At wits end. Neighbors dogs

[Judy]

Great, purpletree! Big girl panties can be a pain at times.

Hopefully you will get some decent compensation. Doesn't rule out SSS, of course.

 

[Castaway]

Quote:
By all means replace "into" with "out of" if that makes you feel better. I'm not blaming the chicken owner, but if purpletree is siting on 7 acres surrounded by "strange dogs" then she might want to be a little more proactive rather than reactive.

. . .

But seriously, you shouldnt have to fence your animals IF they can be controlled. My dog is a great dane, he wont wander more than 20 feet from the porch, and the chickens love to roost on him. he's never known a fence. but, on the other hand, i understand my responsibility to my neighbors if I have a dog who is prone to wander or agressive. . . .

In very rural settings I'm inclined to agree with you. In urban and suburban settings, however, animals (especially predatory animals) should be fenced in regardless of how much control over the animal an owner thinks he or she has, or how aggressive or tame the animal is.

At the same time, I think everyone must exercise a little proactive common sense. I should be able to sleep with my door unlocked and propped open in Compton, Ca but you think I would take that chance? (I don't live in Compton I'm just making a point)

 

[purpletree23]

A message to highcountrychickens

I just printed out the information you suggested. Thanks you!

 

[highcountrychickens]

Quote:
I used pepper spray (bear spray) on a couple of dogs that were here (before we had chickens). It worked like a CHAMP... The sound of the spray scares the heck out of them, then the pepper kicks in as they're already running. It's quite satisfying.

One warning though... be SURE the wind is at your BACK when you spray...

I'm assuming pepper spray would be effective against any predator.

I've seen a fully grown Grizzly run for the hills because of it - (some develop a taste for it - must be from south of the border

) It really does work well, but again, be mindful of the wind direction when you blast it - I caught the tiniest little wisp of it once - was horrible! I'd hate to have that happen if faced with a large predator.

You're welcome Purpletree! I sure hope it helps.

 

[horsejody]

It sounds like you have neighbor's like mine. Their stupid dogs killed 13 of my chickens. I took them to small claims court. It was easy. I was awarded over $1000 plus all of my court and filing fees. It's a myth that collecting small claims judgements isn't easy. If you study your local laws for small claims judgements you may find a few creative ways to get paid. First you must give your offending neighbors a bill. A letter will suffice. I can help you with a letter. A few other BYCers have successfully used the same letter I did. Give them a limited amount of time to pay. Then file the small claim. Make sure you show up for the court date for the criminal charges too. Bring all of your evidence and evidence of the value of the birds. When the judge finds them guilty, he/she will ask them if they have paid restitution. They are less forgiving if restitution hasn't been paid.

 

[Paegglvr]

Quote:
Small claims is easy, I would trust it. Just make sure you bring everything you can think of (witnesses, photos, etc.). Owners are strictly liable for their dogs or other domestic animals if they are aware of the vicious propensities of the animals, so it's always good to establish a record of the dog attacking people or animals.

That said, if you go the SSS route, remember, the dog came at you after attacking your chickens and you feared for your safety

 

[Natty Bumppo]

If you go the Shoot Shovel and Shutup route dont forget the shutup part, since you may well be breaking the law. Some things I don't even tell my wife. Let's just say my patience runs might thin during the quail/turkey/songbird nesting season and leave it at that.

I have sucessfully trapped dogs with traps borrowed from our county animal control. They work if the dog is hungry and has never been trapped before. A few weeks back I caught FOUR dogs on my farm (trapped two and caught two) and delivered them to animal control. One of them I trapped in less than ten minutes. A lady claimed two the next day and it cost her $275 to get them out........fine was extra high on account of no rabies vac. That put a BIG SMILE on my face when the animal coontrol supervisor told me that. One was agressive and I'm sure went to meet it's maker. The 4th was a sweetie and got flagged for adoption by a no-kill shelter.

No ID tags collars or chip on any of them which is pretty typical.

 

[lilwhispers]

As for me and my family we subscribe to the three s's. Shoot (first and dont ask ???'s),shovel and shut up. When I first saw this topic I was curious how many people shared the same idea and was pleasantly surprised. About the only safe predators are the birds of prey that is one law I wont mess with. We find that if you find a chicken that has been killed we saturate it with hot sauce, the hotter the better (these days habanero would work VERY nicely)that will usually deter any further loses.

 

[Sillystunt]

i really think the SSS should apply to the owner!

 

[jupitergirl]

I work for animal control in Wisconsin, and, like in NH, it is legal to kill a dog that is harrassing your livestock

(here's NHs law: 466:28 Killing Dogs Legalized.
Any person may kill a dog that suddenly assaults the person while such person is peaceably walking or riding without the enclosure of its owner or keeper; and any person may kill a dog that is found out of the enclosure or immediate care of its owner or keeper worrying, wounding, or killing sheep, lambs, fowl, or other domestic animals.)

What people can do is Shoot and then call the police or animal control to give them the carcass of the dog you shot that was harassing your livestock. I love the SSS but "S and Tell" is ok too!