Printer-friendly version
By Miriam Raftery
Photos: Screenshots of loose dog photos posted on Deerhorn Valley social media
January 17, 2024 (Jamul) – Residents of Deerhorn Valley, a Jamul community, are speaking out to warn neighbors about loose dogs posing threats to people, pets and livestock.
Earlier this month, Jessica Eskelson posted on the Deerhorn Exchange Facebook page that her dog was attacked in her yard, suffering puncture wounds and lacerations. Days later, three large dogs began fighting near her bedroom window. “PEOPLE!” Keep your own animals in your yard!” She posted, adding that she and her husband plan to try and catch the animals to turn them over to county animal control.
Ronald Bell says it’s no longer safe for him to walk down his driveway to Deerhorn Valley Road with his young daughter due to encounters with “four different dogs that come out of their yards and growl at me.”
Crystal Noell concurred. She says she used to run on Mother Grundy Truck Trail, but that big dogs on the loose have frightened her.
Another poster said her dog was injured in a dog attack several years ago, but did not survive due to bacterial infection.
Kim Hamilton, editor of the Deerhorn Valley Antler, says the problem has gone on for years. Nearly four decades ago, a pack of dogs jumped a neighbor’s fence and slaughtered an entire flock of sheep, including lambs for a young girl’s 4-H project.
Loose dogs can also threaten humans. In 2014, a pack of dogs attacked a horse in Deerhorn Valley. That same year, a loose pit bull dog viciously attacked a horse and rider in Blossom Valley. The horse suffered severe lacerations; the rider suffered head trauma, whiplash, a back injury and other harm.
Domestic dogs in pairs of packs chase livestock for enjoyment, not hunger. Instincts can take over. “Sadly, a loving and wonderful dog can turn into a killer in ways unimaginable for their owner,” Hamilton writes in an essay published in the Jamul Shopper, noting that complaints about roving dogs have increased recently on local Facebook pages such as the Deerhorn Exchange. Allowed to roam unsupervised, such dogs “are on their way to a tragic end,” Hamilton cautions.
In California, a person can legally kill a dog caught killing or wounding livestock, or that has recently done so, on land not owned by the dog’s owner. The dog owner can be held liable for damages due to livestock killed or injured, and the livestock owner is not liable for criminal or civil action in such circumstances.
California requires that dogs be on leashes. Dog owners who allow pets to run off leash may be liable for any damages their dog causes, as well as fines and potentially, having their dog seized and euthanized if it has caused serious injury or death.
Loose dogs can be reported to The San Diego County Humane Society, which handles animal control services in our region, at (619) 767-2675. If a dog attacks a person, pet or livestock, you can also file a report with the Sheriff or your local police department.
However, some residents voice dissatisfaction after filing complaints.
Rachel Fischer posted, “Animal control won’t help you if they find the dog’s owners. Neighbors’ dogs killed one of my sheep and animal control just took the dog back to them.”
Another resident indicated she had called the Sheriff but was referred to animal control.
To avoid such situations, Hamilton offers these tips for owners of livestock as well as dog owners, adapted from Dan Macon at the University of California:
COUNTRY COMMON SENSE FOR LIVESTOCK OWNERS
• Get to know your neighbors and their dogs. These neighbors can help watch for strange dogs (and other problems).
• Pay attention to reports of roaming dogs on Facebook. Many neighbors will post pics or descriptions of wandering dogs they see. Repeat offenders should be reported.
•Explain to neighbors, dog-walkers who may not have their dogs on a leash, and others, that pet dogs can (and will) chase livestock if given the
opportunity. What may seem like a "cute" game is in fact stressing the livestock, and this stress affects the well-being of our animals.
• Consider putting up a sign asking folks to keep their dogs on a leash.
•If an attack happens, reach out to owners first. These are difficult conversations to have, but remaining calm while explaining the impacts—
and noting what will happen if the problem continues— is critical.
•Report incidents of harassment or attacks. Typically, there will be little response unless multiple offenses have occurred. Without a paper (or phone) trail, it is hard to “prove” that the problem is serious and repetitive.
FOR DOG OWNERS
•If you're walking with your dog close to livestock, please keep it on a leash.
•If your dog gets away from you (or gets out of your yard) and chases livestock, please make an effort to contact the livestock owner. Taking responsibility is an important first step towards starting an objective conversation.
•Keep an eye out for stray dogs in your neighborhood, especially if there are livestock grazing nearby. Let animal control and the livestock owner know about the dog, if possible.
Recent comments