arghh...neighbor dogs

[phaethona]

So I'm in an "interesting" predicament. among my list of typical predators to protect my chickens from, are my next door neighbors' dogs, a typical issue, but here's where it gets tricky: they have 12 dogs outdoors at all times, and all but one dig at the fence to get into my yard. So far my chickens are safe, I've been home to deter incidents of the dogs visiting my yard, but I can't guarantee that will always be the case.

I like my neighbors and I've tried and tried to work with them on securing the dogs in their yard. they usually dont notice when their dogs come over unless I bring the dog back to them and let them know. when that happens, all they do is find the hole and put a rock or piece of wood in it(which never lasts long). I've put chicken wire along the bottom of my side of the fence, they go right under it. I've even offered to buy supplies to help them secure it.

I understand that as long as you have chickens, predators are pretty much a given. And I can do my best but sometimes there's just no avoiding it. but with this situation, I shouldn't legally have to put up with it. Our city ordinance allows any combination of cats/dogs with a limit of 4. They have 12 outside, 10 inside and 40+ cats. They are animal hoarders. I have very complicated and mixed feelings about calling authorities(and dont want to be shunned for not doing that yet), I would want to keep that as a last resort. but sticking to the topic of my post, I'm running out of ideas as to how to secure the fence once and for all.

 

[Dogfish]

Paintball gun.

 

[alicefelldown]

It seems like you've already gone above and beyond with trying to tolerate and help them with their dogs security. Another way to look at this is would they change their ways and / or replace ($$) your dead chickens when their dogs finally attack?

Our city ordinance allows any combination of cats/dogs with a limit of 4. They have 12 outside, 10 inside and 40+ cats. They are animal hoarders.

I think you already know that you should call them. They should be shunned for their neglect - I'm sorry, but 40 cats and 10 dogs in a family sized house is WAY TOO MANY. You haven't done anything wrong.​

 

[dntd]

My nieghbors have 13 dogs though they have scalled back to 8 now. IDK, I think the pound is a good idea if they go into your yard phone the pound.

 

[DaughterOfEve]

If you really do not want to report them (you all still have to live next to each other) there are a few things you can still try. Electric wire burried under the fence is one if you can afford it. Start taking the dogs to animal control one by one. They will either have to pay to get them back or animal control will put them up for adoption.

 

[phaethona]

I know that what they're doing is wrong, and I've struggled over the years with whether or not to involve authorities. my goal in doing so would not be for revenge, but for a wake-up call to them. but then that's opening a huge can of worms, so that's where I just don't know what to do. ultimately, I think that if someone did come in and take the animals away, time would pass and they would replace them. they claim that they foster for pets to be adopted, but they just keep the animals.

as for the paintball comment, I don't have a paintball gun, but I do have a brand new, freshly calibrated bb gun!

 

[alicefelldown]

Tell them that every dog you find in your yard will be available at the local animal shelter for them to pick up. Or don't tell them and just do it. Enough trips and you won't even have to call Animal Control - they'll already be investigating.

The time for being a forgiving neighbor re: their dogs is pretty much over. Your chickens are at risk - and it is not your financial responsibility to contain their dogs.

 

[msteresaann]

22 dogs and 40+ cats! I am almost afraid to ask, where they keep the cats? The main problem we have around here and on my uncles' farms is other Peoples free range cats.
Are these animals truly being taken care of, other than the fact they can't keep them contained? Which in itself, is unsafe.
This situation will more likely get worse before it will ever get better. People that hoard usually believe they are doing whats right/best for the animals when in truth it is just the opposite. You can turn them in without giving your name. Even when you foster, you are only allowed so many.

 

[chooniecat]

they've proven to be very negligent neighbors/animal owners and you probably have to electrify your fence or??? the next issue is its extremely sad for all of these animals. its not their fault but if you love critters like I do I would certainly call someone for THEIR sake. good luck.

 

[Roy]

If it were me, I would worry more about the care and health of those dogs and cats, it is not in the best interest of any of these 60+ animals to live in a situation like that. Even if they were not crossing into my yard and chasing my girls, it's just not right. I would think more about the health of these animals than a friendship, if they wish to end the friendship, that is their decision. If you don't wish to give your name, then do it anonymously... but, this is MY opinion...