Hernando County man faces fines after dogs kill livestock during thunderstorm panic

The Hernando County Board of County Commissioners held a regular meeting on January 14, 2025, where a significant discussion arose regarding a local resident's dogs that caused damage to neighboring livestock. The incident occurred during a severe thunderstorm on June 7, 2023, when the dogs escaped their owner's property and attacked several animals, resulting in the death of a goat and two cows.

During the meeting, the owner expressed distress over the situation, stating that the storm had frightened the dogs, leading them to panic and escape. However, commissioners emphasized the owner's responsibility for controlling their animals. Commissioner Alaco highlighted the potential dangers of uncontrolled dogs, noting that the situation could have been worse if children had been nearby. He stated, "If you can't control them, then your responsibility is to find a new owner for them."

Commissioner Champion raised concerns about previous complaints regarding the dogs, suggesting a pattern of issues that needed to be addressed. The commissioners collectively agreed that personal responsibility is crucial in such cases, with several members expressing their reluctance to waive the associated fines due to the severity of the damage caused.

The discussion underscored the importance of responsible pet ownership in the community, with commissioners advocating for accountability to prevent similar incidents in the future. The meeting concluded with a consensus that the owner must take responsibility for the actions of their dogs, reinforcing the need for stricter adherence to animal control regulations in Hernando County.