First of all, let me say how sorry I am for the loss of your poultry. I hate it that the kids had to see all that.
I am soon getting back into the joy and sometimes heartbreak of having chickens after a 20 year break. Back when we had them before, a neighbor's dog who was part wolf and another one of their dog's, killed some of my chickens and also a fully-grown pet turkey.
We had told them about what their dogs did right after it happened, but they just laughed and said, "That's life in the country!" and never did keep their dogs from running the neighborhood.
The wolf-dog ended up several days later, getting killed by a dump truck (no, I wasn't driving it either) and their other dog ended up getting shot from the far end of my husband's rifle when it came back a few days later to finish off the flock.
A few weeks later, we were served with papers to report to the magistrate and that they were suing us $500 for the killing of their dog.
I spent many days in our courthouse's law library researching the laws of NC and what is said about protecting your livestock....yes, in NC poultry are considered "livestock".
I found case after case dating clear back to the 1800's where it was proven to be legal to protect poultry. Interesting enough, according to NC law, you can't shoot any dogs that come into your yard and kill your own dog. In that case I say, "Oh ya? Watch me!"
Anyway, we won, the neighbor lost, and he went back home with his tail tucked between his legs.
Fast forward several years............the neighbor's have moved, the neighborhood's really nice again, and I'm waiting on getting my chickens either from my daughter's flock the next couple of months or waiting until Spring for chicks from the feed store (that way I can have my choice in breeds that I really want).
Again, I am so sorry what you had happen, I know how badly it hurts.
edited to add:
I guess I should have read all 13 pages instead of just the first one. Not sure if NC Law would support anyone shooting a 2-legged predator but I suppose you could drag the body inside your house before calling the cops.....
Just kidding for all who think I'm a nutso redneck!
Last edited:
