Shoot dogs

                FERRIS – A policy enacted Dec. 19 by Ferris Police Chief Frank Mooney call for officers to shoot “feral dogs,” according to an internal memo sent to all employees of FPD.

                “Complaints about numerous wild feral dogs in the City of Ferris have reached a point where they have become a nuisance and a danger to the general public,” the memo states, which features Mooney’s initial near his full name.

                Mooney, who recently was hired from Jacksboro, Texas, called on his officers to shoot the dogs with shotguns “with slug rounds.”

                “If there are not enough slug rounds in the vehicles, please let me know and I will get more rounds,” the memo states. 

                Mooney’s memo also advises his officers to ensure the dogs are not shot in locations that would harm individuals or residents’ property.

                “Once the animal is killed, Animal Control will be called to dispose of the carcass,” the memo states.
                Mooney could not be reached for comment, but Ferris City Manager David Chavez said the policy is needed due to numerous complaints.

“I’m going to take heat one way or the other,” Chavez said, “but if we get a handle on this now, we [might not run into trouble] in the future.

                “Do we want to wait until someone gets bit with rabies and then asks questions later?”

Chavez said the policy is defined as feral dogs meaning those without collars and those specifically traveling in packs.