News Summary
Harbison State Forest in Columbia, SC, has been closed to the public following serious dog attacks that resulted in one injury and raised safety concerns. A jogger was attacked by two aggressive dogs, prompting authorities to capture the animals. Following a second attack the next day, officials recommend that park-goers avoid running alone and carry cellphones for safety. The closure emphasizes the necessity for public safety while officials work to ensure the forest can reopen safely.
Columbia, SC – Harbison State Forest has been closed to the public following a series of dog attacks that left one individual injured and sparked safety concerns among visitors. The forest’s 2,137 acres, which include 18 miles of jogging trails and generally attract around 200,000 visitors yearly, will remain off-limits until authorities reassess the situation on July 17.
The decision to close the forest came after a 19-year-old jogger, Connor McNeill, was attacked by two pit bull-type dogs while running alone. McNeill described the dogs as large, muscular, and well-fed, each weighing approximately 90 pounds. During the incident, McNeill fought off the dogs for around 30 minutes, using various self-defense techniques, including kicking and punching, while he sought refuge on a tree stump. With the help of his sister, authorities were eventually guided to his location after she managed to share her brother’s exact position via location services.
McNeill’s aunt and sister took desperate measures to reach him, rammed their car through two locked gates to get into the park. While on the stump, McNeill continued to call for help, successfully drawing the dogs’ focus away from his rescuers. Thankfully, he did not sustain any bites or severe injuries; however, he expressed concern that the outcome could have been much worse, especially for individuals who are less physically capable of defending themselves.
The very next day, Harbison State Forest witnessed a second attack involving the same dogs. Federal prosecutor Winston Holliday, 57, was jogging when he encountered the dogs, resulting in serious injuries that required 17 stitches. Holliday described the encounter as a fight for his life, with the dogs coordinating their attack to surround him effectively.
In response to these incidents, the South Carolina Forestry Commission and Columbia Animal Services have initiated efforts to locate the aggressive pets. Authorities have set traps throughout the forest, baited with food, in hopes of capturing the dogs. No sightings of the dogs have been reported since the attacks, raising concerns about their whereabouts and the potential risk they pose to others.
As a precautionary measure for park-goers, officials are urging joggers to avoid running alone and to carry cellphones while visiting the forest. The safety measures come amidst rising worries over incidents of large mixed-breed dog attacks, prompting discussions around a legislative proposal known as Jayce’s Law. This initiative aims to tackle issues related to the overpopulation of large aggressive dogs in the region and improve public safety.
Harbison State Forest had previously been viewed as a safe area for outdoor activities, and the recent attacks have left many residents uneasy. The authorities’ immediate closure of the park exemplifies the seriousness of the situation and their commitment to ensuring the safety of the public. The upcoming review of the closure is expected to provide further guidance on when the park will reopen and any additional measures to prevent future incidents.
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Additional Resources
- WIS TV: Harbison State Forest Closes After Reported Dog Attacks
- WLTX: Harbison State Forest Temporarily Closed After Dog Attack
- The State: Harbison State Forest Closes After Dog Attack
- Google Search: dog attacks in Harbison State Forest
- WACH: Harbison State Forest Closes After Dog Attack
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dog Attack
- WLTX: Harbison State Forest Closed After Dog Attacks
- Google News: Harbison State Forest closure
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