Dog attack advice please.

[jenniemig]

I don't know where you live but here in Florida it is pretty simple to file a claim in small claims court and you are not required to have an attorney. The limit varies by state you'll have to check how much you can seek in damages in small claims. You might be able to file multiple claims to get the actual damages amount.
I have filed a claim before. The packet was available on line through my local clerk of courts. I filled it out, filed it and received a court date. We were able to settle via mediation, but if that wouldn't have worked we could have received a ruling/judgment from the judge.

 

[jenniemig]

Also, even if the person does not have the money to pay you, you should still try and get a judgement. If at any time in the future they sell property, receive a settlement or inheritance etc...you will get your money.

 

[4 the Birds]

I agree that if you really want to claim a loss then small claims court is your only solution. Even 10 minutes of advice from any legal council can cost more than your claim (provided you don't find free council). In my view you have at the most $200 in losses. For me personally it would not be worth the aggravation and time to pursue; Yet, some people will go to court over any amount.

You did not mention how you protect your birds. If you get more birds then I would for sure have a perimeter fence if you free range. The coop/run should be strong enough to ward off large predators.

 

[moetrout]

I may the odd man out here. I hate legal hassles and unless it was a lot of money (a grand) it would not be worth the headaches for me. My way of dealing with that would be to say "ok, don't pay, but the next time I shoot first". One of my neighbors actually told me he was getting some barn cats and if I saw them anywhere on my property to feel free to shoot and he would not be mad. He is kind of making it my problem, but out of 3 cats only one is left. Natural selection took it's course and I did not have to do a thing.

 

[enola]

I didn't go to court as much for the money as idid for something done about the dog running loose. I wanted to do something that proved to the neighbors that they could NOT continue to allow their dogs to run loose to kill cats, small dogs, rabbits and wildlife.

Animal control filed the charges. All I had to do was testify. Proving financial loss was part of my testimony.

 

[jenniemig]

I didn't go to court as much for the money as idid for something done about the dog running loose. I wanted to do something that proved to the neighbors that they could NOT continue to allow their dogs to run loose to kill cats, small dogs, rabbits and wildlife.

Animal control filed the charges. All I had to do was testify. Proving financial loss was part of my testimony.

I agree, sometimes when people take a hit to their pocket they're less likely to do it again. From the initial post it sounds like the dog owner hasn't learned a lesson. AND, when you shoot the wandering animals in the future it has been documented and you're justified.