03/07/2007: "Guest Editorial"

Prevent Dog Attacks on Livestock
By Todd Goldsmith

Spring is just around the corner. With it comes a new growing season. Green fields, new vegetables, baby ducklings and chicks, spring lambs, kids, and calves will soon be dotting local farmlands. This idyllic pastoral landscape does more than contribute to the scenic beauty of our islands. It connects the community by providing locally grown food for all and a livelihood to many. Alas, this unique aspect of our community is subject to attack, quite literally, by "at large" dogs running loose out of the control of their owners, chasing, injuring and killing livestock. Fortunately, the County Council recently took steps to prevent these attacks by updating the County's Dog Ordinance, based on input from the County Agricultural Resources Committee, other concerned citizens, and animal rights advocacy groups. A reminder of these provisions, and the reasons for them, will help us all enjoy the beauty of this new season on our islands.

Many of us enjoy owning, and loving dogs. As with all activities, however, there is the responsibility to ensure that our enjoyment does not harm others. Allowing a dog to run at large or be out of the immediate control of its owner can, at a minimum, endanger the dog's safety. It also places livestock needlessly in harms way, threatens the livelihood of local farmers, and is against the law.

Over the years, dog attacks have resulted in numerous injuries and death to county livestock. Even the dog's "chase" can cause serious injury to livestock, especially if they are pregnant. In the last three years alone, 39 sheep were killed in three separate horrific incidences. The loss to the farmers and consumers in these cases goes far beyond the sale value of the livestock. The loss of these animals means the loss of many years of work on their genetic lineage and the off-spring they would have produced in breeding years. In several cases, the dogs responsible for these attacks belonged to off island visitors, making identification and restitution via civil actions extremely difficult.

Recognizing the value of farming to our community, and the danger loose dog attacks pose to livestock, the updated County Dog Ordinance (SJCC 6.08.015 (19-2006)) includes increased licensing fees, sets fines for violations, and a revised livestock restitution fund schedule. The law also allows for direct action to be taken against a dog chasing or injuring livestock. In addition, a livestock owner can pursue a civil action for damages if the owners can be identified.

More important, however, are the Ordinance's efforts to prevent attacks through education. To this end, you may notice that the "dog at large" notice signs, which had been removed a few years ago, are being re-posted by the Public Works Department on major County roads. This signage is vitally important to educating residents and visitors that they are in a rural area which includes livestock production, and that specific rules apply to dog control in this environment.

Sightings of dogs chasing or injuring livestock should be reported immediately to the farmer or the Sheriff's Department. But most importantly, if you own a dog, or are hosting visitors who do, please, please keep your dogs under your control at all times. The safety of both your dog and the livestock, the pastoral beauty of our county, and the livelihood of your neighbors, depends on it.

(Todd Goldsmith is a farmer on Lopez Island and the Vice-Chair of the Agricultural Resources Committee of San Juan County.)