Dog

[Malibu99]

A few days ago, I saw big dog looking tracks in the snow. We have some coyotes roaming the neighborhood, so I assumed that was what it was. Today I look outside to see the neighbors dog running around the chicken coop! Same tracks. He said he just lets the dog out and sometimes it goes out of sight.


He doesn't seem to like the dog. In fact, he has said that he hopes it leaves. It's his kids/wife's dog... He just lets it roam. They got it back in the fall. I'm not sure what to do... It hasn't harmed the hens yet but I'm concerned come spring it'll try to dig before we can get the wire under. Not to mention it's stressing out the hens and dropping egg production.

I don't want to hurt the dog, she's very sweet. She's some sort of Lab. Any ideas? We love these neighbors and he seemed genuinely concerned that the dog was in our yard, but I've seen so many tracks that this dog must do it every day.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Egghead_Jr]

Tell him to make a dog run and stop letting it loose.

 

[enola]

If you get the feeling he doesn't really like the dog, why not let animal control help you both out. Every time the dog comes over and visits your chickens, he is getting a little more excited about getting in the pen........

 

[Malibu99]

Tell him to make a dog run and stop letting it loose.

He has a tie out front but it's buried under snow. Usually the dog is tied up most of the day... I'll talk to him about a dog run. Thanks!


It's his kids' dog... I don't want to make enemies but I may have to call AC. Thanks

 

[Urban Flock]

I think AC keeps the calls confidential. That may be your best choice. They will have to pay a fine for letting their dog run. I would think after paying one fine then your neighbor may think twice about letting his dog just run.

 

[enola]

In SC Animal Control has to say who the complainant is if asked. The offender does not get fined until the second incident. The third time there is a court date set if the complaining party will agree to testify in court. No court costs are paid by the complaining party.

I don't know if it is handled this way where you live.

 

[ChickenLegs13]

You have tell him "Look man, you gotta do something about that dog." You're not asking or requesting him to do something about it; you're telling him he has to do something about it because the simple fact of the matter is he has to do something about it because he's in the wrong and probably in violation of some law. Then you'll find out if he likes you as much as you love them and if his genuine concern is as genuine as he puts on.
Or you can skip SSS, AC & hard feelings by dealing with it yourself by getting a $40 charger from HD or TSC and running some wire so the mutt gets zapped next time he comes around, which will probably solve the problem.

 

[Malibu99]

Thanks everyone... I don't think AC keeps calls confidential around here. The dog hasn't been back since I went outside when the dog was running around the chicken coop and I told him the dog was stressing out the chickens. Let's hope it stays that way.