Dogs suspected in attack on sheep

Two dogs are suspected of killing 13 pregnant ewes at a ranch between Grass Valley and Rough and Ready on Monday and Tuesday nights.

"It's not a pretty sight," said Linda Miller, who lives on a 70-acre ranch with husband Jim Miller on Personeni Lane off Bitney Springs Road. "People in this area with sheep or goats better be on the lookout because they hit us twice in two nights," she said Tuesday.

The Millers suspect two large dogs they have seen in the area got into their barn and pasture to attack their herd of sheep. Jim Miller knew something was up Monday morning when he came home and saw one of his sheep standing in a neighbor's pond.

He then went into his barn where he found signs of scuffles between the dogs and the sheep. He later saw one of the dogs running one of his sheep over a hill.

"They're quite large dogs," Jim Miller said. "Those ewes were over 300 pounds and (the dogs) had their way with them."

According to neighbor Richi Personeni, who took photos of the scene, "There was blood all over in the barn."

One more ewe may have to be euthanized and the Millers were dealing with gruesome injuries on many of the about 30 sheep left in their flock. Counting the lambs the ewes were about to have, the dogs killed 26 animals, Linda Miller said.

"We keep them locked up to keep them away from natural predators," Linda Miller said. "I'm just furious with how irresponsible people are with their dogs."

Linda Miller said the Nevada County trapper and the Nevada County Animal Control and Protection Department responded to the bloody scene. The Union was unable to contact the animal agents who responded.

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To contact Senior Staff Writer Dave Moller, e-mail davem@theunion.com or call 477-4237.