Dogs INSIDE my coop! Compensation?

[tellynpeep]

Oh yeah.... medical costs (I get mostly free veterinary care, fortunately, but the medications are not cheap.)

 

[The Lazy L]

I am the original poster here....local cop ... he wants from me a statement of lost value. ...

If you bought chickens the same age and type of the ones you lost, how much would they cost you?

That is the cost I'd give the Officer...round up a little.

 

[galanie]

I am the original poster here.
I appreciate all the commiseration and thoughts.

As of yesterday, the dogs were running loose again (my birds were in lock-down INSIDE their coops, fortunately.)

Today, I gave a statement to the police, with dates, # of birds killed and injured, and color PICTURES (hey, they asked for them!)

They tell me the owner will have to appear in court, and according to the law the dogs will have to go.  I don't care where they go, as long as I never have to see or hear them again.    According to state law, the third time within a year the dogs are considered a "nuisance" is a third strike.  Well, we have three times within a week here.

The young local cop came over this evening and took pictures of the crime scene: pics of my coop inside and out, the surrounding area, and the boundary between our two properties.    Now he wants from me a statement of lost value.  Well, the cost for a replacement layer may be only $20.  But, as someone previously mentioned, my actual costs are far greater.   These were birds hatched from purchased and shipped eggs.   Not cheap.  Do I add in the cost of my incubator?  Brooder?  Electric bills (which tripled when I had incubators and brooders going last year.)   How do I charge for my time?  What did it cost to feed these birds to point-of-lay?  
I know you can't ask for lost future income, but now my birds are on medication and I can't legally sell the eggs, at least for a while.

The thing is... I don't want their money; I just want my babies back....

I am so so sad over this whole thing...

 

[Mattemma]

I would set up a camera or 2.Secure everything and everyone.Likely the neighbor will act out if forced to get rid of their dogs.Threats,property damage,and poisoning of animals.

 

[jamesbwood]

I'm so sorry this happened to you.

I'd directly ask the police what they want instead of guessing.

Failing that, I'd include direct costs to buy and feed the chickens (purchase price, food, vet bills) but not costs for undamaged things that you still have like the incubator. Or your time. You have every right to be upset but you want to be reasonable with what you list.

The goal is to break this cycle and stop future dog incursions. I'm sorry to say that you are not going to get those birds back or be paid what they are worth to you. Hopefully you can end this cycle so your future chickens won't be killed.

I'm assuming you already told the police that these were your pets, that you raised them from chicks/eggs. And that you expected egg production from them for a number of years. Basically that their value to you goes well beyond what you paid for them. I'm also assuming that you told them that this has happened more times than you have reported.

Moving forward, I would report every single incident (hopefully there won't be anymore!) as well as mention the threats to the police. If you have a reasonable fear that your neighbor will retaliate, let them know that as well. This cycle has to stop and being nice to this jerk clearly isn't working. I strongly suspect that the only reason they offered you money was to save their own hide. From your posts it sounds like you are a nice person, someone I'd like to know. However, when dealing with this neighbor, I'm afraid the time for being nice is long since over.

Good luck!

James

 

[tgblldog70]

get yourself a trail camera and have it set up all the time. and get yourself a gun, shooting is not that hard and its just a good idea just incase those dogs try and go after you.

 

[tellynpeep]

Well, I'm told the dogs have been "gotten rid of." Whatever that means...
I didn't ask for any financial compensation. I am just happy the dogs are gone now.

Now I just have to worry about retribution from the crazy ex-dog owner.

And the coyotes, who seem to be hungry now too..

And I have finally ordered a trail-cam. I can't wait now till it gets here!

 

[bobbi-j]

You might want to consider building a run for your chickens. That's not saying they can't free range. Mine do most of the time, but if we're going to be gone for a couple of days or I feel there in an immediate threat in the area (for me it's coyotes or the bald eagles that migrate through in the spring and fall - oh yeah, and this weekend my son's golden retriever that comes to visit now and then) I leave them in their run. That way you can keep them safe until whatever present threat has moved on or has been eliminated. Yes, I know - we shouldn't have to go out of our way to keep our chickens safe from the irresponsible neighbors' dogs, but if the dogs can get them so can any other animal that wants a chicken dinner or a feathered squeaky toy. Your neighbors can always go out and get another dog or two to let them run. Someone else down the road might get dogs that roam. Your local coyotes or raccoons may come visit.... There are many good reasons to have a run for them.

 

[galanie]

Now lets all pray those fools don't get more dogs.

 

[tellynpeep]

You might want to consider building a run for your chickens. That's not saying they can't free range. Mine do most of the time, but if we're going to be gone for a couple of days or I feel there in an immediate threat in the area (for me it's coyotes or the bald eagles that migrate through in the spring and fall - oh yeah, and this weekend my son's golden retriever that comes to visit now and then) I leave them in their run. That way you can keep them safe until whatever present threat has moved on or has been eliminated. Yes, I know - we shouldn't have to go out of our way to keep our chickens safe from the irresponsible neighbors' dogs, but if the dogs can get them so can any other animal that wants a chicken dinner or a feathered squeaky toy. Your neighbors can always go out and get another dog or two to let them run. Someone else down the road might get dogs that roam. Your local coyotes or raccoons may come visit.... There are many good reasons to have a run for them.

They do have a run, but I like to free-range them. I have 3 coops: 2 have physical fences, one has a moveable electric poultry netting. Which hasn't worked since the winter snows. I think I need a new charger for it.... but they chickens fly over it anyway.
I've been keeping the remaining chickens penned up all the time now when I'm not here. And they are VERY unhappy about this! Very very spoiled chickens I have...