Hagerman, New Mexico (WIHINM)- According to the Hagerman Police Department two dogs have been terrorizing the small community. In a Facebook post Hagerman Police alerted the public about two dogs that have been killing cats. According to police it's not the area's mountain lion.
Hagerman, New Mexico Police Department Press Release:
We have had a few incidents over the last couple days which have caused concern from the public about the mountain lion in town. All these incidents involved the same 2 dogs NOT the mountain lion.
Due to numerous calls, messages, and people stopping us concerned, we are putting out this information.
On Wednesday, October 12th, at approximately 5 am, we received information about a possible sighting of the mountain lion on Cambridge Street near the school. We were advised that a domestic cat had been killed but left in the area.
The owner of the cat did open her door and let her German Shepard out as she attempted to see what was going on outside due to the dogs in the house alerting to something outside. She did observe something brown/tan in color, in the dark, some distance from her residence in the roadway. She observed the animal drop something and run. Upon further investigation she determined it was one of her cats deceased.
Our investigation of the incident determine it was a dog that had been in her yard and killed the cat. This is based off foot prints left on scene and video security footage from the area.
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On Thursday, October 13th, at approximately 5:24 am, police were notified of another possible sighting of the mountain lion in the Napa parking lot. Police were provided a video taken by the calling party of what appeared to be the mountain lion killing a dog. Officers responded immediately but only located a large amount of blood in the area and obvious signs of a struggle. No mountain lion and no dog could be located at that time. Game and fish was contacted and responded and Officer began hunting for the mountain lion immediately.
Officers were able to obtain security video footage of the incident from the Napa security camera and it was determined it again was not a mountain lion, it was in fact a dog on dog attack where two dogs cornered and attacked another dog, severally injuring it. All three dogs involved were identified and located. The owners received citation for animals at large and dangerous dogs prohibited. The injured dog was returned to the owner for medical treatment once it was located. It was confirmed to be the same dogs involved in the incident from Cambridge Street the previous day.
The above mentioned dogs have also killed numerous cats in the area. Witnesses reported them killing cats in the 400 block of Sterling on October 12th around 10 pm, and numerous deceased cats were located in the yard of the owner of one of the above mentioned dogs.
Officers will remain on high alert for the mountain lion and citizens should continue to use caution. But to clarify, none of the incidents that have occurred over the last few days were the result of the mountain lion.
If anyone does have an encounter with the cougar it is important to call 911 immediately.
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