Del Mar College has logged seven reported dog attacks so far in 2024.

Four dog attacks were reported directly to the DMC Police while the other three were reported to Corpus Christi Animal Care Services. Of the four attacks reported to campus police, three injuries were reported including one DMC student, one Collegiate High School student and one community member on campus looking to file his taxes on campus. The fourth attack was on a DMC staff member, but the dogs snagged the staff’s pant leg with no injury. 

Even though there hasn’t been an attack since February, Del Mar Police Chief Lauren White warns students not to approach any strays on campus. 

Most of the attacks occurred near the Venters Business Building, the other near Collegiate outside the gym. According to Chief White, no one should approach a stray dog should they encounter one on campus, even if the dog appears friendly.  However, should a dog corner you and appear aggressive, White states you should call security immediately at 361-698-1946.

“Don’t run away, back away slowly so it doesn’t incite their prey drive,” White said.  “Do not turn your back on them.  Get the attention of others and call for security to come over.”

If you happen to get bit, White advises to seek medical attention immediately.

“Seek immediate medical attention regardless of how severe it is because it needs to be cleaned out properly, especially since if the dog is not where we can catch it, then animal control will need to be advised so they can attempt to locate the dog for rabies,” White said. “They haven’t had a case of rabies in Nueces County for quite a while, but still it is something that is unknown and has to be considered,” she added.

Director of Environmental, Health, and Safety Jack Tweddle asks students not to feed any strays either.  “People leave feed for the cats, but it brings the dogs,” Tweddle said. 

Because of the rash of atypical attacks last school year, Tweddle and White asked for more help from Animal Care Services of Corpus Christi.

“Before that one little group in February, there was only one before that in May of 2023, and before that it had been years,” White said. “There hadn’t been [attacks] on campus since I came in 2015. “

Animal Care Services responded by canvassing the area in late February, picking up approximately 20-25 loose dogs in the Del Mar area and close neighborhoods.

“We have increased patrol from Animal Care Services, over that week they probably trapped 10 strays” Tweddle said. “Some were neighborhood animals that had to be returned.”

Tweddle and White added that dogs are not the only danger running around campuses, as the left-out food attracts rodents, raccoons, possums, and bugs. Javelinas have even been spotted at Windward Campus. 

“Do not approach,” Tweddle said. “Do not feed them.”