**UPDATED**
5/31/26: Efforts since Friday evening have not resulted in locating the dogs being sought. Deputies will continue to make patrols of the area. It is important that sightings be called in immediately. We have also coordinated with the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office due to proximity of the county line.
According to the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, a concentrated search in response to reports of the aggressive dogs south of Kirkwood was conducted at 5:30 am on Friday, May 29th with the assistance of Illinois State Police Air support. The dogs were not located and a team of individuals experienced in predator control will initiate surveillance the nights of Friday, May 29th and Saturday, May 30th. Warren County Animal Control Officer Becca Livingston reports the first sighting of these dogs on the loose was back in February:
“In February I started getting calls about the dogs. I have gone out every single time trying to locate these dogs. Every time I have gone out, I cannot find them. The first report of them actually killing was in April. I have never seen them with my own eyes, I have only seen pictures from what everyone has taken or videos as well. I do want everyone to realize, the only thing I have is a catch pole,” says Livingston.
“The Sheriff’s Office is now taking it over. South of Kirkwood in the 300 to 600 Block of 150th Street, that is the general area,” Livingston adds.
The dogs are described as a black Pitbull with a white chest and a black Cane Corso. If you see these dogs running at large, contact the Monmouth Dispatch Center at 309-734-8383.
On the morning of Friday, May 29, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office will initiate a coordinated search for two predatory dogs believed to be near South Henderson Creek south east of Kirkwood. Area of search will be west to east from approximately 50th Street to near US 67, and south to north in an area of approximately 140th Avenue to 160th Avenue.
If the search does not produce results, a team of volunteer individuals with team experience in predator control will initiate a night search in coordination with the Sheriff’s Office over the weekend.
Individuals are requested to stay out of the search area and not involve themselves independently, nor fly drones.
The dogs are described as a black Pitbull with white chest, and a black Cane Corso. If the dogs are seen, report the sighting immediately to Monmouth Dispatch center 309-734-8383.
***Courtesy of the Warren County Sheriff’s Office***
