The following letter was sent to the West Tisbury selectmen.

Twelve of our animals were killed this afternoon, Thursday, 13 June: two Pekin ducks, two mallards, four guineas, three hens, and a rooster. A third Pekin duck is injured and is unlikely to survive.

The animals were killed between noon, when all were fed and accounted for, and 4 p.m. when the first body was discovered. At that time rigor mortis had set in, so they were probably killed around 2 p.m. By 5 p.m. most of the bodies and clumps of feathers from various birds had been found over a wide area of the property.

The wounds in the dead birds were measured and indicated the bite of the predator was at least two inches wide.

The West Tisbury animal control officer, Tony Cordray, was called shortly thereafter. Officer Cordray examined the corpses of the birds and said the birds were most certainly attacked by a dog or possibly two dogs. He also informed us that it would be difficult to identify the predator without an actual sighting, preferably with photos.

I hope there is some action the selectmen can and will take to enforce regulations regarding dogs that are not under full control.

It is unlikely that we can ever be compensated for the loss of these creatures we raised from day old chicks, keets, and ducklings, and who had provided us with eggs, companionship, protection from ticks, and enjoyment.

Cynthia Riggs

West Tisbury