Dog Suspected Of Killing Livestock On Student-Run Farm Shot, Killed

WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah – A dog that West Valley City officials said was responsible for the deaths of several animals on a student-run farm has been shot and killed.

City officials had been trying to catch the German Shepherd for months. Since June, the director of the Roots Charter High School student-run farm said the dog has killed three alpacas, two sheep, two goats, a pig, and several chickens.

“It was just killing for fun. It wasn’t a hungry dog. It was really just bloodthirsty,” said farm director Tyler Bastian.

Several students own the animals on the farm and some had found other places to board them. West Valley City animal services officials had tried to capture the dog, but had no success.

“It’s been frustrating for us and that frustration has increased as the dog has become more aggressive,” said community preservation director Layne Morris.

The city received an email from a woman who said she saw the dog attack a child on a bicycle, and Morris said they increased their efforts. Thursday morning, Morris said an animal services officer spotted the dog tracking sheep near the farm. The officer, a 20-year police veteran, shot and killed the dog.

“We really did not have any choice but to pursue this option. I’m glad it’s over, but, again, there’s no rejoicing that we got to shoot a dog. That’s not what we’re about,” Morris said.

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Some students have been returning their animals to the Roots farm. They said they were not happy to see a dog killed, but that there was no other option.

“There is no rehabilitating this dog,” Bastian said. “I don’t blame the dog, but the situation ended the way it should have ended.”