WHITE RIVER – WHITE RIVER – “Huskies cannot be trusted near any livestock.” This is according to husky owner, Ms Nikki Coward of Johannesburg.
She commented on the White River incident where Maxwell apparently attacked a next-door neighbour’s goat.
“I am sad to say that many people who keep huskies do not understand that they have a strong drive to prey upon and need to be kept away from other animals at all costs, unless they are trained very very well. Our huskies have been sensitised to other dogs and cats, but will kill a bird or rat at the drop of a hat!”
Coward also mentions that their looks, especially their pale blue or multicoloured eyes, make people fear them and that might explain the overreaction by the farm workers when the cornered husky allegedly turned on them.
She, as an owner, had to intervene quite a few times already, when a similar overreaction could have led to cruel actions taken against her dogs.
Her opinion has been echoed by veterinary surgeon, Dr Graeme Harman, that huskies are not vicious dogs, but that they are working dogs and have a strong prey drive.
Harman also feels that many people are drawn to the Siberian’s wolf-like looks and that this breed can be challenging for first-time dog owners. “Many have fallen in love with the wild nature and pride of huskies, but are unaware what this breed is truly like. This is not a breed for everyone. Their beauty often drives people to purchase them, unaware of their difficult traits.”
DNA tests confirm that huskies are among the oldest of dog breeds.
