COLUMBIA, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) – One of the two dogs thought to beinvolved in recent reported assaults that shut down Harbison State Forest was shot and killed.
The South Carolina Forestry Commission stated that it was a family member of a homeowner near the forest who shot a black dog following its attack and killing the homeowner’s goats. The black dog was subsequently confirmed to be one of the two involved in the recent incidents.
Authorities also mentioned that the second dog, thought to be brown, might have been shot during the event before it fled. SCFC stated that the homeowner also reported additional goats had been killed by the same two dogs.
SCFC also mentioned that Harbison State Forest will stay closed until at least Friday, depending on future updates.
“Richland County Animal Control and Columbia City Animal Services are currently searching the area for the brown dog, while the Forestry Commission is continuing the search at Harbison with assistance from other law enforcement agencies,” the agency stated in a Tuesday update.
SCFC stated that a victim was reportedly trapped by two large dogs on July 11. The dogs reportedly only released the individual when others came to assist. No one was injured, but the dogs could not be found.
The agency later found out about an assault that occurred on July 12 along a path in Harbison State Forest. The individual who was attacked, Assistant U.S. Attorney Winston Holliday, informed WIS that he was by himself when the incident happened, and the dogs ceased their actions only after someone else arrived to assist.
Holliday required 17 stitches following injuries that included multiple bite marks and scratches.
SCFC also mentioned that the agency became aware of a comparable dog sighting in the nearby region of Geology Road, located off Broad River Road.
