Media Release

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL – Alachua County Animal Services, the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, and the City of Hawthorne are investigating numerous cat killings in the Ashley Oaks subdivision, located in Northeast Hawthorne.  Officials believe that one or more dogs from adjacent subdivisions are responsible and attack cats at night.

Animal Services Director, David Flagler, advises cat owners to keep their cats indoors until the dogs can be located.  He also advises dog owners to keep their dogs confined.

Animal Services is asking witnesses to come forward, if they have observed the dogs.  If residents have information as to the description of the dogs, they are asked to contact Animal Services at 352-264-6880. 

Although the dogs have not presented a threat to humans, people who are worried to move about their neighborhood can protect themselves with a pepper-based spray that has proven effective on dogs. 

For more information, contact David Flagler, Alachua County Animal Services Director at 352-264-6890 or dflagler@alachuacounty.us.