Dogs, mans best friend? Or not?

Windy in Kansas · #1 02/07/11, 11:16 AM

This article tells about how looses and feral dogs are so terribly hard on wildlife, livestock, and "acting as a disease vector for rabies among people and other animals".

http://www.newsdaily.com/stories/tre...dogs-wildlife/

HeritagePigs · #2 02/07/11, 11:20 AM

Ah, but the real story is all those house cats that get together at night to terrorize the neighborhood and then sneak back in before we wake up. Ever wonder why they sleep all day?

Wags · #3 02/07/11, 11:22 AM

Feral cats and dogs are very hard on wildlife - all the more reason to spay and neuter!

beccachow · #4 02/07/11, 11:39 AM

It isn't the dogs' fault. It is irresponsible pet "ownership" that leads to this. Sadly, the dogs will be killed, and they never did a thing wrong other than be dogs. I get it, of course, livestock comes first. I just think it is terribly sad.

Windy in Kansas · #5 02/07/11, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beccachow

It isn't the dogs' fault. It is irresponsible pet "ownership" that leads to this.

BINGO! We have a winner. Same for irresponsible parents not knowing what their kids are doing nor where. Kids with BB guns shooting out vehicle and store windows, tagging, vandalizing school busses, bashing mailboxes, bashing car mirrors as they drive around, etc. It isn't just kids either, kids turned adult delinquents.

Jena · #6 02/07/11, 11:04 PM

My first thought was "Well, DUH!!!" Ask anyone with livestock and they know what dogs can do, whether they are feral or just running loose having a "night out on the town".

I don't know if anyone on here remembers, but when I had my farm, I had a horrible problem with both dogs and coyotes. Coyotes were eating my baby calves before they could even stand up, but those darn dogs would get in the turkeys and kill like 20. They never ate them, just killed them.

The coyotes were just bold. If I came across one while on foot, they would just keep their distance, but not run away. I never had a gun with me (of course).

And then something killed my six month old filly. The vet figured dogs rather than coyotes, but I don't know. I still feel bad about that. I never in a million years would have thought that my horses were in danger. I had seven or eight horses out there...three babies and the rest fully grown. It still blows my mind.

Further reading tells me that the whole purpose of this research was to further the wolf agenda. Are there any wolves getting to Kansas yet? I wouldn't think so...yet, but this article is from Idaho and they have them.

It is important to know the difference between what dogs do and wolves do because the solution to a problem is vastly different depending on which animal is causing the problem.

I have a dog that I love dearly. When we are in Wyoming, she has the run of the ranch with all the other dogs. She had to learn, the same as the rest, that she is not to chase ANYTHING without permission. No rabbit running, deer chasing, antelope scaring or cow herding unless given the go ahead, but if she were to forget her lessons and get shot, it would be my fault. I bear the responsibility for her actions.

Windy in Kansas · #7 02/08/11, 01:47 PM

The jury is still out on whether there are wolves in Kansas or not. If so, not in any great reproducing quantities.

wendle · #8 02/08/11, 02:50 PM

The dog is basically just a carnivore manipulated/created by man. They are expected to follow rules they know nothing about since they can't read, and often get the death sentence for what their instincts tell them to do. It has to be rough being a dog. We are responsible, don't blame the dog. Irresponsible owners and breeders contribute. That said, I've not personally had any problems with feral dogs. I Have had significant losses to coyotes in the past. It's pretty sad and gruesome to see your daughter's 4H goat with punctures on the throat, and the guts ripped out.

Recently I heard about a Lab attacking a cat, the day before same dog attacked a small dog. Both will probably live, and all were running loose in a residential area. Owner of cat wants Lab put down even though she lets her dog and cat run free. Sad situation for all involved. I feel sorry for the Lab too as he was likely not taught better.

wendle · #9 02/08/11, 02:52 PM

double post

Patt · #10 02/08/11, 02:56 PM

We have had far more problems with loose and feral dogs then we have ever had with the 2 coyote packs that live out here or the occasional fox! I agree it is ultimately the fault of irresponsible humans. Really sad that pets have to be killed just because their owners can't get them fixed and keep them home!

**Shrek** · #11 02/08/11, 03:08 PM

two of my dogs are feral pack cut outs and after spaying, training and lead acclimation they are the best of my household security system.

They are the most proficient at eliminating coyotes that come onto the place also.

The three neutered cats I have on the place for rat and snake control came from the feral cat pride in the pine thicket down the road and they stay on the place only leaving to follow me if I take the dogs for a lead walk on the road.

wendle · #12 02/08/11, 03:27 PM

Shrek, glad to hear you have saved a few lives by taking in the feral dogs. Poor dogs often get a bad rap when they have no guidance. I have had a few "bad" dogs come through here myself. Once they were trained properly the previous habits were manageable. A couple were to the point that they would get the bullet if I didn't take them in. They are now living happy lives as working sheepdogs with families that appreciate them.
Just recently I got a dog in for training who has no rules at 13 months old. It amazes me that people would neglect a dog so, and at the same time think they are giving her the best life because they buy high dollar foods, have a good fenced yard, and are currently utd on vaccinations. She is mentally a disaster getting ready to happen, and would be destructive if not fenced in, or if she were to get loose. Even though she is a well loved pet, as a responsible dog she may as well be feral.

wendle · #13 02/08/11, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patt

We have had far more problems with loose and feral dogs then we have ever had with the 2 coyote packs that live out here or the occasional fox! I agree it is ultimately the fault of irresponsible humans. Really sad that pets have to be killed just because their owners can't get them fixed and keep them home!

I am surrounded by farmers , many who have livestock, probably why I am lucky to have no loose dogs, though I have heard stories of coy dogs around.

plowjockey · #14 02/08/11, 07:01 PM

Leave it to the liberal "Scientists", to take a real problem and then turn it around, so that the best solution is more regulation, against mostly law abiding citizens.

Quote:

"Despite widespread leash laws and state statutes permitting prosecution of dog owners whose pets chase wildlife, violators are rarely punished because enforcement agencies are understaffed and underfunded, according to the paper.

Although dog lovers may have a bone to pick about the findings, Young said low-cost, common-sense solutions are at hand. Those range from public dog-training programs to vaccinating dogs against rabies and distemper.

Some people might think it's cute to watch their dog flushing sage grouse (an imperiled bird in Western states) but the grouse might abandon its nest because of it," said Young. "It's better for people to make the change instead of having it imposed on them."

As long as man has been taming dogs, the constant presense of "man", has had to be a constant factor in the equation. That is not the case in feral dog packs. They have been dumped by previous owners, ran off on their own (not likely), or even bred wild. They do whatever they need or want to do to get by.

Feral dog packs are the major problem, much more than Bob's $1200 Spaniel getting out of line.

beccachow · #15 02/08/11, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patt

We have had far more problems with loose and feral dogs then we have ever had with the 2 coyote packs that live out here or the occasional fox! I agree it is ultimately the fault of irresponsible humans. Really sad that pets have to be killed just because their owners can't get them fixed and keep them home!

I swear, just as I begin to despair of you, here you go again. Agreed, x10. That is how feral dogs BECOME feral. Turned out or just not properly contained, and then not fixed to boot. A pack of feral nuetered/spayed dogs ain't gonna last too long, now, will it?