[Jacob-list] (no subject)

[Paintedrockfarm at aol.com]

I would ALWAYS advise a farmer, land owner, etc. to check with their state  
and local officials before taking matters into their own hands when it comes to 
 solving a roaming dog problem.  I consulted a sheriff's deputy and state  
trooper in our area and was told how the law reads.  Fortunately, WV has  laws 
that tend to side with the landowner in situations like the one I  experienced. 
 
 
For those people who would rather not shoot another animal, I would suggest  
catching the animal and contacting their local animal control officer to 
arrange  a pick up of the animal.  You can also take it to the local shelter and  
provide the staff with the owner's information.  Often times, there are  fines 
associated with picking up an "owned" animal turned in or picked up by  animal 
control.  Hitting them in the pocket book a few times may resolve  the matter 
if direct contact doesn't work.  
 
Pictures can speak a thousand words so if someone does witness an attack to  
their flock, documentation is a key.  I would also consider pressing  charges 
against the owner of the animal for the monetary loss of the sheep  itself, 
loss of future income resulting from future breeding's, off spring,  wool, meat 
or whatever.  Sometimes the best way to fight fire is with  fire!
 
Dogs are instinctively "prey" animals.  Our so-called domestication of  them 
only buries and attempts to tame what drives them.  It has only been  in the 
last 200-300 years that most breeds have been developed -- primarily from  
coyotes, fox and wolves.  Dogs dumped in the country to fend for themselves  & 
loose dogs running at large are the worse culprits on livestock and  remain 
responsible for more livestock injuries and deaths -- in our area -- than  coyotes. 
 When left to fend for themselves, they often revert to hunting  
nature/instinct in order to survive.  
 
In my case, there was a bad situation only turning worse without  
intervention.  I'd do it again in a heartbeat to protect my flock and  fortunately, the 
law would be on my side.  Perhaps the "urbanites" could  learn some hard 
lessons if local laws were changed to side with the land  owner.  Hmm....now that's 
a thought!
 
 
Mike  & Cheryl Terrano
_Painted  Rock Farm_ (http://members.aol.com/paintedrockfarm) 
Route 4 Box 726
Buckhannon, WV  26201-9205
(304) 457-6620 
_paintedrockfarm at aol.com_ (http://paintedrockfarm@aol.com/) 
Breeders of Registered Jacob Sheep & French Angora  Rabbits
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