Two loose dogs turned a Collierville family staple into a scene of chaos Thursday, tearing through the petting area at Russell's Farm Supply on the town square and killing more than a dozen birds along with a mini pig regulars knew as Bruno. Staff and customers rushed to pull other animals out of harm's way, but owner Wesley Tice says the losses were both heavy and heartbreaking. The shop plans to replace animals, repair the enclosure, and is already hearing from neighbors who want to help fund the rebuild.
According to FOX13 Memphis, the two dogs got into the animal area Thursday and killed 13 chickens, four turkeys, and Bruno the mini pig. Tice told the station he plans to file a civil lawsuit against the dogs' owner and will hold a fundraiser in the coming weeks to help replace animals and rebuild fencing. FOX13 also reports that Collierville Animal Services responded to the scene and removed the surviving animals as a safety precaution.
Collierville Animal Services has classified the case as property damage for now and is weighing what charges, if any, might apply. "The agency is reviewing what charges may be appropriate," Animal Shelter Manager Kaci Herrera told FOX13 Memphis. Town officials say animal-control officers took custody of the dogs and secured the scene while the investigation continues.
Shop Background And Owner
Wesley and Emily Tice took over Russell's Farm Supply late last year, according to the Daily Memphian. The long-running feed and garden store lists its Collierville location and community programs on its website, which also describes a small animal area that has become a go-to stop for neighborhood families with young kids.
What The Law Allows
Collierville's animal ordinance requires owners to keep dogs under control and authorizes the town to seek penalties when animals damage property or threaten public safety, according to the Collierville municipal code. The town's Animal Services division is responsible for enforcing those rules and handling complaints about stray or dangerous dogs, which can lead to fines or other orders depending on the outcome of an investigation, per the Collierville Animal Services page. If an owner is found civilly responsible for damage to livestock, property owners may seek compensation in civil court.
Not An Isolated Problem
Animal advocates and small-farm operators say loose dogs can wipe out years of work in a matter of minutes, and this is far from the only petting farm to take a hit this year. Earlier in 2026, a pair of stray dogs killed several animals at a Colorado petting farm, a case covered by the Denver Gazette. That attack, like the Collierville incident, underscored how easily determined dogs can breach fencing and how crucial fast reporting to animal control can be.
Tice has said he intends to pursue legal action over the Collierville attack and expects fundraising and community support to play a big role in restoring the petting area. The shop plans to post updates on Russell's Farm Supply's website. For questions about animal custody or to report related concerns, Collierville Animal Services lists its contact details on the town's site. The investigation remains open, and officials say more information will be shared as it becomes available.
