Livestock Owner is Devastated
Murray County, GE, - Genevelyn Hope, the owner of two dead goats says, "I want you to know these animals are out there, they have tasted blood, they've made two kills." She says she'll do what's necessary to safeguard her family and property. Hope says that while she was out of town, two pit bulls attacked her goats, Baby and Petunia. One died and the other had to be put down.

Hope's story is best understood by watching the video.

Her donkey was spared, but Hope says he's still a bit shaken up.
 Hope says, "I'm angry, this is my property the goats were mine and they were here for a purpose, we paid for them, we raised them." The pet goats had been part of the family for the past ten years, they helped keep down the growth around the 20 acre property. Hope's brother, George Beavers, witnessed the attack.

Beavers said, "I came in the gate and I saw those two dogs had the goat down there against the fence." He scared the dogs off with a shot from his pistol, but it was too late. He said he found one goat dead and the other with its ear tore off. The family called Murray County animal control several times, but no one picked up. (On Friday, the office is only open from 3-5pm).

The combination of loose, vicious dogs and a lack of animal control resources is devastating for a livestock owner.

Hope said, "I would be delighted to see heads roll...they [animal control] never come, that's ridiculous we pay these people." Animal control officers did come out Monday to talk with Hope. But no one knows who the dogs belong to. The family says they look like pit bulls, one is brindle and the other is black. As long as the dogs remain unidentified, the livestock owner has no recourse.

Related articles:
06/23/08: Report: Dog Attacks on Livestock and Horses January - May 2008