PRESS RELEASE – The Graham County Sheriff’s Office is reminding residents and visitors to leave hunting dogs alone after two beagles were picked up along a county roadway and transported to another area.

According to Sheriff Russell Moody, a woman recently picked up two beagles along a Graham County roadway and transported them to the Old Fort area.

Moody contacted the woman and advised her that refusing to return the dogs could result in felony larceny charges. Both dogs were recovered the following morning and reunited with their owner.

Hunting with dogs has been part of Graham County’s mountain heritage for generations. During hunting season, dogs are commonly seen along roadways and in wooded areas as they participate in hunting activities.

The Sheriff’s Office emphasized that a dog running loose does not necessarily mean it has been abandoned or neglected. Many hunting dogs wear identification and GPS collars and are considered valuable working animals by their owners.

Under North Carolina General Statute 14-81(a1), larceny of a dog is a Class I felony.

Graham County does not have a general countywide leash law, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Officials are asking anyone who encounters a dog they believe is lost, injured or neglected to contact law enforcement rather than removing the animal from the area.

The Sheriff’s Office also reminded residents and visitors to respect lawful hunting activities on public lands and avoid interfering with hunters.

Moody said the county welcomes visitors and new residents but expects them to respect local traditions, residents and private property.

“Hunting is part of our heritage, and our hunters love their dogs,” Moody said. “We welcome everyone who comes here to enjoy our mountains, but we expect the same respect for our residents, our hunters, and their property.”

The sheriff encouraged visitors to enjoy the area’s natural resources while respecting the mountain traditions that have been part of the community for generations.