“Riverside County’s Anza Community Plagued by Deadly Pack of Dogs: Animal Control Struggles to Address the Issue”

Accident – death – Obituary News : ANZA, Riverside County – The rural community of Anza in Riverside County, California, is grappling with a growing problem of free-roaming dogs that have become a threat to pets, livestock, and wildlife. Residents and local authorities are struggling to find a solution to this issue, which has led to the deaths of numerous animals.

Anza is a remote area characterized by long, rutted back roads, where telephone poles, street signs, and lights are scarce. Houses and fences are hidden behind thickets of weather-beaten manzanita and chaparral. The desolate landscape is accompanied by the sound of wind rolling across the valley and the occasional clink of a sage sparrow. However, the peace is disrupted when packs of barking and growling dogs rush toward any approaching visitor.

Animal control officer Harvey Beck has witnessed the devastating consequences of these roaming dogs. Earlier this spring, a pack of hounds, consisting of Labrador mixes, Queensland blue heelers, and a husky, slaughtered a herd of goats and two sheep. This brutal incident was documented on social media with graphic photos and descriptions. In 2018, a woman was killed by a pack of canines in broad daylight.

Domestic dogs are the second-most lethal predator of livestock, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services. Coyotes take the top spot. Dogs and coyotes account for over 70% of predator losses in sheep, with dog kills on the rise. In 2019, over 23,000 adult sheep were killed by dogs, compared to around 13,000 in 2014. For cattle and calves, dogs accounted for 11.3% of kills in 2015, while wolves were responsible for just 4.9%.

Despite the severity of the problem, research on free-roaming dogs in the U.S. is scarce. Wildlife agencies struggle to differentiate between feral, free-roaming, and unleashed pets, making it challenging to address the issue. However, researchers and ranchers argue that the problem is real and cite the USDA’s data, along with their own experiences.

In response to the issue, the Department of Animal Services in Riverside County is taking a proactive approach. They have brought a spay-neuter bus to the region, organized vaccination and educational clinics, and urged pet owners to keep their animals indoors and behind fences. The county’s animal control field services commander, Josh Sisler, believes that communication and education are key to addressing the problem effectively.

However, the efforts of animal control officers like Harvey Beck can be frustrating due to the vast patrol area and the difficulty of spotting or trapping free-roaming dogs. The problem extends beyond Anza, with research from other countries highlighting the significant impact of free-roaming dogs on livestock and wildlife. Dogs have been known to attack endangered species, spread disease, and harass animals during critical phases, such as winter when they are trying to build up fat reserves.

Dan Macon, a sheep rancher in the Sierra foothills, emphasizes that domestic dogs are a major concern for farmers and ranchers in rural areas. As more people move into these areas from urban and suburban areas, different cultural mores regarding dogs and potential conflicts arise.

The residents of Anza are struggling with the dog problem, with some afraid to walk along the roads due to the presence of aggressive dogs. While some have been advised to shoot the dogs, they hesitate due to the possibility that they might be someone’s pets.

The issue of free-roaming dogs in Anza and other rural areas requires a comprehensive approach involving education, affordable veterinary care, and responsible pet ownership. By addressing these factors, the community can work towards preventing future attacks and ensuring the safety of both animals and residents..