Can my neighbour kill my chickens?

[Tala]

In Arkansas law your livestock must escape 3 times before they can legally shoot it, but of course you have to pay for damages any time - say your cow gets out and eats stuff.
However, getting the law to "care" about a shot chicken is like trying to push a train uphill with your hands....don't expect them to help you if your neighbor hurts your birds!!!!!

If my chickens escape out of my yard, it's essnetially a death sentance for them. Usually by the neighbor's dog, and it's my fault, not his nor the dogs' (as much as you can be responsible for a flying pet....it's hard to keep them 100% confined!!!)

I'd focus on keeping your birds in your own yard, and your neighbor out of your yard, preferably without confronting him AT ALL.

 

[Rozzie]

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[arch_cpj]

You avoid any abandonment issues by simply mowing the strip once every 5 - 7 years in most locals and many dont have thee abandonment issue since it is assumed you will keep up the yard then the fence can be anywhere as long as you continue to maintain the property on the other side...

Quote:
Fence location can be dictated by law. In some places, moving a fence in further on your land could be considered abandonment of the portion outside of your fence line.

Some places also dictate that neighbors share fence maintenance and costs. (Each is typically responsible for a portion of the fence.) At least where I have family, those fences MUST by law be located on the exact property line, unless a physical barrier (huge boulder, for example) keeps this from occurring.

Fence laws differ tremendously from place to place. In some places, you would be legally protected from prosecution for trespassing if the reason you were on the neighbor's property was for the purpose of maintaining a fence along the property line. Even if there isn't a legal protection for you, it would be unlikely you would be prosecuted--especially successfully--for being on the edge of a neighbor's property to maintain a fence.

That said, I'll still be asking my neighbors' permission when I need to go on their property soon to do fence maintenance. My fences need a coat of waterproofer on both sides. It would be to THEIR benefit to allow me access, considering that the fence is on my property. I can legally take it down, and then they are without privacy fencing, too, along that border. I don't anticipate any problems, although I will choose to ask the owners on one side for permission to do this on a weekend, when their business is closed.

 

[arch_cpj]

you sure had better be sure you know the property line though you build a fence on the other guys property and pow you are in a world of hurt!!!!

 

[Rozzie]

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[Rozzie]

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[dntd]

I`m sure if chickensor livestock get killed by your neighbors in Ontario the spca can charge the, also I know if you find any lost animals in my city you must give them to the spca.

 

[IonaFarm]

I moved to 3.5 acres with a metal 6 stall barn. The barn is over 60 yrs old and the house over 50. The local zoning codes have my area listed as Dwelling/Agriculture. So I can have animals/livestock, but no pigs. Sure would like a Pot Belly.

My chickens rarely leave the property. But the neighbors know who they belong to. So I go get them and offer the neighbors a dozen fresh eggs for the inconvenience.

What I have learned over the years is document, document, document. Take before and after pictures of any changes you make to control you animals. Pictures of signs that are posted. Keep a journal of problems with the neighbor.

If you have to go to any kind of city meeting over this you will already be prepared to show your side of it. He can stand up there raving like a loon and you will be seen as the sane one.

This will also help if there are any insurance issues. Get an umbrella policy for your property. A policy is very inexpensive. We keep one 'cause we have kids from the church over for cook outs and such.

Good luck to you.

 

[eggbuster]

I believe the original poster is from Ontario? If so, we have something called farmers rights. If you are zoned agriculture you are protected from someone moving in next door and complaining about "normal" farm activities, including smells and noise. You are not exempt from your animals crossing the border without a visa. If the guy is a fruitcake, move those chickens. If you egg him on justified or not, it can't end well. Keep to the high road.