Multiple dogs, supplies stolen from hunting preserve

CHADBOURN, NC (WWAY) — Most would agree a pet is viewed as part of the family.

But several families who had their dogs at the C&M Fox Preserve in Columbus County are missing their four legged friends. That’s because someone broke in and stole multiple hounds this past weekend.

“That didn’t look good to start with,” Preserve Owner Lonnie Ward said.

C&M Fox Preserve is a place where people can leave their hounds here to exercise and train

Ward said Sunday night was when someone broke in.

“When I came over Monday morning around 7 o’clock and I noticed my gate was wide open,” Ward said.

He instantly knew something was wrong.

“Then I came into here and saw that the kennels doors were open and it took my breath,” Ward said.

Ward said he saw multiple dogs running loose around the property, then realized nine were taken.

“I  then noticed the feed room has been jammed open,” Ward said.

In that room is where food and medication was missing too.

Ward said the person responsible had probably been here because they knew the code to get inside the locked gate.”

He says he’s not sure why someone would steal the dogs, but if it’s because someone didn’t like him or held a grudge they went about it the wrong way.

“To come here and take someone else hounds they have no concern about them what so ever,” Ward said.

Ward isn’t the only one on the hunt for the thief and the missing dogs, the community is on the lookout too.

“People around here are very helpful of any way they can,” Ward said.

Ward says the value of the hounds is around $20,000, but adds you can’t really put a price on a man’s best friend.

Ward said he did file a report. If you know anything you are asked to call Ward, 910-234-0669, or contact the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office.