A routine evening walk on West Farm Loop in Stokesdale turned chaotic on June 29 when two unleashed Cane Corsos attacked a woman and her dog, leaving both injured and sending a responding Rockingham County deputy scrambling to stop the violence.
According to the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy arrived around 6:40 p.m. and tried multiple ways to drive the dog off before resorting to his weapon, acting “in defense of himself and others,” as reported by the Charlotte Observer. The shot missed the animal, struck the ground and ricocheted into a nearby home. No one inside was hurt. The woman and her dog were treated for their injuries, and the case remains under investigation.
Deputy Opened Fire After Dog Returned To Scene
Officials say the trouble started when the two Cane Corsos attacked the woman and her dog while they were out walking. Both were injured and the dogs ran off. While the woman was receiving medical care, one of the Cane Corsos came back and aggressively advanced toward a deputy at the scene.
The sheriff’s office says the deputy tried nonlethal methods first, then fired a single round when the dog continued to charge. The bullet hit the ground and then ricocheted into a nearby residence, according to WXII. No bystanders inside the home were injured.
County Leash Law Dates Back To Fatal Mauling
Rockingham County has enforced a leash and animal containment ordinance since 1998, a rule that county officials say was put in place after a child was killed by dogs running at large, according to a county news release. In light of the latest attack, officials are again reminding residents to secure animals on their property and to use leashes when walking pets.
Owners Cited And Dogs Held At Shelter
Investigators later identified the Cane Corsos’ owners, who were cited for allowing animals to run at large. Both dogs were surrendered to the Rockingham County Animal Shelter and are being held while the investigation continues, WXII reported.
The sheriff’s office has not released additional details about the severity of the woman’s or her dog’s injuries. The investigation is still open, and anyone with information is asked to contact the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office.
