Goat owner: DNR says dogs killed livestock

WASHINGTON TWP. - Investigators believe dogs killed eight goats at a farm in Washington Township, said one of the owners of the goats.

"The DNR got back to me this morning," said Mary Price. "They said they believe it was dogs."

She said she was told the dogs might have been pit bulls judging from the way the eight goats were killed. Their throats were torn out and their muzzles were chewed out.

She also said neighbors had reported seeing dogs that looked like pit bulls roaming in the area.

Mary and Joe Price had eight Lamancha dairy goats and three Nigerian dwarf goats. Five Lamancha does and all the Nigerian goats were killed.

She said the goats that were killed were in a securely fenced pasture.

The goats were likely killed sometime between 5 p.m. Sunday and about the same time Monday when Joe Price went out to take care of them.

Jim Matson, Sanilac County animal control officer, said Friday morning he was waiting for a report from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources about the goat killings.

"My initial thought was it was dogs," he said.

Price said the DNR wildlife technician who investigated could not say if more than one dog was responsible.

"I’m not hoping for much of a resolution, to be honest with you," she said. "I’ve put the word out. If I see roaming dogs, I will shoot them and so will (neighbors). It’s not going to be tolerated."

Under Michigan law, a person can legally kill a dog that is in the act of pursuing, worrying or wounding livestock.

"If anybody had seen the damage done to my goats, they would understand where I’m coming from," Price said.

Sanilac County Prosecuting Attorney James Young recently decided not to prosecute another goat owner who shot a shepherd-huskie mix with two crossbow bolts. The owner said he was protecting his goats from the dog and another dog.

The Prices have three remaining goats: One Lamancha male and two yearling Lamancha does that were in another pasture.

Price said she and her husband haven't determined if they will replace the goats that were killed,

"We haven’t discussed it too much," she said. "My fear is if we replace these animals what’s to prevent it from happening again."

Price said the goats are worth $400 to $500 apiece.

Contact Bob Gross at (810) 989-6263 or rgross@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @RobertGross477.