NORWOOD, Mo. — An 86-year-old Norwood man has been charged with animal neglect after authorities alleged his dogs attacked a herd of goats, killing at least one and injuring others.
Larry Wilson is accused of animal neglect or abandonment in connection with a March 3 incident at a property in Douglas County. The probable cause statement was electronically filed July 27 in Douglas County Circuit Court.
According to the statement, a witness contacted the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office shortly after noon and reported seeing three dogs attack goats while he was working on the property.
A deputy wrote that he arrived at the property and found the witness sitting near a stock trailer with a brown goat lying beside him. The goat appeared to have bite marks around its neck and throat. The deputy also reported finding a smaller goat inside the trailer with an injury to its ear.
The witness told authorities he had been brush hogging when he saw three dogs attacking the goats. He reportedly described the dogs as two black and white dogs and one tan and white dog. According to the statement, one goat was killed in a creek and the dogs continued pursuing other goats before the witness yelled and caused them to scatter.
Wilson later arrived at the property and reportedly acknowledged that the description matched his dogs, although he said he did not see them at that time. The deputy told Wilson that it was the owner’s responsibility to keep the dogs on his property.
The owner of the goats later arrived and asked Wilson whether he would compensate him for the dead and injured animals. According to the statement, Wilson disputed responsibility and said the livestock owner should have had better fencing. The deputy noted that the fencing he observed appeared to be new barbed wire fencing.
While checking the remaining animals, the livestock owner reportedly found a large buck goat unable to stand. The deputy wrote that the goat had several lacerations and apparent bite marks. The animal was loaded into a vehicle to be taken to a veterinarian.
Wilson was initially issued a citation for animal neglect. Court records included with the probable cause statement list the charge under Missouri statute 578.009.
All charges are allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
