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06/01/2007: "2nd Attack By Dogs (aka: Family Pets) On Livestock"

(Veterinarian Susan Besel treating dog bites with an antibiotic)

On Wednesday cows were attacked by two dogs on San Juan Island. The owner of the livestock said that one of the cows was repeatedly attacked by a pair of dogs. Claudia Mills of San Juan Island said the attack was the second time it had happen in the last nine months; and notes that in the 20 years she has owned cows, there has not been a problem until these two incidents occurred.

Mills has written an Open Letter to the public in an attempt to educate dog owners as to what can happen when they allow their dogs to run free.

Dog attacks on livestock has always been a problem in San Juan County, and in response it has always been the right of a livestock owner to kill -if necessary- dogs attacking their animals. At one time there were warning signs posted to inform the newcomers and tourists that it would be wise to control their animals, but at some point the signs were removed, but the problem of dog attacks continued.

Last year the problem was taken up by the County Council when Councilman Bob Myhr’s repeated concerns resulted in the drafting and passage of a new “Dog Ordinance” that once again brought the problem to the attention of the public. Since then there has been an effort by the farmers and the Agricultural Resources Committee to educate the public on the need to not allow dogs to run at large (previous Guest Editorial on the subject).