Dogs INSIDE my coop! Compensation?

[tellynpeep]

These neighbor dogs have been killing my chickens for 3 1/2 years. They have been to court and paid several fines. Then I started getting threatening letters from the (unbalanced) neighbor and haven't reported any further issues, but the harassing and killing has continued on and off. I've spoken to the neighbor several times.

2 nights ago as I went up to close the coops, I heard a scrabbling noise in the big coop. When I got there, it was just a bloodbath, and feathers everywhere. 5 chickens, including my Welsummer rooster, were huddled in an inaccessible corner. 4 birds were missing. 2 dead (one still inside the coop.) 3 badly injured.

I am haunted by the horror of those poor chickens' last moments. And so angry I can't see straight. Three of these were my best layers. One of the missing was one of my very first batch of chicks, a Speckled Sussex that still lays 3 eggs a week at nearly 4 years of age.

The neighbor does not deny that her dogs did this. She is offering me "compensation." Knowing that if I pursue legal avenues her dogs most likely will have to "go."
Well, I've already called the police (left a message.... small town cops aren't on duty over the weekend, of course.)

But, adding up just from memory all the birds her dogs have killed over the years, I get 13. There may be others I don't recall at the moment. So...... Any thoughts of what I should reasonably expect to ask of her? I figure....300 eggs a year for 4 years X 13 birds? At $4/ dozen for organic eggs? What do y'all think

 

[RCRIR]

You cannot sue for speculative income, only replacement cost of the animals you lost.

 

[speckledhen]

Have you researched the laws in your area about shooting dogs who are killing livestock? I think it may be time. Even if you don't own a gun, the dogs need to disappear. The dogs would have disappeared long before this if it was my flock.

I can't answer about the cost of the production, but it takes some $$ to raise up a hen to laying age. I wouldn't take less than $50 each for a laying hen.

What happens in an emergency in your town? What if a dog is growling at you, threatening YOU, not killing your chickens? Who comes out then? Surely, there is some protection for the citizens on weekends.

 

[tellynpeep]

Quote:Originally Posted by speckledhen


>>Have you researched the laws in your area about shooting dogs who are killing livestock? I think it may be time. Even if you don't own a gun, the dogs need to disappear. The dogs would have disappeared long before this if it was my flock.

I can't answer about the cost of the production, but it takes some $$ to raise up a hen to laying age. I wouldn't take less than $50 each for a laying hen.

What happens in an emergency in your town? What if a dog is growling at you, threatening YOU, not killing your chickens? Who comes out then? Surely, there is some protection for the citizens on weekends.<<<

Yeah, you would think so. Then we are told to call 911, and the State Police are to respond. Last time I did that (again, for dogs actively chasing my chickens) they never showed up.

As for the laws: Yes, I am entirely within my rights to shoot them. But I have to be there when they show up, have a loaded gun ready to go, and besides know how to shoot it. I work during the day. And when I've been here and witnessed an attack (several times) there is no way I could have gotten out fast enough to shoot these dogs. They are very shy and unsocialized and bolt when they see a human. But getting INSIDE the coop, their refuge, is really the last straw...

 

[tellynpeep]

You cannot sue for speculative income, only replacement cost of the animals you lost.

I'm not suing anyone. She said she will "compensate" me. Just wondering what to tell her. (Really, the only compensation I want is for her dogs to go away... permanently.)

 

[Aeropennchick]

Sounds like a very irresponsible dog owner! So sorry for your losses! I think it is time to report this lady - there has to be some fine for dogs running at large, and after that fine and the money she'll have to pay to you to compensate...you think she'd lock up her dog!!!

 

[PaintedWolf]

Definitely pursue legal action with the police. Those dogs need to go. Monetary compensation would not be enough for me, as the threat of more attacks is almost inevitable. So sorry this has happened to you! I would definitely see red at this point.

 

[BlanchardOK]

Go to the Police - and the dogs go ... nothing can go forward until the dogs are gone. Call animal control - whoever you need to call get them picked up and gone. Take photos of the crime scene - document... document... document...

 

[centrarchid]

I'm not suing anyone. She said she will "compensate" me. Just wondering what to tell her. (Really, the only compensation I want is for her dogs to go away... permanently.)

You could go about this another way or two. Show in pencil on paper the investment that went into getting birds to point of lay. In a back yard setting, it costs a lot more than when done commercially. Make certain neighbor sees and understands variable / math. Do not forget labor. Then stress sentimental value of birds as pets. As speckledhen indicated, go for the higher dollart value on birds lost.

Other approach is to break dogs of habit so if they do get loose they will not be threat to your birds. You will have to forgo your disdain for dogs and neighbor which will be tuff but in long run if successfull; then you, neighbor, dogs, and most importantly chickens will be happier and likely safer. If neighbor is close by, get compenstation then begin process of breaking. Do not hesistate to go off this website to seek advice on breaking dogs of killig chickens. May be best to approach from angle of dog loving folks rather than chicken loving folks as former will be more in tune with conditioning needs of dogs.

 

[halo]

Why have they been killing your chickens for 3 1/2 years? I would think after the first time, you would fix the coop so those dogs, or any other predator, couldnt get to them.