they appreciate tips from the public that lead to safe resolutions. The Lake County Dog Shelter and the Ashtabula County Dog Warden are coordinating trap locations and will issue updates through official channels as the situation unfolds. Residents worried about missing pets or livestock are asked to report losses to their local dog warden or call the shelter at 440-350-2640 for next steps.
