Elon Town Council’s meeting on Nov. 17 was filled to maximum capacity with many Cable Square residents airing grievances surrounding a deadly dog attack that occurred last week in the neighborhood. 

Dog Attack in Cable Square 

The public comments portion of the town council meeting was flooded with many concerned residents. Three residents came to the stand including one who witnessed the tragedy herself. 

Last week, a resident's dog attacked and killed another neighbor's dog. The resident was not identified. Cable Square resident Jamelle O’Connell witnessed the attack.

 “I can barely go out the front door without thinking of all the blood because it was a vicious attack,” O’Connell said.

The Elon Chief of Police Kelly Blackwelder said law enforcement got to the scene at 8 a.m. The attack happened at 4 a.m.

The dog was identified as a pitbull mix and has since been ordered by Burlington Animal Services to be put on a leash when not in his yard. 

The attack has many residents on edge and wondering what the best course of action is when handling what should happen to the dog. Many said that they fear for their own well-being, their children and their dogs.  

The residents also said that there is increased drug activity and consistent vehicular speeding in the neighborhood. 

The Elon Chief of Police Kelly Blackwelder addressed the room and gave an overview of how they will assess the situation going forward surrounding the dog and the worry of increased criminal activity. The police department can seize the dog and deem it as dangerous, but they are not able to take any additional action. Additional action is a responsibility at the state level. 

Elon police force will be more present in Cable Square, according to Blackwelder. Blackwelder recommended taking videos of the dog if something is wrong and not being hesitant to contact 911.  

Life Saving Awards Handed Out  

Elon Fire Department engineers Austin Durham and Wes Hunt, Lieutenant Isaac Faucette and firefighter James Torbett were awarded with certificates for saving an unconscious Elon University student through CPR. 

The Elon student is now okay and back at classes, according to Elon Fire Chief Landon Massey. 

Capital Investment Plan 

Town council members also discussed the capital investment plan for the town of Elon. The plan goes over the budget for the next 10 years. 

The members decided to not vote on approving the budget and tabled the discussion to a later date in hopes of finalizing a few key pieces.

Other Items 

The Christmas decorations around the town have begun being put up with the Christmas tree being lit on Dec. 6. 

Town Council member-elect Steve Exum will be sworn in at the next meeting on Dec. 9.