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

[centrarchid]

I will only use letter as guide in personal conversation #3 regarding this issue. Miss-spelling of cockerel is not evident in my pronunciation but will be corrected anyway. Laws regarding dogs in my county are directed by those of state. Dogs need not be confined. Dogs can only be killed while causing or threatening to harm livestock. Dog has not visited since last incident. My dog does run free but does not pose risk to others livestock.

The typical value for a brood game cock is higher than those not interested in games will acknowledge so intent was to get them to consider I could be asking more but have decided to limit claims.

Point that appeared confusing or as sarcasm was intended simply to indicate I would rather market birds to others that will be likely to buy again happily and that will also recommend me to others. Anyone being charged for their dog’s activities will be less likely to put out a good word. It is a feeble attempt at humor that will be omitted.

This is a rural setting with local rural social norms being applied. Rural does not equate with genuinely nice except when describing your own community to outsiders, especially when you consider those you are talking to as city slickers of some sort.

 

[centrarchid]

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Typical fences are not effective against predators, including many dogs. They only confine domesticated animals and demark property boundaries to other humans.

 

[dainerra]

Centrarchid, I remember you posted a while ago (think it was you) that your dog had been visiting the neighbors? Just because he doesn't bother your livestock doesn't mean that he won't bother others. That is the trap that a LOT of dog owners fall into. There have even been incidents where sheepdogs have been caught in the act of slaughtering sheep on other farms, while at home they are devoted guardians.

The correct fencing is VERY effective against dogs and other predators. Coyote rollers are a godsend to many farmers. It keeps them from being able to grab the top of the fence and climb over.

In your neighbors case, I would just give them a bill for the amount of money you have lost so far. Tell them that you are sorry, but can't afford the loss of income that their dog is causing.

 

[centrarchid]

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Correct fencing as defined by you is beyond my price range and very likely not as effective against coyotes as you indicate. Losses incurred due to wildlife and strays are my fault while those incurred by neighbors dog while on my property, regardless of containment systems I employ are neighbors responsibility. This is based on my states law.

My dog no longer goes in direction that caused problems in past has been observed with neighbors livestock where he does not pose a risk. Evidence you provide in respect to LGD's attacking neighbors stock may very well be a function of the dogs genetics and / or mechanism(s) behind how dog interacts with its herd and protects from outside threats.

Very importantly here is that my dog is not issue.

 

[welasharon]

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I really really like the way this is approached.

 

[PixieChixie]

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I really really like the way this is approached.

Me too.

 

[ElaineS585]

Well, I admire your wanting to be diplomatic but if my neighbor's dog did that to me three times, there'd be no diplomacy left. I agree with a lot of the comments about your letter & editing it but I did want to suggest a few things. 1) Make sure your letter is dated and notes that the dog has been over and harmed your chickens on three separate occasions (add the dates & descriptions of those events if you have them). 2) Make sure you keep a copy of your letter (start a file and start keeping notes of every interaction w/neighbor and dog from now on.) 3) Asking for payment in 7 days could be tight for people who get paid every 2 weeks or where money is tight and could be a source of contention. Why not say something like, "I'd appreciate payment within 10-14 days. If you cannot pay in full within 14 days, please let me know when to expect payment." This way it gives them a little wiggle room and allows them a little more time to cool off (if they get mad) to see that you are being reasonable. 4) Most importantly -- you letter does not state anything about what you expect your neighbor to do about his dog in the future. You really must address it otherwise you are implicitly implying that you're going to tolerate future visits/carnage. Say something like: I do not wish ill-will on your dog but he cannot be allowed to be on the loose and killing livestock. Could you please make sure he is kept restrained on your property in the future?" Or something like that.... you may not have a leg to stand on here, though, if you let your dog run free, too. Is that standard practice where you live? Since you said the neighbor spoke to your mom when he called, I would recommend you seek your mother's input/approval as well. And my final suggestion to you is that you build a mobile tractor for your chickens and not let them be free range anymore, at the very least, until you know that dog is being properly restrained. If your yard is not fenced in, the bigger responsibility is on YOU to protect your chickens from harm, predators and the neighbor's dog.

Best of luck!
Elaine

 

[centrarchid]

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That is what I shall do. Thanks!

 

[nzpouter]

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skip the small change, and just tell them their dog is going to be gone the next time it comes to visit... I found that it's a fruitless exercise trying to tip toe over irresponsible dog owners feeling.

I take it you have mentioned this problem to him previously?

and if the relationship goes south... think about it this way... they never did respect your boundary and property in the first place.

 

[1dude]

When I was 5 or 6 years old, 3 dogs came and killed probably most of our 15 chickens, we kept them in the coop at night, some how the dogs got in. The next morning the snow was red about 100 feet across. The dogs came back and my dad shot and killed one of them. I heard later that someone came by looking for their missing dog. My dad told them he had shot and killed a dog that had killed our chickens. They left and we never seen the other dogs again. I would be real nervous about free ranging chickens, something will get them when you least expect it.