NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – Two large dogs attacked and killed seven alpacas on the Yuba College farm in Marysville Friday morning.
The dogs were seen by Veterinary Technology professor Scott Haskell and Bonnie Loghry running away from the scene around 6 a.m.
College officials said Haskell and Loghry were unable to catch the dogs, which they said were large and black.
“The remaining three alpacas, one that was also injured but survived, have been moved to a safer location,” said Loghry.
The dogs were able to get to the alpacas by digging under the fence. The fencing on the farm is old but it was strong enough to keep the animals in; unfortunately, not strong enough to keep predators out, college officials said.
Yuba County Animal Control is continuing its search for the animals.
“We were just shocked when we came upon the incident this morning. All of our students heard about it and very quickly came out to the college to see how they could help. This is very upsetting to all of us here at the college and especially all of us involved in the Vet Tech program,” said Dr. Haskell.
The estimated cost for replacing the seven alpacas, which Veterinary Technology students care for and learn from, is between $1,500 and $2,000 each.
Anyone who would like to make contribution to help replace the alpacas that were killed can send their donation to the Yuba College Foundation Veterinary Technology Fund, 2088 North Beale Road, Marysville, CA 95901.