Close Call, letter I sent to dog owners -UPDATE -Ellie just attacked

[lobb40118]

you have the right to defend your livestock/pets from harm. I doubt you would get an animal cruelity charge for detering or killing the attacking dogs.

 

[Wynette]

Judy, just wanted to say I'm thinking of you, Ellie, and BJ. Hope she makes it through okay. I hope the situation is remedied so you can go on with a peaceful life, without the worry and anger invovled in making sure loose dogs aren't around...negative emotion is so draining!! PEACE to you!!

 

[horsejody]

Quote:
Yes, you do have the right. That's why it's legal to kill them. However, most jurisdictions have laws stating that you can kill them, but not intentionally just injure them. Shocking, but true!

 

[birdlover]

Judy,
Ask your vet for some meloxicam. That's what my vet gave me for my chickens and rabbits for pain. It's supposed to be better than aspirin. He should be able to do that for you. SO HAPPY Ellie is home!!!!

 

[SpottedCrow]

Thank the Gods, Judy. I've been dreading checking this thread.

 

[BeardedChick]

you have the right to defend your livestock/pets from harm. I doubt you would get an animal cruelity charge for detering or killing the attacking dogs.

I think Jody and I always post on this together. In my state (Colorado) you can be charged with animal cruelty and you will be responsible for any vet bills if you shoot the dog with a pellet gun or paintball gun or whatever.

You can, however, legally shoot and kill the offending dog just for 'worrying' your livestock. And if it gets wounded when you intended to kill it, you are within your rights.

That said, I wouldn't hesitate to pop off a pellet at my neighbor's dog if it entered my property, I just would be darned sure no one saw me doing it.

It really does pay to know your rights.​

 

[Fudgie]

IMHO, both neighbors would be paying for your fencing. If they cannot contain thier animals then they should provide you a barrier from those mongrels...Either they fence their yard or they fence yours! Their choice!

URGH I am not a violent person but it makes me wanna dispatch the neighbors!!!

 

[horsejody]

I found this on www.animallaw.com regarding NJ law

4:19-8. Failure to kill dog found worrying livestock , penalty
4:19-8. An owner or person harboring a dog which is found killing, worrying or wounding any sheep, lamb, domestic animal or poultry, who shall, after being informed thereof, fail to kill the dog within twenty-four hours after receiving such information, shall be liable, to any person who shall sue for the same, to a penalty of ten dollars ($10.00), to be recovered with costs by a civil action before the Superior Court and shall also pay triple damages for any injury done.

Amended 1953, c.5, s.48; 1991,c.91,s.173.

4:19-9. Right to destroy offending dogs
A person may humanely destroy a dog in self defense, or which is found chasing, worrying, wounding or destroying any sheep, lamb, poultry or domestic animal.

Since more than 24 hours has gone by and your neighbor hasn't killed their dog, you can charge them 3 times the damages plus $10.

 

[Zookeeper9000]

Judy I sure was glad to read that Ellie is home. I can't add much to what others have said but I am here to listen and support ya all in what ever comes of this.

I sure hope your cat comes out of this as well. What a week this has been for you, don't forget to take care of you in all this mess.

 

[bwebb7]

I'm very glad Ellie is home.
I hope after you get everyone tucked in for the night you fix yourself a nice hot cup of Sleepytime tea.