Well said, I couldn't agree more.
QuirkySue: Roaming dogs not only pose a risk to livestock, but if they happen to team up with other roaming dogs, they can take on a pack mentality. Then not only does going after livestock become an issue, but so can going after people. People say, "Oh my dog/s would never do that," but I've seen it happen several times. As a matter of fact, the police here had to shoot a dog not long ago, normally a friendly dog from what I understand, because of just that very thing. It doesn't take many dogs to form a pack btw.
The dogs can also get hit by cars, attacked by coyotes, torn up by other dogs, etc. I've worked in the animal industry almost all my life (dealing mainly with dogs). In that time I also worked as a vet's assistant. I can't tell you how many dogs I've had to deal with that were hit by cars, all because people wouldn't keep these dogs contained. There was also the dogs that suffered along the roadways that the owners had no clue had been hit, before a passerby found them and brought the dogs in. I've not only been the person at the vet's office who had to hold these dogs while they were euthanized, but I've been that person that found them on the side of the road on a couple of occasions. Dogs bleeding all over the back of my car, screaming in pain, just for me to take them to the vet. and have the vet. say the injuries were too great and they had to be put down. All is takes is your dog getting off your porch or out of your yard one time to get hit by a car. Not to mention the dogs I also had to hold while they were being euthanized due to being shot, as vets can't save them all. Unless the owner shows up to take that dog home to be buried, it's put in a bag, thrown in a freezer and then taken to the dump with the rest of the euthanized animals. This is what can happen to your baby if you're not careful. I hate to sound mean, but trust me, holding animals while they were being put down was not the highlight of my day. It was especially heartbreaking to me when it could've been prevented. Unfortunately this is the reality for many dogs who run loose.
I don't care what this man has in his yard that attracts animals, if your dog was properly contained, it wouldn't have been able to get over there. I do understand the canine Houdini's that are able to get out of just about anything you put them in, but this isn't the case going by what you've stated. My dogs are my babies too, and as such I would never allow my dogs the opportunity to leave my property. Especially since I have pit bulls, who suffer a bad reputation as it is and this is how breed legislation starts. I also own a Boston Terrier though, and I'm just as vigilant with his little butt. I don't care how well trained your dog is, it's a dog, they do not have the mental capacity to understand repercussions as a human does, so it is your responsibility to protect them by being sure there is no way they can get out of your yard and into his. If you know this man wouldn't think twice about shooting your dog, you're gambling with it's life by not keeping it off his property. You can sic health inspectors, police, etc. on him after he shoots your dog all you want, but that will not take away it's pain if it doesn't die and if it does, it will not bring it back.
As for the hatchery bird comment, my birds are hatchery birds and will be our pets with benefits. I can tell you right now that if you were my neighbor and your dog got to my chickens, there would be major problems. I have a 10 yr. old child. While she understands these are chickens and things can happen to them, no amount of money or I'm sorry's would take away the pain my child felt at the loss of her pet because of someone else's irresponsibility. And that's what all of this boils down to, responsibility.
Like I said, I'm sorry if I sound mean, I've just been on the other side of things and have seen way too many dogs suffer due to irresponsible owners.
Okay, now I'm stepping off my soapbox too, lol!
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