Cats and Dogs

[deerman]

I Think the number one Predators we have to worry about are Dogs and Cats

Read all the time about birds being kill by these two predators. I have more birds kill by these than any wild predators.

Why is it that people move in the county, they thinks its ok to let these run loose.

Not only are they killing our animals and birds. They destroy so much wildlife.

Dog owner are not as bad as cat owners. Some Cat owner think they are right to let them run every where.

Is it asking to much that they keep there animal under control, cats range far, my neighbor has 7a and still their cats and dogs come here because of my birds.


Whos fault is it when these cats and dogs get shot when some one is protecting his birds???

 

[okiron]

Yeah, some owners have the mentality of "they're animals so they deserve to be free!" but when the same animals are shot for attacking other people's pets and livestock suddenly they're "poor innocent pets" who deserve to be treated as a human would. Make up your minds. Are they wild animals or not?

 

[NotTheMomma]

I can see this thread going down hill fast.

So before it's shut down, I'm going to post my opinion.

Dogs and cats can BOTH be trained to stay within their own property. It is the owner of said dog or cat's personal responsibility to see that their pet is NOT causing trouble within the neighborhood.

Letting them roam is a risk. No different than letting your chickens roam without supervision, or leaving them in an unsecured coop/lot.

We, as owners of animals, have a tremendous responsibility as guardian over them. We must see that they are fed properly, have access to clean water, have shelter from the elements, be it rain/snow/ or the sun, seek veterinarian treatment as needed, to recognize common aliments/diseases/etc. and know whether their treatment is within the range of what we can personally handle, or whether a professional needs to step in. Each animal should be spayed, or neutered to deter wandering, and to see that we're each doing our part to stop the thousands of unwanted litters. An altered animal is a healthier, and happier animal. We also need to see that each is provided proper care, and to decide whether each vaccinations is beneficial for our animal. We must recognize what our own boundaries are, and what we are safely capable of taking care of, and not become 'collectors' to the point of detriment to the animals' welfare.

So, yeah, if one of my animals were to leave my property, and cause damage to someone else, then of course it's my problem. Whether they got out because of a downed fence that I wasn't aware of, or for whatever reason became a wanderer. Not all incidences of them leaving our property can be avoided, but with proper training, fences, etc., many can be avoided.

There, a bit long winded, and I'm sure not as coherent as I want, but hopefully you know where I stand on this issue.

 

[nzpouter]

 

[ohiofarmgirl]

nzpouter = thats the funniest thing i've ever seen...

and for the record:

KEEP YOUR CATS INSIDE

thank you.

 

[deerman]

They sould not be allow to roam. killing native birds and animals,

The common cat is the reason some birds are no longer on this earth. Birds wipe out by cats that came on the ships to the new lands.

I have lost so many because of these two predators.

Wish someone would train my neighbor cats to stay home.

 

[2boxers]

I'm not sure that I see your point, unless your point is that some irresponsible pet owners allow their animals to become pests.

 

[kagedgoddess]

my view is animals are like small children. letting your 3yo roam the neighborhood would be child neglect and endangerment. any pets roaming in my mind is the animal equivalent. saying that, i have had my dogs escape 2xs and a cat that eventually, "ran away". i could not for the life of me figure out how she was getting out of the house untill one day i was working in my garden and happened to look up as she was crawling out the dryer vent. she would go inthe basement and knock the vent off and climb out. Determined cat. i did correct the problem each time tho.

 

[IggiMom]

Yes, I can see this thread going downhill fast also.

My dogs do not bother anyone else. I have a HUGE fenced yard and they do not go out unless they are with me. They are sighthounds, so they would certainly kill chickens given the opportunity.

My kitties go outside. They are neutered and they do not leave my property. I do not believe I have ever seen one kill a native songbird. Now, I know that my opinion is not going to change anyone else's opinion, but that is what I think. What I know they DO kill is many, many mice and other rodents.

A good kitty mouser is invaluable on a farm. If you have chicken feed, you have mice, and a cat is a totally natural and environmentally safe way of getting rid of them. No poison necessary.

And I have multiple baby chicks pecking and scratching, and I have never lost one to my cats. When Katie was young and a couple of time looked interested in them, I spoke sternly to her, and she has not bothered them since.

I grew up spending my summers on my grandparent's ranch in Montana. They had many cats for rodent control and they had many chickens. The cats did not bother the chickens. I am not saying that cats do not ever bother chickens. I am saying that you can teach them not to. Both dogs and cats can be managed and that is the key. Management.

Catherine

 

[okiron]

It'll only go downhill if you let it. If you're a responsible animal owner then don't take offense to the thread. It's that simple to keep a thread from going downhill. This thread wasn't created for everyone to defend themselves on how their animals are being well taken care of and how they're responsible animal owners. There are people who let animals just roam loose and they become predators to other people's animals.