APRIL 17, 2009 – Residents in a Valley Center neighborhood are concerned after several incidences of dog attacks since the beginning of the year. On January 31st, four pit bulls attacked a miniature horse and chewed off part of his snout. The animal was unable to lift his head until this week. His corral now has wires along the fence to prevent further violence from dogs. Authorities searched for the dogs after the attack, but were unable to locate them. They also provided the horse’s owner with a dog trap for several weeks in February, but the dogs were not found then either. Then on March 11th, pit bulls killed two dogs at an avocado grove close to the scene of the first attack. One week later, a woman was able to chase away pit bulls as they tried to bite her horse. It has been reported that the dogs are seen running towards the San Pasqual Indian Reservation after the attacks. The tribe claims that dog owners are leaving their dogs in the area if they can no longer take care of them. Packs of dogs can be seen running through the roads in the area. Animal control officers are helping the tribe install dog traps and tribal security officers are being trained on how to catch the animals. However, county animal ordinances don’t apply to the Indian reservation. Furthermore, an animal attack by another animal is not considered a crime unless the animal is released for the sole purpose of an attack. Residents are now equipping themselves with sticks and guns to protect themselves from possible violence.
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