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Location
Ithaca, New York
Start Date
27-9-1983 12:00 AM
Description
Dogs that protect sheep and goats from predators were relatively unknown as a method of reducing predation in the United States until recently. An estimated several dozen individuals were using guarding dogs with flocks (Newbold 1974), but only a few government officials or industry leaders were aware that the technique might have merit for the long-standing coyote problem. North American ranchers relied mainly on removal of predators, but removal provides only temporary relief and poses ethical questions as well. In strong contrast, on Old World sheep and goat pastures, the method of choice for protecting stock from Canis, Ursus and Felis spp. has traditionally been livestock guarding dogs. This system keeps the flock relatively safe without removing the predator, and has to be effective to warrant the support of large dogs by subsistence-level farmers.
Recommended Citation
Coppinger, R., & Lorenz, J., & Coppinger, L. (1983). Introducing livestock guarding dogs to sheep and goat producers. In Decker, D. J. (Ed.), The First Eastern Wildlife Damage Control Conference (pp. 129-132). Ithaca, NY: Cornell University.
Included in
Introducing Livestock Guarding Dogs to Sheep and Goat Producers
Ithaca, New York
Dogs that protect sheep and goats from predators were relatively unknown as a method of reducing predation in the United States until recently. An estimated several dozen individuals were using guarding dogs with flocks (Newbold 1974), but only a few government officials or industry leaders were aware that the technique might have merit for the long-standing coyote problem. North American ranchers relied mainly on removal of predators, but removal provides only temporary relief and poses ethical questions as well. In strong contrast, on Old World sheep and goat pastures, the method of choice for protecting stock from Canis, Ursus and Felis spp. has traditionally been livestock guarding dogs. This system keeps the flock relatively safe without removing the predator, and has to be effective to warrant the support of large dogs by subsistence-level farmers.