Loose Dogs Kill Animals at El Paso Zoo
Zoo Killer Dogs EuthanizedUPDATE 08/29/08: The two captured dogs were euthanized by animal control despite Chacon's claims that breed-profiling was occurring. Animal control officials said a veterinarian conducted a physical examination and a behavioral assessment test before determining the dogs were not suitable for adoption.
08/27/08: Attorney Claims Breed ProfilingDefense attorney Fernando Chacon says he will intervene on behalf of the two dogs caught by Animal Control and suspected of killing the antelope named Hope and a sandhill crane. Chacon says "breed profiling" may be occurring. Zoo employees who witnessed the end of the attack described the dogs as two pit bulls and a German shepherd-mix.
By offering a description of the dogs for identification purposes Chacon seems to believe that a crime has occurred. The two dogs are currently in the care of Animal Control and will likely be put down Thursday. According to Animal Control, the animals are being treated as any other unclaimed stray dogs would be treated. Maybe Chacon will claim the dogs and invite them to his home.
08/22/08: Antelope and Crane Attacked at ZooEl Paso, TX - In July, mysterious dogs slaughtered three alpacas in San Antonio, then more loose dogs killed goats in the same area. In the first quarter of 2008, a pit bull epidemic struck Lubbock County that claimed at least 23 livestock animal lives. Loose dogs continue killing animals in Texas. El Paso Zoo officials say they have just caught two dogs that mauled a sandhill crane and an antelope.
According to El Paso Zoo officials, a pronghorn antelope and a sandhill crane were attacked and killed by three loose dogs at the El Paso Zoo late Wednesday. The dogs were described by zoo employees as two pit bulls and a German shepherd. Animal Services caught two dogs using cages Friday morning. The animals caught are described as a pit bull and a German shepherd-mix.
One pit bull is still loose. We hope the zoo has tall fences.
Animal Services said part of the problem is that pet owners who no longer want their dogs set them free on the streets. Last year, animal services caught more than 13,000 stray dogs; this year the city has impounded 8,000 feral dogs. Many people feed stray dogs as well, instead of reporting them to Animal Control. The antelope that was killed had been with the zoo for 20 years. Her name was Hope.
Related articles:07/17/08:
Pit Bull Rips Up 28 Goat Kids in Greece07/10/08:
Mysterious, Wild Dog Slaughters Alpacas?Labels: livestock attack
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