Natchez — The owner of the dogs responsible for the latest attacks this month has stepped forward to take responsibility for his dogs’ actions.

Scott Slover, who owns the two dogs that attacked Gloria Neames’ dog in Duncan Park on Oct. 3, is moving his dogs to a new home in the country.

The dogs were in his house on the day of the attack, Slover said, and somehow managed to flip the latch on a door that goes under his house to get outside.

Slover said he was not aware his dogs were responsible for the attack until he read about the attack in the newspaper. Slover said he immediately contacted the Adams County Sheriff’s Office and his veterinarian.

The ACSO and his veterinarian both said euthanization of the dogs was not necessary, but Slover said ACSO, his veterinarian and the Natchez-Adams County Humane Society suggested relocating the dogs, which is what he is doing.

Neames said Slover contacted her and was very apologetic for the incident and is paying her veterinarian bill.

Slover said he was not fined by the city for a leash law violation, but he will accept any fines or citations given to him.

“That is my civic duty,” he said.

Natchez Mayor Jake Middleton said there is a possibility Slover could be fined, but that will be a judgment call made by animal control.

Middleton said he believes the fact that Slover is being cooperative and relocating the dogs should be taken into consideration.

The city recently agreed to implement an increased fine on leash law violations in response to a community uprising in the wake of the 35-50 cat killings downtown.

The new leash law fines are aimed at problem dogs and repeat offenders, Middleton said, and he believes animal control and police officers should exercise good judgment when issuing leash law citations.

“I think it depends on the dog and the situation,” he said.

Middleton said the city is working harder than it ever has to control the dog problem.

“There will be tickets written,” he said. “I can promise you that.”

Slover said the incident was accidental, and his dogs are never kept outside without a leash. He said he does not believe his dogs are the alleged cat killers.

“We’re really embarrassed about all this,” Slover said. “We have cats and dogs of our own, and we don’t want any harm to come to any animal.”