Over last four days my nephew has had depredations purpitrated by two white female bull dogs, one is pitbull while second probable cross over other by another dog breed such as dalmation or a spotted pointer of some sort. Identity was not determined until second visit although was suspected by another neighbor based on dogs seen in area at correct time. On first visit dogs visited while nephew at work. They demolished pen and injured hen and rooster it contained. Birds will survive but show quality they will never be again. Nephew informed owner of dogs of their activities. Neighbor insisted his dogs not involved, Neighbor and his dogs have done similar to another owner of poultry in area without compensation or stopping of dogs activities. Next day pen was repaired and I instructed placement of a lower value bird in pen. As I went to work, dogs came back and I got out of vehicle and attempted to drive them off by hand. I had to literally yank younger one off already crushed pen and it snapped at me. If dog wanted a go, then I would have won fight there but it backed down and trotted off after elder that was heading towards home. Both looked back at me as I walked briskly after them. I assumed they were going home. I got on bike and drove to owners home and found many other dogs running about plus older female but younger was not observed. Not finding owner I proceeded to work. At end of work day nephew informed me pen was attacked again and rooster was dismembered with feather trail heading in direction dogs left in earlier. We expect dogs to repeat depredations and do not want losses of higher value birds. Upgrading defenses against dogs will expensive and not timely enough to prevent further losses. I expect losses to continue unless something is done. Another low value rooster was placed in pen after it was again repaired. Nephew has been charged over weekend with stopping dogs if they return with lethal force. He must photograph dogs harassing birds and attempting to get at rooster in pen. He then is to shoot with intent to kill, not maime or otherwise hurt dog in manner that could result in veterinary bills, Photograph is to help cover his butt in the event a dog escapes. Sub-lethal force would be preferred and likely be effective but owing to owners knowledge of possible actors (nephew or I), the potential legal recourse could then be decidely against us owing to how laws operate. Owner of dogs will not be informed of our success or failure but hopefully reasonable doubt will increase odds owner will see to limiting threat posed by his dogs to livestock of others.
