Yuma 4-H students turn negative into a positive after dogs kill 19 animals; 8 of those show animals

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - 19 farm animals in Yuma were killed by a pack of ravaged dogs in the month of March alone.

Eight of those animals belonged to local 4-H students.

We've learned now that the dogs were found and killed.

Caitlyn Mann, a local farm owner, says "It's definitely been the longest, most devastating month."

Mann fell victim to two separate dog attacks in March at her farm near Arizona Western College.

On the 4th, seven animals were attacked and killed and on the 15th another attack took the lives of nine more.

And just this past Saturday, a vicious attack on her neighbors farm claimed the lives of three more animals.

Mann says the dogs were more than likely dropped off by their owners to fend for themselves.

"The problem is people can't afford to feed their animals or afford the turnover fee. Dumping dogs has become a problem. This could've been somebody's toddler with the way these dogs just ravaged," explains Mann.

Mann claims that the total damages amount to almost $30,000.

As of now, all three of the dogs involved in the attacks have been killed.

"We do know they are no longer a threat we're working on finding their owner of record," states Mann.

Unfortunately, eight of the animals that were killed, mostly goats and lambs, belonged to local 4-H students and were being prepped to be showcased at this year's fair.

Despite the tragedies that took place, the students say the show must go on.

With the support from the community the students were given replacement animals to showcase instead.

Zackary Gay, a 4-H Student, says "You really showed us that something that bad can actually turn into something good and I'm just happy that we got to show."

One of the students even placing in the competition.

Makena Gay, also a 4-H student, adds "I know I would've did better with "Fries", that was my goat's name, but it's just sad to see that I made it to fair but he didn't, but I guess I won for him today."

4-h student Olivia Offutt says she's glad the dogs aren't out terrorizing anymore.

"No animal, no person can get hurt by those dogs and hopefully this will never happen again to anybody in the future," says Olivia.

If you any information on the dogs or their owners, Yuma County Animal Control asks that you contact them immediately.