3 new predators to worry about, ugh

[Zahboo]

We have new neighbor and he has some gorgeous dogs, 2 bully dogs, I can't say for sure if they are APBT or Staffies or what as I haven't been close to them. I was gathering my egg (sigh if only it was plural) when the guy walks into my yard his dogs behind him. I was home alone so I'm sorta like ugh. He says "Ah, you got them crowin things." I was puzzled and said "um... Yeah they are called chickens." He looked at my coop and then laughed! I told him I saw it best he leave my property and he said Okay. Before he left he said "May be best to keep your pesky critters inside, hate to see ya hurt if my girls got a hold of them." I was stunned and didn't know what to do! I told him I have already had one person's dogs sent to AC after them meddling, and have no issue doing it again and he said "Try your hardest they are going nowhere". I called mom because he was lousying his way to the property line looking at my birds and laughing

I was trying to keep my cool but how I wanted to boot him in the but onto his side of the line. Mom came home pretty darn fast and we put up a no trespassing sign right beside the property line facing his house and put a lock on the kennel gate that my birds are in. I have dealt with FIVE great danes this year already and I can't do it again.

What should I do? The guy obviously doesn't care and my sweet Hecuba just started laying. These birds roost on my shoulders and I can't let them down. IFFFF something does happen what do I do. Last time I had to keep the dogs in my big pen for an hour until AC arrived bc they came out once and couldn't do anything because by then they were back home. Anyone have exp with this. Mom said write down everything they said. I don't know what I should do. My big mouth brother who is trigger happy said he could handle it but hes all talk and reallllly dumb. I want to keep this legal, last resort is SSS... I am too bonded to these birds to lose them. I have 30+ eggs in the bator now so I'm having to make their tractors extra sturdy now. The coops are predator secure and are in a chainlink fence thats 6' tall. The last issue was great danes (I always thought they were gentle giants

) climbing the fence digging up my poor Hector (rip).


I need people with experience on this or know the legal steps. Here chickens aren't "livestock" so its illegal to shoot or injure one if they kill/pest my birds

(sorry mods for posting in 2 sections, I didn't mean to, thought I exited out before it went through in Random Ramblings

)

 

[Whispering Winds]

Sounds like you have a dandy new neighbor . . .how sad for you! Would it do any good to call the law and just tell them what he said, just so they have a head's up in case those dogs do get out and over on your property . . .surely something can be done, because he sounded almost like he was "threatening/telling" you his dogs would be back . . .any way of putting a fence up between the two of you? I just read a post this afternoon about crazy neighbors and their dogs, and they flat out did not care their dogs did damage to her animals and property . . . I told her the same thing I am going to say to you. You are probably going to have to go the extra mile and expense of putting up a fence just as a precaution. It's sad and its expensive, but people simply do not care anymore . . .and its left up to us animal lovers and mini farmers to protect our own. I would get a BB gun and sting the daylights out of them if they even stepped foot on your property too. . .just make sure you aim for the butt or meaty upper leg. There is a topic that has been going on here for quite awhile about the guy who shot the guys lose dog on a walking dog trail with a BB gun, it went into the dog's heart and he died, and that man's life has become a living hades as a result . . .Good luck and keep your eyes peeled!!!!!!!

 

[Zahboo]

I was thinking of reporting it, just so if they do get in my pens there is already a record. I am trying to find out how much some electric fence is. We rent so I'll have to check on fencing in the whole yard. I'm not saying I'm a saint at owning dogs, but my lil dogs the one time they did get out I spent about an hour going around apologizing and making sure they didn't strow trash and if they did I cleaned it up. Part of owning dogs is cleaning up their messes. Why can't I have normal neighbors

 

[eaganchickens]

I don't know about the legal stuff, but if is legal shoot them with a paintball gun!

 

[citrusdreams]

What you need to do is make a report with your police department or sheriff's office, so that you have a record of what happened.

You also need to ask your PD or SO what the laws are regarding dogs and what you can do to protect yourself. For example, you probably have a leash law that he is violating. Also, in most places, his dogs being on your property would be illegal. Take pictures when you see them off leash and/or on your property, and keep them as a record. Also, just because chickens are not livestock doesn't mean you can't protect them. Generally, people have the right to protect their property, and dogs, cats and other pets fall into that category. So it's really important for you to know what your rights are.

I don't about the laws in your area, but find out if you can SSS by asking the PD or SO, and get a copy of the ordinances. I do know that you risk being guilty of "animal cruelty" if you shoot it with a paintball gun, or pellet gun or BB gun. In most places, it's legal to kill an animal but not injure or hurt it.

I'm sorry, but I really believe this guy is guilty of harassment and I would do anything and everything I could (within the limits of the law) to protect myself and my own. And I wouldn't stand for it one minute.

In addition, he's just blowing hot air when he says his dogs aren't going anywhere. You know that because you've called AC and had them take other dogs away. So don't let him get you that upset. When you see the dogs off leash and running about, take pictures and call AC. Don't give him the opportunity to have the upper hand.

If he's the type of person who would come to you and harass you like that, he's the type of person who would do anything so be careful. And if you are allowed to SSS, and you decide to SSS, please do SSS and keep your mouth shut. He could be all kinds of trouble.

 

[panner123]

Try to get his treats on tape. Also inform him what will happen if his dogs hurt your chickens.
Tell him of your 2 best friends ( Mr. Smith & Mr. Wesson) if his dogs get in on your property. In most areas these types dogs are considered dangerous, you even have to pay more for your property insurance. You could ask him if his insurance is paid up and at its full value, for any damage to your chickens you will file a compliant. Lucky for him he is not my neighbor, for the first time his dogs threaten my chickens, it is off to doggy heaven.

 

[ooohhitskaren]

ok...I need to now..I'm a noobie to all this..what is SSS?

 

[TN.MamaHen]

Quote:
Shoot,Shovel,Shut Up Don't feel back,I didn't know at first either.

 

[Suziers]

Yikes-

Why would he come over to just rattle you about your chickens? That is so odd. Is there a fence between the two properties?

 

[Zahboo]

There isn't a fence. We are budgeting to see if we can and going to ask landlord. The guy just creeped me out...