County says dangerous-dog statute doesn’t cover the case; owner cited on rabies vaccination as investigators gather facts.
RINGGOLD, Va. — Pittsylvania County Animal Control is investigating after two dogs entered a fenced area at Ringgold Wildlife Rescue and killed 23 fawns early Monday, a case officials say falls outside the local dangerous-dog charge because the victims were not cats or dogs.
The attack wiped out the rescue’s entire group of young deer just as winter preparations were underway. The dogs were contained at the scene and later returned to their owner pending the outcome of the inquiry, according to Animal Control Officer Leslie Fowler. Fowler said the owner faces a count related to rabies vaccination and that investigators are reviewing enclosure security, prior complaints and how the animals breached the fence. The incident has stirred debate about overlapping state and local rules that address dogs that kill livestock, poultry or pets, but do not clearly address wildlife held for rehabilitation.
Owner Larry Oakes said he arrived at daybreak, heard barking and found the fawns dead inside the pen. “All the fawns are dead. They killed every one,” Oakes said in an interview, describing hours of cleanup with volunteers and officers. He said the facility also cares for squirrels and opossums and that those animals were unharmed. Fowler would not release the breed of the dogs or identify the owner while the case is active. The county has not announced whether the dogs will be subject to quarantine or additional control orders, and did not provide a timeline for potential follow-up charges.
Virginia law contains separate tools for different scenarios. Courts can take up cases where dogs have killed livestock or poultry, and state code also allows compensation routes in those losses. Local dangerous-dog ordinances, by contrast, typically trigger when a dog injures another dog or cat or menaces people. Wildlife rescue enclosures sit at the intersection of those systems, and authorities here said the dangerous-dog path does not apply. That leaves investigators focused on the breach itself, the dogs’ vaccination status and any previous roaming issues. Oakes said he is replacing sections of fence and will review procedures with volunteers once the county finishes its report.
Neighbors who support the rescue said the loss is difficult to absorb. “It’s painful because they nurse them, weigh them, and then step back so they can go wild again,” said Melissa Carter, who has donated supplies. Another neighbor, David Weeks, said he has seen loose dogs along the rural road and hopes the county review clarifies responsibility. “I just want the facts,” Weeks said. Oakes said people have brought injured fawns to the rescue for years and that this year’s class was nearing the point when human contact is minimized ahead of release.
County officials said the case remains open. Once the investigative summary is complete, it will be reviewed for any additional civil or criminal actions, including possible enforcement under state provisions that govern dogs that kill farm animals. No public hearing has been set. The county said more information is expected later this month as officers finish interviews and document the enclosure. Meanwhile, Oakes said the rescue is trying to stabilize operations and decide what to do with empty pens: “We’re going to take it one step at a time.”
As of Wednesday, the dogs remain with their owner and no new charges have been announced. The next update is expected after Animal Control forwards its report for review before the end of November.
Author note: Last updated November 19, 2025.