Inquiry Continues in Attack on Sheep; Dogs’ Fate Uncertain

Two dogs suspected in the mutilations of four sheep at an Ojai ranch remained in county custody Thursday, but their fate was uncertain as animal control officers investigate claims that other dogs may be the killers.

A husky named Bear and a husky mix called Cheyenne were transferred from a Humane Society building in Ojai to kennels at the Ventura County Animal Regulation office in Camarillo Thursday afternoon, sheep owners said.

Blood and hair tests were apparently being done to determine whether the dogs were responsible for ravaging livestock at a ranch off California 33 on Sunday morning. Three of the sheep have died, and the fourth was badly maimed.

The Sheriff’s Department has joined the investigation, animal control officials said.

Meanwhile, animal control officers were investigating reports by a handful of residents that the perpetrators remained on the loose, said Mike Adams, acting director of animal regulation.

“We’re following leads one by one,” he said.

By Thursday afternoon, no additional dogs had been brought in, Adams said.

“There is physical evidence to show that the animals [in custody] were traveling in an area where livestock was present. . . . But that by no means shows that the animals were killing sheep,” Adams said.

The owner of the two dogs is cooperating with authorities. If her dogs are found to be the culprits, she will have to decide whether to argue the matter at a hearing, turn the dogs over to a rescue organization or have them euthanized.