Dogs maul, kill livestock in Baxter County Neighbor ends attack by shooting dogs, which is legal under state statutes

Josh Dooley | The Baxter Bulletin

On Thursday, John Bates had four more goats and eight more chickens than he has today. That's because two Malamute-mix dogs ran four miles form their home, ran onto Bates' property and killed the animals.

As the attack happened, his neighbor on Baxter County Road 511 in the Midway area grabbed a .30-.30 caliber rifle and shot the two dogs dead as they continued to attack the livestock.

But for Bates, his wife and their children, the goats and chickens aren't just livestock, the animals are shown at the county fair and often sold after the family has spent countless hours raising the animals.

"This was a devastating attack. These dogs just went from animal to animal and tore them apart," said Bates as he watched over the remaining animals Monday morning. "Only one goat they attacked survived and he is traumatized, according to the vet."

The goat that survived is named Murph. The dogs chewed off Murph's horn, savaged one of his ears and left numerous bite marks on the goat.

Murph was very friendly before the attack. He would shove his way into the pack when Bates put down food. Now, Murph hangs back, leery. He spends a lot of time standing away from the herd.

"I could immediately tell he was traumatized," Bates said. "Before the attack, he was the friendliest goat of the bunch."

Bates was surprised when his neighbor called to tell him what happened. Perhaps the biggest surprise for Bates, who moved here from another state, was that his neighbor shot the dogs.

"I had no idea you could shoot a vicious dog out in the county," Bates said. "After this attack, you can bet I'll have a rifle handy every time I'm here."

Make sure you're shooting under the right conditions

Lt. Terry Johnson of the Baxter County Sheriff's Office said citizens living in the county do have the right to protect themselves, others, livestock and property from vicious animals.

"The law says if a reasonable person under similar circumstances would perceive the animals as a threat, that is an exclusion to the animal cruelty statute and you can kill the animal," Johnson said. "If the animal is vicious, that will protect you from civil action as well.

In the case of the dogs that attacked Bates' livestock, the owner is potentially liable for the value of the livestock, more than $1,000 worth, according to Bates. In addition, Bates says the man was charged under the county's vicious dog ordinance.

If convicted, the owner of the dogs would have to pay the fine for that offense as well as the value of the livestock killed.

"We remind people to be responsible pet owners," Johnson said. "If you have dogs that could be perceived as vicious, you need to contain them to your property."

Johnson said one of the biggest animal problems deputies face is complaints of people walking in their neighborhood and being confronted by dogs that bark and growl at them.

"Just because we don't have a leash law in the county doesn't mean you can't face a penalty for the actions of your dogs," said the veteran lawman. "Be a responsible pet owner, otherwise you could face a ticket for having a vicious animal or worse, someone could shoot your dog because of its' behavior."

If you want to know what laws are concerning vicious animals in your area, contact your local law enforcement agency as each city has unique rules and regulations.