In a distressing incident east of Dorchester, a cyclist was attacked by a pack of dogs, leading to an outcry from local residents demanding immediate action. The attack, which occurred this week, has highlighted a growing problem with stray or wild dogs in the area, particularly between Marion and Catherine Streets, east of Highway 73.David Sudan, a local resident, reported that his chickens had been attacked by these dogs, prompting him to carry an air horn for protection. Despite his efforts, the dogs returned the following day, forcing Sudan to defend himself with a shovel. The situation escalated when cyclist Mark Hemmings encountered the pack while riding on Marion Street. Hemmings described a harrowing experience where two dogs flanked him, and one latched onto his thigh, likening the ordeal to a scene from National Geographic.Despite managing to escape, Hemmings was left bleeding and in shock, prompting him to contact the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), who confirmed an open investigation into the matter. However, both Hemmings and Sudan expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the response from local authorities, describing it as “office ping-pong” among various agencies.The fear of dog attacks is not unfounded, with Sudan referencing a tragic incident in Edmonton where a child was mauled to death. This has raised concerns about the potential for more severe attacks if the issue is not addressed promptly.In response to the growing concerns, the Municipality of Thames Centre has acknowledged the reports of roaming dogs and is coordinating with police and animal care agencies to find a solution. Meanwhile, the community remains on edge, with residents like Hemmings experiencing flashbacks of the attack and worrying about the safety of cyclists and pedestrians in the area.