CARLSBORG — The Clallam County Sheriff’s Office captured two dogs Sunday afternoon that could be responsible for killing a llama and two sheep near Joslin Road in the early morning hours.
A third sheep, which was near death after being attacked, was shot to death by a sheriff’s deputy at the request of its owner.
Deputy Andrew Wagner said a state Fish and Wildlife officer told him the animals were likely killed by dogs — not by a cougar, as neighbors and others first thought — because of the nature of the wounds on the victimized animals.
The dogs, a white pit bull and a black great Dane, were captured near where the attacks occurred after a Joslin Road resident phoned 9-1-1 to say that she couldn’t get the canines to leave her property.
“They had been here this morning just like they owned the place,” said the caller, Pat Williams.
“I tried to shoo the pit bull; it came at me and barked, so I ran into the home.”
Animal blood was found on both of the dogs, which were being held at the Olympic Peninsula Humane Society shelter in west Port Angeles.
The Sheriff’s Office believes the dogs are likely responsible for the attacks, said Sgt. John Keegan.
Animal Control Deputy Tracey Kellas said the great Dane had killed another llama previously in Port Angeles when it lived in the city.
The dogs’ owner, who was unidentified, now lives within a half-mile of where the attacks occurred, she said.
Whatever attacked the animals, they started with the sheep on Burt Rickard’s property across the road from Williams’ residence.
Two sheep were killed on his property; one was partially eaten.
A third was chased to a small pen on his neighbor’s property, which is where the llama was attacked.
Barbara Rickard, Burt’s daughter who lives in Sequim but owns the sheep, said she is still in shock from the animal attack.
“Life goes on, but you are very sad,” she said.
“I loved my animals. They were like family to me.”
Kathy Yada, who owned the llama, said she was awaken about 3:30 a.m. Sunday to the sound of her dalmatian, Champ, rustling with the other dogs.
“He gave them a run for their money,” she said of Champ, who was assisted by a neighbor’s golden retriever.
The retriever was not injured, Yada said.
Champ had a few minor bite marks from the fight, but she said he was going to be all right.
Yada said the dogs were gone by the time she got outside.
“She was already dead,” she said, referring to the llama.
“The sheep was barely alive in the pen.”
Clumps of the llama’s fur left in a near circle marked the site of the attack.
“I’m heartbroken over my llama,” Yada said.
“I’m a little afraid to walk around now.”
It remained unclear on Sunday how many dogs were involved in the attacks.
Keegan said a judge in Clallam County District Court will decide if the captured dogs are responsible for the attacks and should be labeled as dangerous.
If they are determined to be dangerous, Kellas said the dogs’ owner would have to pay a large liability insurance fee and keep them in a pen.
The dogs would be killed if the owner fails to comply within 20 days after the judge’s ruling.
“Most people choose the cheaper route,” Wagner said.
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Reporter Tom Callis can be reached at 360-417-3532 or at tom.callis@peninsuladailynews.com.
