Andrea Johnston

I own a Great Pyrenees who is a livestock guardian dog (LGD). These dogs have one job, to protect the livestock. In order to do so, they MUST bark. If they hear anything within hearing distance they will bark to ward off any potential threat to the animals they are protecting. Not everyone can have cameras set up around their property to proof of each and every time they bark. What this bill does not take into account is if a neighbor is being petty and decides to call and complain then the owner is at jeopardy of loosing their dog, who is doing his/her job protecting the livestock. These dogs were literally bred to bark at potential threats and to penalize the owner for protecting their livelihood isn’t right, especially with how many residents are farmers. Not all prey back off with flashing lights and annoying noises, and the LDG should be allowed to do its job without having to prove every single bark. I personally think this bill is outrageous and either needs to be re-written for specific instances, or be removed altogether.