At wits end. Neighbors dogs

[TexasVet]

Quote:
Unfortunately, you can't just "rehome" someone else's animals. That would be setting yourself up for a theft charge, because you knew they had an owner. Ditto for taking it to the Humane Society; they first thing they ask you is "Do you know who the owners are?"

Kathy, Bellville TX
www.PivotalForce.com, www.CountryChickens.com

 

[Mom2Cool]

Quote:
You can say that again.

 

[purpletree23]

Hi mom2cool. The police just say 'call us and make a report if it happens again.' There is a fine for a loose dog. It's $10.00 per incident and because the dogs damaged property (my poor little girl) there is a charge of $100.00. Right now they owe $110.00 but like i explained the owner said he won't pay it. That is why he is going to court to fight the charge and my husband and I have to go to be witnesses.

 

[purpletree23]

Can't lock them up. I don't have anyway to do it and they usually run away.

 

[Katy]

Quote:
Shoot, shovel and shut up

 

[Judy]

I hope you will pursue this, not just being witnesses but filing a civil claim, even though it will cost some money up front, since evidently no one is going to remove the dogs from these people without your doing so.

Some people.... aaagghhhh....

So glad I live in the country.

 

[wombat]

Tell the police that these dogs have already killed your stock and have threatened you. Ask what the law is in your jurisdiction for dealing with loose dogs threatening people or property. In some jurisdictions, you are entitled to shoot predatory dogs, if necessary, but in other jurisdictions, you cannot. If the police or animal control give you an answer, ask if they can give you the statute number, and then keep a record of what that answer was, and which officer provided it, and when, just in case it comes down to a drastic solution. Stay within the law, and document the steps you took to avoid drastic measures, down to dates, enforcement personnel involved, and descriptions of the incidents.

Take pictures of the dogs in your yard, especially if you can get numerous pics of them about the chicken run.

If the dogs are not aggressive towards you, you might just want to pop them in the car and give them a lift down to animal control every time you find them in your yard

... or just secure them out of sight of the owners, if possible, and have animal control come to get them. Your knucklehead neighbor might decide it's cheaper to fence in his dogs than to go to the pound and pay "bail" every week, and if his dogs run the neighborhood, and you're selective as to when you have them hauled in, he may not even know who's doing it. You'll also start establishing a record of just how often his dogs have been "in the system" for being at large.

Worst case, and if all else fails ... if you live near your county line, take them to the pound in the adjacent jurisdiction, sans collar, and tell them you found it loose on whatever highway is just inside their county line. Odds are, the neighbor may not think to check adjacent jurisdictions for his missing mutts. At least the dog will have a chance of a better owner ... beats getting a dirt nap from an angry neighbor, from the dog's perspective.

Good luck, and be careful.

 

[Ft Chix]

I am a dog lover but I don't think people should let their dogs run stray. Especially when it is proven they are preditors. Take them to court.

 

[Sillystunt]

yes, i second be careful! And in my neck of the woods SSS means

, shower and shave

ahhh us city folk

 

[citrusdreams]

I have neighbors like that too. It didn't stop until I told them I was going to shoot the dogs. And actually, it didn't stop until after they knew I was practicing shooting. Now they let their dogs loose when they feel like it, but not as often as before. And they know full well that I will shoot them on sight if I see them on my property.

Unfortunately, they're not going to stop coming back until you kill them. Not in this situation. They've already had the police and animal control involved, so if that hasn't resolved it, taking them to court will only cost you time and money, and they still won't do it. Only a bullet for each will work.

What are the laws and ordinances in your area regarding shooting a firearms? If you're allowed to shoot them, I would, and on sight.