Police: Dogs running wild in Shaker Heights

Shaker Heights police are telling residents to watch out for aggressive animals running wild in the city.

Police said they've recently responded to an increased number of reports regarding wild dogs.

Specifically, they responded to two incidents involving a pack of wild dogs on Wednesday - one in the 3000 block of Ingleside Road and the other in the area of Kenmore Road and Van Aken Boulevard. 

In one incident, a pack of wild dogs severely injured a deer at 5:35 a.m. and later became aggressive toward a woman walking to a RTA train stop. Police also said one of the dogs nipped the woman's coat in the area of Kenmore Road and Van Aken Boulevard. No injuries were reported, authorities said.

Officers shot one of the wild dogs, and two others are on the loose. 

"Until they are caught, [I will] just be careful," said Paul Sanders, a Shaker Heights resident who said he is now carrying his gun when he is outside with his puppy.

Sanders said he witnessed the dogs attack the deer.

"It's definitely a concern for us because she doesn't know any better," said Jennifer Thomas, a Shaker Heights resident who was referring to her 12-week-old puppy, Luna.

Thomas said she is keeping a very watchful eye on Luna when she's outside in the fenced-in backyard.

While it may be an instinct to try to help loose dogs, police say residents should not try to approach the animals, as they may be aggressive.

"Please do not let your compassion allow you to become victim to an aggressive and unpredictable animal," police wrote on their official Facebook page Wednesday.

They said they do not have a description of the dogs.

If you see a wild dog in your area, call Shaker Heights police at (216) 491-1220.

"It's a very pedestrian area, a very family-friendly area, so to think these dogs are out there is pretty scary," added Thomas.

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