Dog Attack:(

[wynnsanchez]

My neighbor's dog killed two of my chickens this past weekend We've never met our neighbors and live in the country (long driveways and closed gates). Should I tell my neighbors? Our house is new so we haven't built a fence yet. Now I'm afraid to let my chickens out, but I hate to leave them in the coup all the time. A friend of mine told me that I should tell the neighbor. What would yall do?

 

[gkeesling]

i think I'd tell the neighbor before I shot their dog. That way at least they get a chance to keep him tied up.

 

[Camelot Farms]

I would tell them about it for sure and explain that now that they KNOW that you have chickens and that thier dogs are killers, you are certain that they will be taking care to contain their beloved pets....after all, you would hate to mistake them for a coyote and shoot them...

 

[Daidohead]

I agree with Camelot Farms, very well said.

 

[NancyinAlaska]

You have every right to shoot their dogs. I sure would.
Go talk to them and if they don't restrain their dogs, do what you have to do. Even up here in really rural Alaska there is a leash law, and I am a licensed dog kennel. All of my "neighbors" know if a dog comes in here and I can catch it, I will, and then I'll try and find the owner, if I can't, 3 days and it goes to Animal Control. If I can't and it stays...........I will shoot it, it could injure one of my dogs, chickens are confined............... never had to yet.
I'm sure there are regulations where you are, make a complaint......................but........DO WHAT YOU HAVE TO!!!!

 

[ranchhand]

I'd keep the chickens in a run and start fencing. But I'd also talk to the neighbors in a friendly way, and mention the problem to them. Long driveways, closed gates- do they actually KNOW you have chickens running loose? Some people don't really see things around them. Do you actually know they are their dogs? Verify it all first.

Unfortunately, a lot of people think living in the country means letting dogs and chickens run loose. Gather all the facts, protect your chickens and then approach the the neighbors with cookies or eggs. They need to stop their dogs, but you need to protect your chickens.

Good luck, I hope it all works out.