being diplomatic to neighbor with dog killing my free-range chickens

[FlaRocky]

Hello, Have you checked the county livestock rules and regulations about dogs killing or harassing poultry? I would look them up and make copies for my records. Then if you send the letter to your neighbor, also send a copy of county rules so that they are aware that you are being very gracious in what you are asking for in payment. The county fines could be very costly for them if you have to go that route.(cost in more ways than the wallet for the dog) The dog could be listed as a livestock killer with very heavy fines involved, or the ok for you to shoot to protect your stock.

Maye

P.S. Here where I live it is OK to shoot dogs that harm my livestock. If I catch them animal control will inpound them with heavy fines and full payment of vaule of dead or injured stock. Dog then maybe listed as a dangerous dog. BTW this will be very costly to the owners.

 

[toochicky]

If you really wanna be friends,..don't send letter. Talk to them in person over coffee or something. Let them know, that you understand their dog is part of their life. And that its a great bird dog, but unfortunately.. thats bad for you. Then slide into asking them for reimbursement for the birds.

I think personal means friendly and a letter is too standoffish/cold.

 

[ozark_chickies]

Send the man the letter. Let him know that you value your birds, and hold him responsibe for his dogs actions.. The bill might get the point across, since talking to him didn't work. If he wants to be diplomatic, at this point he will pay up, and controll the dog. If not, do what you have to, to protect your flock.

 

[Fred's Hens]

We have 4 or 5 neighbors living on what used to this 80 acre parcel. All country people. I garden and have chickens, another neighbor loves machinery, and another neighbor keeps 3 giant Labs, males. Her husband is an avid hunter. All of us have and use guns.

We have this deal. Please don't shoot my stuff, even if it is in the wrong. Even if one of my chickens scratches up your flower bed. I'm sorry, and it won't happen again. We all have this country philosophy. If anything that is mine messes up anything that is yours, I pay for it and vice-versa. If you borrow it, return it, if it breaks on your watch, bring it back repaired. Simple country common sense.

I would absolutely seek restitution for any of my hens that my neighbor's dogs killed. They'd be quick to offer it too. I have repeatedly said that I will repair or replace anything my chickens might do to them. It works. Maybe start with that when you talk to them. Make an offer to pay for any damages your chickens might ever do to them. That'd break the ice on the conversation.

 

[Beekissed]

Quote:
I agree! If you wish to remain friendly with a neighbor, just trot over there with the dog in tow and say, "Hey, Rover here just killed a bunch of my birds that I usually sell. Could you maybe reimburse me and keep him over here from now on?" <Smile and chuckle added to show no hard feelings intended.> Then maybe have a light discussion about how you really don't want this to happen again~for your sake and for theirs.

No need to get all sarcastic and tight butted about the whole thing...sure it makes one mad if the dog tore into your safety structures you had in place for your poultry(you did, of course?) and killed your chooks. But is it worth $28 to piss off a neighbor with whom you claim you wish to stay friendly?

 

[newchickgal]

Quote:
I agree. This is the first step that I would take.

 

[OldGuy43]

My only comment is that you're being really generous as far as price. A laying hen for $8.00? Even if you can replace her for that it doesn't begin to replace the loss of production.

 

[LiLRedCV]

Quote:
I would omit the last part starting with "My preference is to sell birds...." and "Having you guys as repeat buyers...". As someone else noted, too personal. Stick to the business facts since your birds are income to you.

Spelling correction of "cockerels" as you'll want to put on as professional manner as possible.

Maybe add an estimated price of the game bird too since you initially mentioned it and expressed a desire to be compensated for it - and if you've ever had any vet bills associated with this game bird, that needs to be clarified as well.... Provide COPIES of the receipts if they ask for them. You're self-limiting yourself to just $28 in your letter, no more without adding the game bird in with potential vet expenses. If the dog tore up any fencing to access your flock, that needs to be addressed too. If there's damage, there's damage! You need to be compensated for it all!

None of this even begins to cover the disposal of the dead birds either... and the fact that you're out there having to clean up the mess his dog created for you each and every time. But if you're incurring additional disposal fees for these birds, that needs to be addressed as well. You may not want to address this issue now, but if it continues, you will....

Maybe also find your county/state statutes that cover leash laws and whatnots and those regarding damage to livestock. They're probably already aware of the basics (ignorance is no excuse tho'), but this would make them more law specific aware and let them know YOU are aware of what the law is too. List what statutes number/reference they are and quote directly from them. If they don't believe you, they can take that info and look it up for themselves.

There's so much more than "just" the loss of the birds.... I'm not saying this is a cash cow for you, but there's a lot more to consider here.

There comes a time when apologies or compensation just don't cut it any more. If the neighbors dog continues on it's rampage, you'll need to call in your county Animal Control to give them a citation. If it continues still, you'll need to prepare to take additional action according to the laws provided you. The key is to COVER YOUR A** on everything!! Dot your "i's" and cross your "t's" - keep track of dates these events happened, how many birds you've lost, pictures of them all, pictures of the Lab on your property (video if you can get it), receipts for vet bills or repairs made as a direct result, conversations you've had with this neighbor (record them if you can, but at least write down the dates/times of the conversations regarding these matters!), how many reports you've had to file and those case #'s, etc etc etc. ALL of this and more can help you in the grand scheme of things.

 

[CheekyMare]

I didn't see confirmation that you have a fence in place to keep predators out, but I'm also assuming that you do.

I wouldn't send the letter, I would just shoot the dog and make sure it didn't make it home. I have dogs. I keep my dogs at home where it's safe and if my dogs got out I wouldn't blame anyone for shooting them. It was my job to keep them safe and I can only reasonably do that within the boundaries of my own property.

Every time we've shot a dog I feel sick (physically ill) for days, but if they won't stay off the property and start forming a danger to my animals and customers then we do it.(I haven't ever done the actual shooting, but mine is the final decision to take the life)

 

[Ole rooster]

I won't critic the letter but as has been said, you are cheap with your prices. I would like to find laying hens for $8.

One thing I would not dance around is the number of chickens killed, what you feel is proper reimbursment for them and the need for your "lovely" neighbor to keep his dog home before you two do have a falling out from his failing to do so. That is if it matter to you to go that far. This mess has got to stop, if not for you, at least the chickens sake.