CALDWELL COUNTY, N.C. — The owner of a beagle mix was being sought Thursday after officials said the dog attacked and killed "domestic poultry" in Caldwell County.
Animal control said the 2-year-old dog was found in the Cajah’s Mountain area.
The dog will be held by animal control for 30 days under the North Carolina Dangerous Animal Statute, officials said.
To claim the dog, the owner must have veterinarian records, rabies vaccination records, or purchase paperwork -- as well as show a valid North Carolina driver’s license, military ID, or passport.
However, hundreds of people rallied on social media on behalf of the dog, who is being referred to as "The Colonel".
Piedmont Animal Rescue made posts on Facebook Thursday night asking people to sign a petition to save the animal from euthanasia.
"SIGN THIS PETITION! The county is starting to listen. Let's let them see how many supporters this little guy has! SHARE, SHARE, SHARE!" one post read.
More than 2,500 people had signed the petition as of 11 p.m. Wednesday.
Later in the evening, the rescue said a citizen of Caldwell County was going to meet with an attorney on Friday to appeal the case.
"If successful, this action would also help to overturn the policy put in place by the shelter manager and therefore save many more innocent lives from senseless euthanasia," another post read.
Advocates said a policy to euthanize any animal that shows aggression to another animal was that of the shelter's, not the county.
On Friday evening, Caldwell County announced the policy had been revised in regards to rescue organization involvement with animals that are a lower risk of causing harm to others.
"The policy change impacts the case of the 2-year-old beagle. The dog will be released to a rescue organization if the owner does not come forward," said Paige Counts, public information officer.
The county said the rescue must be a 501(c)3 organization, have liability insurance, and sign transfer documentation.
Piedmont Animal Rescue posted the good news on social media.
"The Colonel WILL be safe. We have learned that they have asked a local rescue partner to pull The Colonel after his 30-day stray hold is up!" the post read.
Stay with NBC Charlotte for the latest on this developing story.
