English Bulldog attacked my chicken in my backyard-are they killers?

[valentinebaby]

I have an incredibly secure run for my chicks - just sad to think they won't be able to free range for a while. Since I live in county property-not w/in city limits, there are no leash laws. Plus I don't mind other dogs in my yard - just don't want vicious ones!

Hubby believes that here in Texas if the doll kills my dog, nothing I can do, but if it kills my livestock (i.e. chickens), I can sue them. I'm sure it won't come to that. Have started taking Bella to the BACK yard to try to keep her from their view in the front. I live in a very secluded neighborhood and my house is the only one you have to get to the driveway before you see - I'm completely surrounded by trees in front and back and 2 creeks on the back yard. There's about an acre in the front and a bit more in the back, so I'm not right on the cul-de-sac. Since the only time Bella goes to their fence is when I'm out and their dogs are barking at me, it's not a habit of hers. Plus after last night, my husband said Bella didn't follow him up the long drive to leave the trash cans at the road as she usually does, so I'm sure they've let her know how serious they can be! It does look like Billy's making an attempt to contain them - they didn't chase the trash trucks around the long curve to my house, which they ALWAYS do. We'll see how long that lasts!

 

[babyblue]

Anything that has teeth can bite, anything with legs can kick. old horse barn saying.

 

[panner123]

Many people living in Texas are hunters, if you or your DH are. Use the SSS rule. End of problem.

 

[theFox]

Quote:
Sec. 822.012. CERTAIN DOGS AND COYOTES PROHIBITED FROM RUNNING AT LARGE; CRIMINAL PENALTY. (a) The owner, keeper, or person in control of a dog or coyote that the owner, keeper, or person knows is accustomed to run, worry, or kill livestock, domestic animals, or fowls may not permit the dog or coyote to run at large.

(b) A person who violates this section commits an offense. An offense under this subsection is punishable by a fine of not more than $100.

(c) Each time a dog or coyote runs at large in violation of this section constitutes a separate offense.

Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989. Renumbered from Health & Safety Code Sec. 822.011 and amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1002, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.


Sec. 822.013. DOGS OR COYOTES THAT ATTACK ANIMALS. (a) A dog or coyote that is attacking, is about to attack, or has recently attacked livestock, domestic animals, or fowls may be killed by:

(1) any person witnessing the attack; or

(2) the attacked animal's owner or a person acting on behalf of the owner if the owner or person has knowledge of the attack.

(b) A person who kills a dog or coyote as provided by this section is not liable for damages to the owner, keeper, or person in control of the dog or coyote.

(c) A person who discovers on the person's property a dog or coyote known or suspected of having killed livestock, domestic animals, or fowls may detain or impound the dog or coyote and return it to its owner or deliver the dog or coyote to the local animal control authority. The owner of the dog or coyote is liable for all costs incurred in the capture and care of the dog or coyote and all damage done by the dog or coyote.

(d) The owner, keeper, or person in control of a dog or coyote that is known to have attacked livestock, domestic animals, or fowls shall control the dog or coyote in a manner approved by the local animal control authority.

(e) A person is not required to acquire a hunting license under Section 42.002, Parks and Wildlife Code, to kill a dog or coyote under this section.

Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989. Renumbered from Health & Safety Code Sec. 822.033 and amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1002, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.


from:

http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx....S/S/HS.822@SOTW&QueryText=Dog&HighlightType=1

 

[Ibicella]

The breed doesn't really matter. Billy is an irresponsible dog owner and he thinks you are a pushover.

You've got two options: one, you can start documenting EVERYTHING. Dates, times, details of conversations and with who, pictures or video of the dogs in your yard, etc. Be very, very detailed and gathe as much evidence as you can to deliver to the Animal Control or police.

Second option: Shoot the dogs and bury them the next time they get on your property. Lefty should have been a dead dog LONG before his owner got the chance to kill him.

Also, in the future, be certain your own dogs don't and can't get off your propety. No matter how nice your own dog is, they can still get into mischief and others have the right to do something about it. So you will end up with either a dead dog or a hefty fine one day.

 

[Slinkytoys]

Bulldogs were bred and used to bait bulls. That is why the nose is pushed back, so they could breathe while hanging onto the bull. I think that should answer your question. As for your Doxie, you may think she's a wuss but those little dogs can think they are huge. With her attitude of barking then backing off, I think she will be Mastiff food.
Best to put up a fence (or at least a run) or grow a pair and stand up to the bully neighbor.
Slinky

 

[Mattemma]

Fences are worth the expense.We could have bought a car with the money we spent on a fence.I carry mace when in the unfenced front after my dog was bit by a husky,and neighbors held in home by another neighbors growling pitbull at their back door. I cringe to think what might happen to the neighbors granddaughter in the unfenced yard next to the pitbull house.

I would call AC when I caught dogs especially repeat lose dogs. I have 2 dogs and know they could get into stuff if they get out,and lol I don't want to pay for anything the dogs might do.My neighbors paid over $400 for vet bills after the dog bit incident.

 

[archerobx]

Like babyblue said, if it has teeth.

Thought billy was an american pit bulldog? they are different then english bulldogs

Bulldogs were breed for bull baiting but that was so long ago many of the desired mental and aggressive traits have been breed out. But its a dog so dogs bite,.

My girl is a health English Bulldog and even when she was younger a 20 ft sprint was all she could do and then she would sleep all day.

Regardless of breed you are having problems and it appears the dogs have shown aggression. I would make sure this is documented on paper and follow the law. Also if your going to use the Shot shovel and shut up method or similar, dont post it on here or say anything to anyone.

Good luck

 

[theFox]

Quote:
I believe that Billy was the nym the OP attached to the neighbor, not any dog

Lefty was the name of the APB.

 

[randytheeggman]

Every dog is a chicken killer, even the big nice teddy bear, best behaved ones. It is becasue the think the chickens are play toys. My brothers Bernese Mountain dog is as lovey dovey as they come but when he saw my living sqweek toys running around the yard he went nuts.
The problem is not What dogs but ANY dog running loose. I feel my chickens are as valuable as anyones dog. I live in an area that I can take a shot at racoons, skunks or any other animal threatening my girls.