Goat troubles...

[kbarrett]

Quote:
I have to second this. Several years ago the neighbors had their extended family to visit and during each football game they played my flowerbeds & gardens suffered losses

I never got to see half of my cannas bloom.

I also like the writing a letter idea apologizing and offering to pay for damage. I would not include copies of livestock laws or mention that shooting the goats would be considered cruelty to animals. It may sound like you're basically saying if your animals get out, too bad the law's behind me. Depending on his personality it could be construed as a threat or worse a challenge. It's not just us chicken lovers with neighborhood chicken-killing dogs that know about the SSS rule (shoot shovel shut up).
I personally would write the letter, apologize profusely and make your pasture Ft. Knox. The old adage is so true... good fences make good neighbors.

 

[FlightsofFancy]

Animals get out and accidents happen. There are laws to protect all parties.
In my experience people who throw around threats like this are big bullies and often don't realize that it is against the law to kill a non-threating animal. Lawenforcemnent is usually understanding to responsible animal owners, but they will not tollerate a gun slinging bully.
I have had personal experience with a neighbor threatening to shoot another neighbors dog and as soon as he was educated on the law (I gave her the same advice) he became a different person. LOL!
Just apologize and educate. IMHO

 

[L*A*G*]

it's alright. use chicken wire to patch up any large holes.

 

[mschickychick]

I would do some major kissing up to your neighbor. I would offer to replace any damaged bushes. I would let him know you have worked on your fence to prevent further escapes. Maybe if you bend over backwards to make him happy when your goats get out again, and they probably will, he will take pity on you and your goats knowing you are a responsible owner and not do anything harsh.

Goats get out and once they start the harder it is to stop them. You could build Fort Knox and there is still no guarantee. I keep adding to my fence including electric wire that would knock a buffalo down and still I have one sweet little Nigerian Buck that finds a way. He's now on notice. He will have to stop getting out or go.

Just my thoughts. Good luck. I sympathize with you.

 

[Chauntecleer's Keeper]

Put a hot wire inside your pen. Run a strand about 8 inches off of the ground. It will not harm your goats, but once they get a taste of it they will avoid it! You can also run a second strand at the top of the fence too. I had a problem with my goats jumping into my hay rack untill I put a hot wire around it. You can get set up at the farm store and it is not very expensive. Look at it like cheap insurance, and just be glad your goats didnt eat something poisous and were not dancing the tango on your neighbors car hood. Although the plants will probably recover, I would offer to repalce them. May be just give your neighbor a Home Depo gift card as an olive branch.

 

[Skyesrocket]

I think your neighbor gets the " jerk of the week" award. I probably wouldn't have handled it as well as you did. I would have apologized for the damage and then let him know that I don't take threats against my animals lightly.
Having said that, you do need to shore up your fences. Once goats find a treat they like they will go back for more. Hopefully they didn't care for the taste of his shrubs.
I'm sorry you have a jerk for a neighbor. It's not like you let them out intentionally or that it happens all of the time.
I agree that he sounds like a bully. Don't let him intimidate you or push you around. He was out of line for the small amount of damage that was done. Shame on him.

 

[BuckeyeDave]

There's an old saying “if it won't hold water it won't hold a goat”, gotta love them critters!