CARMICHAEL-Two dogs were killed this week in Carmichael. after they were mistaken for wolves.
That would be extremely rare and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife wasn’t a part of that initial identification.
“Actually we didn’t get called in on this until much later,” said Jordan Traverso, they deputy communications director for the department.
By the time the agency was involved, one of the animals had been disposed of, leaving the remains of the other to answer questions.
“The other one is in transit to our wildlife investigation lab in Rancho Cordova. We will get it and we will do species identification,” Traverso said.
Those tests will prove if these animals are really Siberian Huskies.
Paul Tolle, who claims to be their owner, says that’s the breed listed on their vaccination papers.
According to him, a burglar let his dogs out of his apartment over the weekend.
“They were kindest dogs ever. They were sweet,” he said.
Tolle also says the dogs shouldn’t have been killed. Others have questioned why an agency wasn’t on hand that could tranquilize them.
When asked if her department should have been called, Traverso said not if it’s a public safety issue.
“Public safety is always the first concern, whether they are wolves or mountain lions. Every law enforcement agency has a duty to protect the public,” Traverso said.
Though experts believe no wild animal was involved in this case, Traverso says Californians hiking or enjoying other wooded spaces may encounter a bear or a mountain lion.
She says you should never approach a wild animal.
Instead, according to Traverso, you should maintain your stance, back away and dial 911 if you still feel in imminent danger.