Firefighting lambs killed by unleashed dog in attack on C-Hill in Carson City

UPDATE: According to Animal Control Officer Stephanie Baeta, the dog is safely in custody at the Carson City Humane Society.

What was relayed to Officer Baeta by the shepherds is that the dog attacked the sheep, and the presumed owner of the dog attempted to pull the dog away, at which point the dog attempted to bite the owner, so the owner abandoned the dog on the scene. The shepherds were left to contain the dog, and animal control arrived on scene shortly after.

The dog, who Officer Baeta reports has been very gentle and sweet with animal control staff, is in a ten day bite quarantine. If no owner comes forward to claim the dog after ten days, it will become property of the humane society and they will be evaluated for adoption.

She also said they were able to save one lamb following the attack.

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Two ewes (mother sheep) and four baby lambs were killed Thursday after an unleashed dog attacked the herd of firefighting sheep that are currently working their way through Carson City's foothills mowing down cheat grass.

According to Tedra Johnson of the Borda Family Ranch that is responsible for the sheep herd, a dog owner was driving a truck on C-Hill and their dog was outside the truck running alongside to get exercise.

When the dog saw the herd, it bolted towards them, and killed two ewes and four of the new lambs before one of the shepherds was able to contain it.

"The problem is most people think their dogs are well behaved so they don't need to be on a leash and that when they call them they'll come back," said Johnson. "But when the dogs start running toward the sheep, they take off and then the dogs want to play with the sheep and attack them and end up killing them."

There are signs posted reminding everyone to keep their dogs on a leash while the sheep are in the hills, but unfortunately, there are still those who ignore them, Johnson said.

Carson City Parks Superintendent David Navarro is aware of the incident, and said the whole staff was saddened by the loss of the lambs.

"We want to remind people that when the sheep are in the area please have your dogs on leashes all times or avoid the area with your dogs during this time,” Navarro said.

The dog in question is currently in custody with animal control at the Carson City branch of the Nevada Humane Society.

"We don't want to step on anyone’s toes," said Johnson. "But people need to be aware and take it seriously. The poor innocent animals and the cost-loss associated with this, all because of people's negligence."

The herd is resilient and will continue on its fire fighting journey through the hills.

Carson City's Senior Natural Resource Specialist Lyndsey Boyer also released a statement regarding sheep safety in the hills.

"While they are here, its important that we keep the sheep safe so that they can complete this important work," said Boyer. "In order to keep the sheep safe, we are asking that residents remember to keep their dogs on leash, or leave them at home when hiking in areas where the sheep are grazing. Each trailhead will have signs posted indicating the sheep are grazing in the area, and to please keep dogs under control. The sheep will only be in a particular area for approximately 3-4 days. Dogs, no matter how well trained, still have predator instincts and can be every eager to chase the sheep if not kept under control. Unfortunately, if dogs aren’t leashed it can result in injury or even death for the sheep. Please help the sheep do their part to keep our community safe from wildfire by keeping your dogs on leash or keeping them at home when hiking in sheep grazing areas. Thank you for your help in keeping our community resilient from wildfire!"

It's unknown at this time if the dog owner will be facing any charges. According to Carson City Sheriff Ken Furlong, whether or not charges would be filed is up to Animal Control, who have not responded at this time in regards to this incident. It's also unknown what will happen to the dog.

If you have questions about where the sheep are at a particular moment, you can reach out to Lyndsey Boyer at lboyer@carson.org, and she can let you know where they are so you can plan accordingly.