Wolfdogs Allegedly Escape Yard, Rampage Through Neighborhood Killing Pets and Shocking Residents Amid Ongoing Legal Battle

In a chilling incident that has rattled the community of McMinnville, Oregon, four wolfdog hybrids allegedly broke free from their owner’s property on March 7, roaming over a mile and killing a pet dog and two cats. The events have sparked outrage and fear among residents, many of whom claim it underscores a broader issue with local animal control measures.

Residents reportedly observed the wolfdogs carrying out their attack, leaving a trail of devastation in their wake. One witness, Jonathan Jacoby, recounted a harrowing experience when he found his mother’s Jack Russell terrier, Roxy, dead after the wolfdogs had attacked. According to Jacoby’s letter to the City Council following the tragic event, this was “far from the first time these wolfdogs have been loose in our community,” pointing to a troubling history of previous incidents involving Atwood’s dogs.

Sandra Atwood, the 41-year-old owner of the dogs, has faced significant backlash as a result of the incident and is currently contending with 22 citations in McMinnville Municipal Court. Atwood, who reportedly acquired her first wolfdog hybrid in 2021, has argued she made multiple attempts to comply with city regulations but has also alleged that confusion over city codes contributed to the attacks.

The city officials have publicly maintained that Atwood has skirted animal control laws and failed to sufficiently contain her pets despite alleged efforts by the municipal government to enforce existing rules. According to David Ligtenberg, the city attorney, there was no significant action taken prior to the attack to address Atwood’s multiple code violations. The city is now facing scrutiny over its animal control policies, which some residents claim are insufficient, particularly with the absence of a dedicated animal-control department.

Investigations revealed a problematic history with Atwood’s wolfdogs. Reports indicate that as far back as December 2022, Atwood’s dogs had attacked another neighbor’s dog, raising alarms among residents. Despite warnings and previous citations, Atwood insists that new city requirements, including a directive to remove stabilizing ‘lean-ins’ from her fences, made it difficult to safeguard her animals.

Following the March 7 incident and the resulting public outcry, city officials quickly moved to seize Atwood’s wolfdogs, executing a warrant just six days after the attack. The emotional fallout has been profound, as community members express fear for their pets and a desire for firmer regulations governing the ownership of potentially dangerous animals.

As the legal proceedings against Atwood progress, she has constructed a reinforced enclosure in her yard, aiming to demonstrate her commitment to keeping her wolfdogs secure. The upcoming court hearing on April 30 is expected to draw significant attention from the community, with residents like Jacoby emphasizing their intentions to advocate for victims like Roxy and to seek reforms that prevent such incidents in the future.

While the city contemplates potential changes to dog ownership laws, concerns linger regarding the adequacy of existing animal control efforts, underscoring the need for clearer regulations as McMinnville grapples with the aftermath of this traumatic event. Residents and officials alike are calling for solutions to ensure safety for both pets and people in the future.