Attacks on Livestock by Pit Bulls in Aiken County

Animals and Livestock Owners Left Fearful
Aiken County, SC - The dogs, described as pit bulls, didn't actually kill the donkeys, "they just mutilated them," said Dr. Gariboldi. Due to the staggering injuries, both donkeys at the Aiken polo farm were put down. No one expected a little donkey, Shrek, to survive. But thankfully, he did.

Two weeks earlier, ten goats were attacked and left for dead. Farm Owner Meghan Arellano says the SPCA looked for the dogs, even set traps, but so far no luck. Arellano says she's worried about the safety of the people on the farm. "What scares me the most is my children," she said. "If you can bring down a donkey, that's that size...and they're a lot stronger than children."

"These dogs [pit bulls] were bred to fight and to do so aggressively," said Gariboldi. "So to let them roam the neighborhood is unacceptable."

They're keeping a close eye on their property, but want nearby neighbors to be on the lookout. Arrelano thinks the owner of the pit bulls knows their dogs did it because the dogs came home covered in blood. (After Carshena Benjamin was fatally mauled, the dogs ran home soaked in blood. The dog owner washed it off then dumped the dogs in an unknown location.)

The attack and subsequent realties have been expensive for the Arellanos. So far they've spent thousands of dollars in veterinary bills, as well as lost income on donkeys, had they chosen to sell them. The Arrelanos, whose farm is located on Joyner Pond Road, off Highway 78 (Charleston Highway), say they think the dogs are coming from Old Firetower Road, near Windsor.

Related articles:
05/05/08: Molly the Pony Survives Katrina and Pit Bull Attack
05/01/08: Roaming Pit Bulls Destroyed After Killing 7 Pet Goats
04/16/08: Two Pit Bulls Seized After Killing Donkeys in Vineland
04/08/08: Pit Bulls Massacre 34 Pet Deer

Labels: livestock attack