On December 18, 2018 at approximately 4:58 PM Parsons Police were dispatched to the 2900 Block of Stevens for a report of vicious dogs at large and keeping citizens in their vehicles aggressively.

Officers arrived and found two large dogs that were acting very aggressive. While evaluating the situation one dog viciously charged one officer. The officer fired his duty weapon one time not hitting the dog, but striking the ground harmlessly, both animals then fled the area. While officers searched for the dogs in fear that their aggressiveness would lead to a citizen getting bitten or mauled, both dogs returned to the 2900 Block of Stevens. When officers found them, one of the dogs again viciously charged the officers and was fatally shot. The second dog fled under a house and was unable to be captured. The animal that was shot will be sent to Kansas State University to undergo testing for rabies.

Sometimes animals turn aggressive due to a disease and the owners are not aware, so they are sent to a laboratory to be tested. Also, animals let to run at large can become territorial or run in a pack which can be aggressive to the point of attacking other animals or humans including small children.

The animal's owner was unable to be found and officers are still looking to speak to them. The Animal Control Officer has been called several times to this address and the owner has never been able to be reached. Officers talked to surrounding neighbors who stated that this house and these dogs have been a neighborhood nuisance for some time.

"Our men and woman are called upon by the community for many reasons, only part of them are criminal in nature and some calls are animal calls. Officers are always cognitive of their surroundings and do not take being forced to put a vicious animal down lightly," says Parsons Police Chief Robert Spinks. "Officers constantly look for other alternatives to dispatching an animal but will not risk their safety or the safety of our citizens," continued Spinks.

It's well known that Parsons has had a challenge with loose dogs and feral cats. All of these issues boil down to irresponsible pet ownership or pet dumping. With limited housing available to handle impounded animals, we will need to look at animal-issues with a global perspective: housing/ impounding, spay/ neutering, relocating/ adoption and owner accountability and abatement.

"I'll be creating a Chiefs Animal Advisory Board in 2019 to bring coordination to this community issue which while also include involving the Parsons Basic Animal Rights Council and the Proud Animal Lovers Shelter (PALS). I'll be assigning Sergeant Jason Ludwig to oversee this new outreach project"

This continues to be an on-going investigation and citizens are encouraged to "See It, Hear It, Report It." If anyone has any further information on this incident or any other criminal activity, please contact the Parsons Police Department at 421-7060 or call the Tip Line at 421-7057 or email at tips@parsonspd.com.

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