I would like to respond to a letter written by Eileen Moore last week that had some incorrect facts that need to be rectified. Information contained in the letter needs to be corrected so that the general population does not infer a wrong idea about some pets. I too have been raised around animals all of my life, I have made it my life's work to be a part of the agriculture industry and learn as much as I can to give information to others. From these studies and experiences, I have come to realize that domesticated animals are still animals.
Dogs originate from coyotes and wolves.
Even those dogs that are well fed and cared for will get into the spirit of the chase for the fun of it. You can verify this with most farmers who have lost sheep, small pigs, calves or even small ponies to dog attacks. In most cases these are stray dogs or coydogs, but not always. I have known several farmers that have had to shoot neighbors' dogs and I have even had to put down my own dog, which I cared for deeply, but once they get a taste for the blood can never be trusted again. These dogs do it for the thrill.