Part of rural life and the right to be rural is the ability to have pets such as a horse, dog, or

llama. There is something wrong with the picture when one neighbor can't have horses,

donkeys, ducks, chickens or guinea hens that stay at home in a pen because dogs running at

large from next door or over the ridge harass, maim or kill them. Before you allow your

dog, and yourself, to get into trouble with livestock, please become familiar with State and

County codes that apply to all pet owners that allow their pets to roam throughout the

unincorporated areas of the county. A brochure is available from the Siskiyou County

Agriculture Department that cites the applicable County code.

California and other Western states have many laws that not only protect pets from abuse,

neglect, cruelty and mistreatment, but they also strongly protect the rights of ranchers and

farmers. Single roaming dogs can join other dogs they meet to form dangerous packs that

can harm and damage livestock. In Siskiyou County, State law permits ranchers to protect

their livestock from injury and income loss due to attacks by dogs. Note that laws cited

here apply to unincorporated areas of the county and that other city laws may apply. Both

State and County law places the responsibility for the dog and its actions squarely on the

shoulders of the dog’s owner! So please, show your consideration for your neighbors and

your love for your dog by keeping it safe at home. Responsible residents will keep corrals

clean and dogs will be confined, reasonably quiet and controlled when out for a walk with

their people. Be a good neighbor.