I can see both sides. If someone is coming toward me there is no way to know their intent so I understand the dog’s caution
BUT this is public lands .
I think the dogs lose on this one
but they are great looking dogs and do their job well
It's called free ranging and the land is leased by the sheepmen, always has been since way before hiking and mountain biking ever became popular out there.
One of the comments on the article made a good point. Have Silverton reimburse any farmer who loses one of his livestock to a predator the cost of that animal and there will be no need for the dogs. It's a win win for everyone......
As a side note, perhaps there should be an ordinance requiring all the hikers and bikers to remain a specified distance from any such herds of sheep.