Devistated

[nzpouter]

I second that... some people feelings are not worth tip toeing over... pity the animals usually pay the ultimate price for their owner's incompetence...

 

[suezqz_64]

I would settle that in small claims court. You suffered property damage and she's legally responsible for her animals coming on to your property. Sorry for your losses and your troubles.

 

[Red Barn Farms]

I would first present the owner of the dogs with a bill for the chickens (using what they cost as the basis for a reasonable amount). For the ones the dogs killed, NOT the new chickens just bought. If s/he refuses to pay the bill, then you could take them to small claims court. It may not seem like it would be worth the money and time to do so, but if you want this person to know that you’re serious you may have to.

I would also report this to your local animal control so that if it happens again you have a record of the first incident. It would also had been a good idea at the time if one had thought and taken some pictures of the dogs which attacked the chickens.

Another dog deterrent is owning a high power BB Gun if you do not want to kill the dogs. It will make them think twice about entering your property again. I know this works for a fact.

So sorry you're having to go through this and the loss of your chickens.

 

[Appylover]

The dogs came back early this morning. But with my set up we were warned of the return. As for animal control no such thing out here they will not do anything since we live outside the city limits. A little housing addition that was started back in the 1950's or so but they ran out of money and ended up just selling the plots. The sheriff said to just SSS. I can't afford to take them to small claims court. I will NOT be losing another bird to these dogs. We are looking into buying some electric poultry netting or the like.

 

[rrrmamma]

Most small claims courts will award you the court costs if you win. The filing fee is minimal and no attorneys are involved.
The forms are available at the courthouse. Document time, date, and a summary of any contact you have with your neighbors. Pictures are good too. Good Luck. People like them need to be reminded that their dogs aretheir responsibility.

 

[dainerra]

small claims court is REALLY inexpensive. In most areas, anything less than $5000 is small claims - no lawyers, a few $ to file (which you can add to your claim) and that is all. Usually $100 or less.
Call back to the sheriff's office and ask them for a property damage report. Since you know exactly who owns the dogs, you can also ask a deputy to inform them that dogs that attack livestock are allowed to be destroyed. Since you are in Texas, i know without a doubt that it is legal to kill dogs that attack livestock.
Honestly, a lot of times deputies are reluctant to take the time to come out for what they consider to be a minor call, but demand that they do it. You'll be on the bottom of the list, but that doesn't mean you don't get on the list at all.

 

[Jubilee1111]

Did you get pictures or video of them at your house? That's good to have regardless of the route you go.

I priced the poultry netting fence this week because of my raccoon issue and it was $265!!! It was at Callahan's and they are kind of pricey but man was that expensive!

 

[Appylover]

No sadly I didn't. I didn't even get pictures of them yesterday in the act of eating the birds they took. I am half blind with out my glasses or contacts and when I rushed up this morning they were coming around my car. out of the area of the gate they got into last time. As long as its closed that area is pretty dog proof.and the other gate and side of the coop is protected by a dog kennel. Which is why my pit/aussie is now patroling both sides at night. Her only interest is licking chicken butts and eating chicken feed. But shes never left alone with them. She works as a great alarm until I can get some poultry netting or the like.