Three months ago the Hill Family on Elena Lane lost one of their two goats to a daytime attack by two dogs.
This week they found the body of their remaining pet goat, Mollie, and that of their new baby kid, Petunia, inside their fenced run. Their throats had been mauled and the goats bled to death. There was no foraging or feeding– definitely pointing to a dog attack, (not coyote or mountain lion). Our sympathies to the Hill Family and their grandchildren who had become so attached to Mollie and Petunia.
These attacker(s) are not feral or abandoned dogs killing for hunger. They are most likely well-fed pets who have taken to sport-killing. Experts and livestock owners agree: dogs are predatory animals and will not stop killing once they have begun. Dogs will also tend to return to the same areas where they have killed before. There is also a growing danger that dogs will attach other prey.
These attacker(s) are not feral or abandoned dogs killing for hunger. They are most likely well-fed pets who have taken to sport-killing. Experts and livestock owners agree: dogs are predatory animals and will not stop killing once they have begun. Dogs will also tend to return to the same areas where they have killed before. There is also a growing danger that dogs will attach other prey.
In 1989, Roy Johnston of Dulzura was attacked and killed in a dog attack. His body was found by an off-duty policeman who shot and killed one of the dogs circling Johnson's body. Criminal charges were sought against the owner.
In 1991, a 69-year-old ranch hand was fatally mauled by roaming dogs on in Dulzura while walking along a trail near the dog-owners' property. The owner was later found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and did some serious jail time. DV'er Frank Braunlich remembers the attack and reminds us, "scares me when I think of some small children walking home from the school bus stop. You just cannot be too careful or trusting of animals in a pack, no matter what your size. I don't want to alarm anyone, but this should be publicized to parents and dog owners as well."
Mark Payne also says, “It is legal to shoot dogs attacking your livestock.” He is absolutely correct, just make sure you have as much hard evidence as possible. If the dog’s owner claims mistaken identity or blames other dogs for encouraging it, you may have to defend your actions in court.
Mark Payne also says, “It is legal to shoot dogs attacking your livestock.” He is absolutely correct, just make sure you have as much hard evidence as possible. If the dog’s owner claims mistaken identity or blames other dogs for encouraging it, you may have to defend your actions in court.
You can file a report with Animal Control about any animal bite or attack: (619) 767-2675 That way there is a record for possible future victims to access.
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