LGD Lost to Lion

[lambchop]

well, we are 99% sure we had a lion attack one of our LGDs. Janet will remember Steve, and older dog with a rear leg issue. From what the Vet said, the only possible cause was a lion. He had deep bites on his hind quarters and was apparently grabbed from the rear with claws, since the skin was torn loose from all its attachments clear to the shoulders. He was alive, but had to be put down. We think he was with a group of sheep somewhat separated from the main bunch when attacked. Hearing the commotion, the other dogs responded and drove the cat off. They never lost a sheep, and poor Steve gave his all to protect them. There are 4 puppies out on the range with the sheep along with our, now 7, mature dogs and so far everyone else, including sheep are fine.

[lovetree]

Sorry to hear that Paul.

[Double Barrel]

how saddening Paul. very sorry to read this. <sniff>

[K Bar K Farm]

Sorry to hear, Paul! Just goes to show how dedicated those dogs are to their job!!!!!!!!!!

[Janet McNally]

What a heart wrenching and frightening scenario. Any sign of the cat since?

Janet

[lambchop]

No sign of it since then, I think the other dogs got it's attention.

[Laura L.]

I'm sorry to hear about Steve. It's tough to lose a dog of any kind. I hope that the lion stays away now. Laura

[gail]

Sorry to hear about Steve. These dogs are amazing - hope the lion is convinced to stay away.

gail

[Darroll Grant]

A log truck driver counted 5 lions on one trip out of the big woods to the blacktop last week. We would be more than willing to share.

[MonsterMalak]

Sorry to hear about your dog. Not only an investment in time, but also a working partner. I have been told by many people in Lion country that the lions will seldom attack a LGD.

Do you feel any special circumstances were involved beside the dogs iaolation away from the others?

What breed was the LGD?

Good luck in the future!
Brian

[Kathy Lewis]

Sorry to hear about your dog. Not only an investment in time, but also a working partner. I have been told by many people in Lion country that the lions will seldom attack a LGD.

Do you feel any special circumstances were involved beside the dogs iaolation away from the others?

What breed was the LGD?

Good luck in the future!
Brian

Brian,
The dog killed, Steve, was a Maremma/Tatra cross. He was about 10 years old and had some issues with his hind legs so he wasn't quick getting up. He always stayed with his flock and had a habit (like our other dogs) of positioning himself between the flock and what could be considered a dangerous area....in this case an area of steep cliffs and rocks. Three other younger, very capable dogs were taking care of another part of our flock which was grazing rangeland and not in the area. I think in this case Steve was either sleeping when attacked or trying to get away. Very sad.....he was a sweet dog, very dependable and great with lambing ewes.

A couple of years ago we had another dog that was attacked by something and had long gashes down her back. She survived.

We've brought the other flock and dogs in from range and merged them so shouldn't have any more problems. However we're sad about old Steve and are still hopeful we'll get this lion.

[Darroll Grant]

Oregon lions no longer fear dogs as hound hunting them was banned many years back. Any dog would probably appear to be a variation of a coyote to a lion and a single dog would be a lot less intimidating than 2 or more dogs.