Letter to the editor: Livestock Guardian Dogs

Dear Editor,

First, I would like to thank all the good hearted folks who think they have been rescuing dogs that they see out on the range country, far from any dwelling.

But, 4 times in just the past few months, my Livestock Guardian Dogs have been kidnapped. My dogs are responsible for keeping the coyotes and wolves from killing cattle and goats for 20 square miles of territory. There are a lot of public roads out there, just because you don’t know why the dog is there does not mean that the dog is lost or abandoned. They are working.

Hunting Dogs, Hounds and all different kind of LGD don’t get lost, they know where water is and they know the way home. They know their job.

They are doing the work for which they were bred. Sure, they don’t mind hitching a ride. They have no idea you are taking them away. Please stop feeding them snacks and taking them to town. Please.

If you find a Dachshund or a Pekinese, or some other small dog that is just coyote bait, sure, pick them up, but please leave the working dogs to their jobs.

Thank you,

Donna Harris

Quebradas Road