The Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation neighboring Fountain Hills recently dealt with reports of “aggressive dogs running loose,” resulting in attacks that prompted its police department to increase patrols while urging the public to stay away.
Two tribal members were bitten last week and are now recovering from non-lethal injuries, according to acting police Chief Jesse Puffer, telling KJZZ: “We did catch three out of the four dogs.”
And such incidents are not uncommon on tribal lands, with lots of canines roaming their 24,000-acre reservation bordering the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Some animals are seen as strays — often dogs that are dumped there — while others are claimed as pets by those belonging to the 950-member tribe.
“We also have a dog ordinance, too,” said Puffer, “so people get cited for that as well. Depending on what the nature is, could be anywhere from, you know, $150 fine and it can be higher if you can’t show record of vaccination and also licensing.”
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Ancient Tohono O’odham artifacts were found not far from the Arizona-Mexico border – and now the tribe is calling for their return.
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A mining company is considering digging for copper on grazing land near the chapter house of the Coppermine community on the western Navajo Nation.
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The accident occurred about a half mile east of Highway 160 and state Route 98 near Shonto in Navajo County. This is the first reported incident since hauling along the 300-mile interstate route began nearly two years ago.
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U.S. Customs and Border Protection said the approximately 1,000-year-old geoglyph in Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge was disturbed by border wall contractors nearly two weeks ago.
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Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren will face off against a slew of candidates in the race for the tribe’s presidency in November — 15 challengers to be exact. Nygren took the tribe by storm when he beat out incumbent Jonathan Nez four years ago. But since, he has faced mounting scrutiny over allegations of ethics violations and misuse of public funds.