All was well...then the neighbors got a dog

[Wisher1000]

I think you are on the right track, too. It worked well for me without the auto accident factor. I hope your neighbors are as cooperative as mine are! Good Luck, keep us posted!

 

[triplepurpose]

Quote:
See Deb.......... you didnt need to come to us. You already knew the right thing to do. To keep a good relationship of any kind you need to communicate. Sometimes that communication can be uncomfortable. I am a dog person and a chicken person so I understand both sides. Your neighbors deserve you coming to them and letting them know the dog has been on the road and coming by your place. And you can say to them, "I know having pigs in the past you understand my concern. a pig could at least fight back, a chicken can't"
The dog has not done anything to deserve getting shot and the neighbors certainly have not done anything to justify shooting their dog! This is a security blanket for an older couple. I think your on the right track talking to them.

I totally agree. Really, the key thing is that it's in everyone's best interest to see that the dog doesn't cause problems. If you are sincere and considerate toward them when you express your concerns, and they are the reasonable people you say they are, then they will be able to understand that. And I might add, some people on this thread are WAY too quick to assume the worst. Not all dogs go for chickens--many are well behaved and learn to leave the coop alone. Legal issues aside, preemptively killing your friendly neighbors' dog simply because you have chickens and you saw it NEAR your PROPERTY is not only uncalled for, it's absurd. If I took that mentality in my neighborhood, not only would I be enemies with all the neighbors, but I'd probably have been lynched by now--assuming I wasn't in jail...

 

[OldGuy43]

Quote:

BRITANNUS (shocked):
Caesar, this is not proper.
THEODOTUS (outraged):
How?
CAESAR (recovering his self-possession):
Pardon him Theodotus: he is a barbarian, and thinks that the customs of his tribe and island are the laws of nature.
Caesar and Cleopatra, Act II
-George Bernard Shaw

Here in Travis County, Texas not only does the law permit me to protect my or my neighbors livestock by any means available, but dogs are required to be on a leash or penned. Chaining them is not permitted, and is considered animal abuse. Since most of my neighbors have livestock I would be applauded for eliminating a possible threat. When in Rome...

And yes, I did wait a half hour and reread this post before clicking the submit button.

 

[RHRanch]

I am always amazed by how many people don't think to try to talk to their friends and neighbors about problems or potential problems. I have many animals, i have neighbors - it seems wise to discuss things with the people I live with. Its amazing how many things are easily resolved. If my dog was causing someone anxiety, or doing something it shouldn't, I would expect that a reasonable person would let me know about that. Sneakily dispatching your neighbors dog (as one person suggested) seems to me a lousy thing to do, especially if it hasn't done anything and you havn't even discussed the problem with its owners.

 

[Warhorse70]

Quote:
Same case here in North Texas. I'm in the country and it's generally understood that if your dog goes on someone's property and causes damage it's going to get shot. The only courtesy I may give is that the first load may be rocksalt instead of buckshot. Talk to the neighbor, eliminate the dog when necessary, or deal with the losses.

 

[Ole rooster]

RH.....just a tad missing the point you made about "sneakingly" dispatching the dog. If and animal come onto the OP's place and it is "dispatched", where is the sneaky part. Not if someone went in the old folks front yard and kill the dog, took in off and buried it, then yes I see your point. What point are you trying to make using that description?

I'm an animal lover too. I had a stray come by the other day, a puppy. Didn't kill it but it didn't stay around either. But all I have to see is intent before I act.

 

[Pele]

Quote:
That is such a graceful and gracious way of dealing with the situation. Your neighbors must feel blessed to have you nearby

Since the neighbors are elderly, I think this is a very good solution. It could be that they are living on a shoestring, and can't afford a quality cable.

Wonderful solution, thanks for posting!

 

[OldGuy43]

Quote:
That is such a graceful and gracious way of dealing with the situation. Your neighbors must feel blessed to have you nearby

Since the neighbors are elderly, I think this is a very good solution. It could be that they are living on a shoestring, and can't afford a quality cable.

Wonderful solution, thanks for posting!

Good plan! Let's reward poor pet stewardship. Being "elderly" is no excuse for ignoring your responsibilities as a pet or animal owner. You folks are being a little to "touchy-feely" for my taste.

Sorry I'm not being very PC here, but I feel really strongly about this.

 

[kota1369]

Quote:
Well now, I would say "handling it when the time comes and saying nothing" IS sneaky.

Shot........ first. dont tell........ and certainly dont tell them there was a problem before hand. Just kill it! Ok then!..........
Yup........ your right. You are not PC.
good thing we can agree to disagree here

 

[RHRanch]

Quote:
Sneaky is what I call it when someone doesn't bother talking to their neighbors about a potential problem and instead plots to kill their dog instead. Seems a lot of folks are incapable of communicating in a civilized manner with their neighbors. That is a really sad way to be in this world. Adversarial with your neighbors versus being cooperative. Its sneaky if you don't have the common courtesy to at least mention your concerns before you do something that can't be taken back.