I lost one of two EE hens (Miss Bonita) to the neighbors dogs. I let them out on the lawn to range, and went inside for a bathroom break and when i came back I only had one bird cowering in the coop--Bonita was one killed. I cried and looked everywhere. The neighbor came out with Bonita, dead , hanging by the ankles in his hands. I started bawling and knelt down next to her. I was so angry i took off my shoes and threw them at the neighbor (ridiculous, I know). I told him that all of us neighbors were sick and tired of the dogs sh****g on all our lawns, ripping up the other neighbors lined frog pond, and other offenses. I told him he had to pick up the steaming crapper his dog left on the lawn just now after killing my beloved bird (and he did!). I also insisted he dig her grave, but he ran away when my DH came out with the shovel (I sorta dont blame him at that point).
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I went inside and the following day wrote a stern letter with the town laws regarding dogs cut and pasted from the ordinances list online (they have to be on your property and not allowed to roam on others property uncontrolled and not on a leash).
I pointed out that she cost me heartache, and also money. I placed a value of $30 on her (for the feed to cost to raise her, her initial value, and for the eggs she willnow not lay and also to get a new companion for the remaining bird). I wanted the amount to be enough to make the nieghbor notice (an EE is like five bucks, but that wasnt the point). I wanted it to be enough to be punitive, so they would understand. I also told them in writing about the offenses committed by their dogs (like how they ruined the pond and poor Caroline spent the weekend digging out the mud and liner from the pond). I also stated that in no way would I hesitate to call the animal control if I saw offenses again. I told them also that we cannot have a civil neighborhood and a happy place to live until we make this understanding. It is the only right to make amends and apologize when wrongs are done.
I was totally impressed when they came over with baked cookies, 30bucks and sincere apology. Since the dogs have been much better controlled (although I will never trust for that, i must babysit at all times). Only once or twice have the dogs come into the yard (but only really by accident when the leash broke etc). I even get the odd note when they leave town, letting me know there are no dogs around. I am happy they understand how I feel, as well as the laws. I guess a bawling lady on the lawn was hard to miss, the letter even harder. At least I had people who could be talked to in one way or another.
