After five dog attacks in just a week and a half, the Department of Natural Resources is asking dog owners to keep their animals properly contained.

“We have thousands of dogs in this town and unfortunately, people need to start… making sure their dogs are a little more secured,” said Department of Natural Resources Director Garry Buckminster.

Buckminster said that dog owners are liable when their dog attacks another dog. They may have to pay medical bills and public fines, and appear before the Select Board for dangerous dog hearings.

According to Buckminster, a recent canine victim had to go in for emergency surgery after being attacked by a larger dog. Other attacks left dogs with puncture wounds and lacerations. 

“Neighboring towns don’t have incidents like this as much as we do,” Buckminster said.

Buckminster partially attributes the recent rise in attacks to the warmer weather, as more dogs and their owners are trying to get outside. 

Loose animals can be reported to the Department of Natural Resources at 508-291-3100, ext. 3180 or aco@wareham.ma.us.