Utah codeallows people to shoot and kill a dog chasing livestock or wildlife. One dog owner in Oakley found this out first-hand when her dog was shot a few days before Christmas.
Sandy Geldolf has a 4-year-old Great Pyrene’s mix named Harley. They moved to Oakley about a year ago and she said they have been duly warned by neighbors that because so many people have livestock, dogs can’t roam from their own property.
“I’ve heard things from neighbors, saying, you know, dogs get shot out here. Dogs get poisoned out here. You know, do everything you can to keep your dog in your yard. And, when we moved into this property, one of the reasons we moved Oakley is because we wanted to get some land. We wanted to have a big yard for our animals. And I’ve had that warning even by the nicest of neighbors, saying hey, you know, so happy to have you here, but if your dog gets in with my mules, I’m going to shoot her.”
She said their gate was left open by some construction workers and Harley took off. She’s a herding breed so her instincts are to protect other animals.
“Her DNA kind of compels her to want to protect the flock. When she gets out, that's all she's looking for. she's going out there to see who needs help who needs protection. She has zero prey instinct. So, what I would love to say to the person who shot her is there are a lot coyote’s out here. Her barking gets annoying, but I can guarantee you she protected some of your sheep from the coyotes out here. there that that's her that's what she likes to do. She wants to go out and find somebody to protect.”
KPCW checked in with Summit County Sheriff’s Lieutenant Andrew Wright about the law. He said any person may injure or kill a dog while it is attacking, chasing or worrying a domestic animal or hoofed protected wildlife.
Geldolf said she posted the episode on social media because she wants her neighbors to know that Harley won’t hurt their livestock. She said she understands she is responsible for her dog.
“I’m not delusional about this. This is the homeowners right, out here. And maybe it is everywhere. I don't know the law. But someone asked me, oh are you going to file a police report? I said, well what am I reporting? My dog got out on someone else’s property. But I would like for people to understand that if you're my neighbor and you see my dog, please call me. She got out by accident. We’ re not irresponsible owners. Things happen.”
Geldolf says Harley will be fine and is recovering. She has a bullet in her which does not pose a threat to her organs.
A link to Utah Code 18-1-3 clearly establishes the right to injure or kill a dog if domestic animals and fowl, service animals, or hoofed protected wildlife, is threatened.
