Pack(s) of Dogs Still in Junius Heights

The dogs that have been plaguing East Dallas continue to be a problem. Two cats were killed in the last two weeks in the 5400 and 5300 blocks of Worth. One dog is described as a black lab and the other two as German shepherd mixes: one with a dark coat and the other with a black muzzle. They hunt as a pack. One goes first, scurries under bushes and around corners of houses in an attempt to flush out cats. The other two dogs follow close behind and kill any animals that have been forced from their hiding place. The dogs travel fast and usually work at night and in the early hours of the morning.

If you see them, please call 214-287-7935, the number for animal control. I am told, though, that the number’s voice mail was full this weekend and was not operational. If the animal control number doesn’t work, call 911. Calling 311 doesn’t do any good—one resident reports that he called 311 this week and was told that Animal Control would investigate within 24 hours.

Animal Control told residents on Worth Street that they would start giving citations to residents who allowed their cats to be outside without a leash. The theory is, remove the food source and the dogs will disappear. It is a flawed theory and no neighborhood should be held hostage to ferial dogs.

Hot Spot in Junius Heights: 5500 and 5700 Block of Tremont

Two hanging 10-feet ivy baskets were stolen from a front porch in the 5700 block of Tremont last week. They were secured with metal so the thieves must have had metal cutters on them. Two weeks ago a stolen truck was parked in the driveway of the same house.

In the 5500 block of Tremont, a house and cars have been the frequent victims of vandalism. In Sept. and Dec. of 2006, the house was burglarized. In April of 2007 two car parked in front of the house was broken-into, a stereo system was stolen and the exteriors were extensively damaged. A few days ago, the house was burglarized again. Entry was gained by breaking a window. The alarm system sounded and the thieves left quickly without taking anything.

Suspicious Person

A Latino male, about 35 years old, 5’6” with a fairly large Roman nose can sometimes be seen riding his bike through Junius Heights. He usually wears an over-sized helmet and carries a bag, or a gym bag, in his hand and has a large trash bag on his bike.

He is alleged to have stolen a window AC unit in the 5300 block of Tremont.