Dog owners can help save livestock

Most of us do not think of our pet dogs as predators. But given the right environment and stimulus, even the best-trained dog can become a nuisance and get into big trouble.
Sometimes pet owners whose dogs are chasing livestock telephone me with their concerns. Unfortunately, this behavior is difficult — if not impossible — to correct. The internal reward that the dog receives from chasing is extremely difficult to overcome, limiting the long-term success in any behavior-modification program. A dog chasing livestock is exhibiting the same behavior as a dog that chases cars, joggers or roller skaters.
The best solution would be:

• to confine the dog in a run and allow it out only on a lead, or
• to remove the dog from the environment.

Each year in Texas, farmers and ranchers lose millions of dollars to predation of their livestock. People who think coyotes and other natural predators cause these losses are surprised to learn that domesticated dogs may be responsible for 90 percent of the attacks. As a result of these attacks and loss of livestock and other animals, State Rep. David Farabee, D-Wichita Falls, has introduced legislation into the Texas House of Representatives that will gives ranchers and farmers the right to kill any dog found chasing, worrying or killing livestock, domestic animals or fowl. Texas State Sen. Craig Estes (R-Wichita Falls) is sponsoring this bill in the Senate. The bill has already passed the Senate Natural Resources Subcommittee and is waiting for a full meeting of the Natural Resources Committee.
You could be held legally responsible if your dog causes any monetary losses to a livestock owner. Whether a dog lives in the city or in the country, it is the owner’s responsibility to ensure that his dog does not become a nuisance.

Myths and Fact about Canine Predation

MYTH — Most dogs are physically or behaviorally incapable of killing livestock.
FACT — All breeds and sizes of dogs have been caught attacking and killing livestock. Unsterilized and sterilized dogs of both sexes have been involved, from as young as 3 months of age and as old as 12 years.
MYTH — Packs of wild or stray dogs are responsible for most attacks on livestock.
FACT — Well-fed pets from homes near the attack site are usually responsible. A dog may attack on its own, with another dog from the same household, or in the company of one or two neighbor dogs.
MYTH — Dogs will continue to kill because they have a taste for blood as a result of previous attacks.
FACT — Most dogs have been fed on meat from an early age and have already tasted blood. Dogs find chasing nondescript moving objects rewarding, and this is why they are more likely to return to the scene of an attack to chase again.
MYTH — Dogs are killing for sport or fun.
FACT — Dogs are having fun, but they don’t kill for fun. Several animals may be killed or mauled, but very little will appear to have been eaten. Unless disturbed, dogs will take pieces of several carcasses. Together, these pieces will make a sizeable meal for the one or two dogs usually involved.
MYTH — Attacks on livestock happen only during the night.
FACT — Dogs will attack livestock at any time of the day or night if they are given the opportunity. Daytime attacks are especially common in rural areas.
Eamon P. Riley is a professional dog trainer and animal behavioral consultant. For suggestions or comments, he can be emailed at dogmanusmc@aol.com or by calling 689-9483.