Dog Attack Help!

[Bubba]

I would relocate the dogs to another citys humane society either that or you need to move. If the land owner doesn't really want the animals there I would not hesitate to get rid of them, just do not get caught. Please do not hurt them, there are better ways.

If you did rent with the agreement to be able to use the pasture you may have legal recourse. I do not know the laws of your State and any advice on this forum is just that ADVICE. I would advise you to contact an attorney or even the local student law dept of a college for help....


Bubba

 

[nccatnip]

I guess it depends on how far you are willing to take it and if you are prepared for a move. Legally, you may have lots of options in your favor but it is questionable if you want to pursue them.
It might be prudent to hot wire the fence and take other measures to dog proof the chickens housing. Maybe the owner, who flock is at risk also will be willing to split the cost or pay for everything if you do the labor.

 

[Freeman]

well, to update you all, and thanks so much for replying and all the advice I really appreciate it, but Moe died. They also got a yellow hen's tail and I don't know where she is, but she was roosting last night so I hope she is okay. I looked all over and I cannot find her. My landlord helped me put bag balm on Moe last night and he came and got him and took care of him for me because he died I guess this morning, I am not sure. I did call the animal control last night, but I asked him not to do anything. I don't want to hurt the dogs, as I feel that the people are responsible. I do want to hurt the people, but can't do that. We have spoken and so has the landlord (also their dad/grandad) and warned them numerous times to no avail. They should not own dogs. I wouldn't allow them to watch my remote control let alone a kid/animal/other. My husband said not to do anything because he is afraid of retaliation while he is not there and yes these people are that bad that they do this stuff. He said he would take care of it. Although I want to move we only have months left and it isn't a good decision to. Right now I am furious and ashamed that we stayed here when we wanted to move and that we let this happen. I am not going to do/say anything and just let my husband do whatever when he gets home. Thanks so much for everything, I know some think it is crazy to be upset over chickens but I love those chickens. Thanks again.

 

[SpottedCrow]

When is your DH scheduled to come home? Have your landlord get rid of the danged dog! What happens if the dog attacks one of your kids?!
You should've had the ACO take the dog and then they'd have to bail it out...
Some people just don't get it unless it hits them in the pocketbook.
You should've had the ACO make a housecall on them...that might've helped things too.

I'm so sorry that you lost Moe and I hope your yellow hen is okay.

 

[Cheryl]

I'm so sorry for your loss. You might consider small claims court, it is pretty easy, but you might jeopardize your living arrangement.

 

[rozmiarek]

Hey Freeman,

I'm really sorry for your loss. I certainly understand your desire to maintain good relations with your landlord, but you should reconsider how you view your relationship with them. You seem to view it as the landlord's property, which you are allowed to live on, at their pleasure. This is pretty much the opposite of how the law sees it.

I used to work for a landlord in Pennsylvania. Laws differ from state to state, but I think the general principles are pretty constant. If a landlord takes money from you, it becomes your dwelling, not theirs. Their rights to the place are very limited. In most states, they shouldn't even be coming onto the property without at least 24-hrs notice, and your approval.

Also, be careful about letting things slide too much. If you repeatedly don't say something about the dogs running around, that can be seen as tacit approval. That makes it harder to take action, should you need to, in the future.

You don't need to be nasty about it, but I would seriously consider writing a letter to the landlord, outlining all the things you are unhappy with. This puts you on much more solid footing, if things come to a head in the future.

Also you are probably entitled to damages, which can be taken out of your rent.

Remember, it's your house. You paid for it. Your landlord can not access it any more than Hertz can come borrow your rental car. Most state laws overwhelmingly favor the renter. Take the rights that are yours.

-Andy

 

[TxChiknRanchers]

Quote:
So sorry to hear about Moe. I for One know that you are in a difficult situation with your husband being deployed. You are at a disadvantage because of the relationship your landlord has with
the dog owners, but he seems like he is sympathetic. Waiting for your DH to return may be a good idea. But stand your ground allow no further bad deeds to go unpunished. People sometimes mistake kindness for weakness, and will take advantage of your situation. Good luck!

 

[Freeman]

Little update...the yellow hen came back and she is acting normal and doing fine. I talked to the landlord and I told him I talked to animal control but told them not to do anything because I didn't want to start a fight and he said yeah that would cause a big ruckus. I told him that the ac guy said if the dogs are running on the family's land there isn't a lot they can do because it is their land and he said it isn't the family land it is his land and he agrees he doesn't want the dogs running around. I told him I wasn't going to do anything until my husband gets back, which is hopefully in two weeks. I will not let this happen again, as some of you mentioned, and I will call the ac guy in a second and not care who gets angry. I don't think you could be any angrier than we are now. If not, maybe we will have to sell them so that they are safe somewhere else, but I don't want to get rid of them because I love them and want to take them with us wherever we go next from Maine which is probably back to PA where both of our families are. Anyway... thanks again for all the help and advice. Any other thoughts are always welcome. Thanks!

 

[Scrambled Egg]

I agree with all the posts but I also agree with your husband. You are in a vulnerable position being a female "alone" and pitting yourself against the landlord may cause retaliation --in ways women don't really want to think about. Probably best to be logical about how much pushing you want to do by yourself. Maybe spend your time looking for another place to live that will accomodate chickens more safely.....and keep your guard up for the dogs... and the landlord...

 

[SpottedCrow]

I'm so glad "lil Yeller" came home okay.
I'm glad that you talked to the landlord and he's with you on this situation...
I would hope that the dog owners would keep up their dog...but I don't think so.