FALLON, Nev. (Mynews4.com & KRNV)- Eleven dead dogs have been found in a remote area in the desert near Power Line road. A photo of seven dogs found just this past weekend started circulating on Facebook on Saturday. "This is the second case since February ninth," said Churchill County Sheriff Ben Trotter when four other dead dogs were found.
According to Veterinarian Pamela Coy, despite decomposition they have determined all the dogs were shot. But that's not all they can determine. "These dogs were in good condition. They were not malnourished and they did not appear to have been abused," she said.
The Sheriff's Office believes the dogs might have been shot by their owner. "Potentially somebody is getting rid of their dogs," said Sheriff Trotter. "Right now we have no idea who the owners of the dogs were," said Trotter because none of the dogs were micro chipped. He says if that is the case there are more humane ways of getting rid of unwanted pets. Trotter says pets can be brought to the local animal shelter or arrangements can be made with other animal rescue groups.
"I seen the four that was shot. It was sad," said Mike Amos. Amos has lived in Fallon for more than 30 years. "It's been a problem for a long time it's nothing new," he said. Neighbors say it is not unusual to run into dead dogs along or near Power Line Road. Today, two more dead dogs were lying in the canal.
"I think these people get all these dogs and it cost a lot to take care of them. I think they end up overwhelmed by the cost to feed them. I can't imagine taking my dogs and shooting them because I can't feed them," said Amos.
Trotter says in Churchill County there is no ordinance that limits the number of dogs they can have and people can have as many as they want. He says that can lead to problems. "It's problematic but we are working on it," he said.
At this time, the Sheriff's Office does not have a lead in these cases. Anyone with information is urged to call 775-423-3116
