Heart breaking day on the farm...

[Shoshone]

I hate situations like you are in. you shouldn’t have to give up your interests because of this neighbor. I’d be pretty relentless with your neighbor.
You may need to invest in a more secure setup.
My personal experience with animal control authorities is dismal. If they will intervene in your behalf, that would be great.
I am sorry

 

[Howard E]

Most of you folks would be well advised to forget about any assistance from civil authorities. They have bigger fish to fry than getting involved in dog disputes. And the good news is you don't need them anyway.

The best way to deal with neighbor's dogs is for you yourself to become proactive.....and the best defensive measure you can take to protect against attacks from the neighbors dog is install an electric fence. End result is quiet, peaceful enjoyment. Dog lives, birds live and all is good. Isn't that the desired end result?

I'd go so far as to say in the big picture, aside from the coop most folks provide to protect their birds, equally as important is an electric fence. Solves oh so many problems.

 

[cmom]

I agree. I lost a lot more birds before I put the electric wires around my coops and pens, and nothing has penetrated them since. If I forget to turn it off and get zapped that's my fault. I can either unplug it and I also have a cutoff switch. If someone free ranges that's a different story. I used to free range my birds but after some losses I don't anymore and the birds have nice large pens.

 

[Rooapalooza]

Almost no dog, no matter how sweet and well-behaved, can resist the lure of a chicken. Some dogs will also go after cats. A well-trained dog won't do it in front of their owner, but it takes genius, pacifist dogs to not chase when they aren't being supervised. Dogs eat chicken and love to chase... they don't have a way of knowing they are doing something wrong.

If the dogs tried to attack you or your children or larger animals, then I think they call them 'vicious' dogs, and will put them down.
If the dogs are not being looked after, I would call an animal rescue to get them out of there and into loving homes.

As for your chickens, you have got to find a way to protect them. If a dog can get into your run, any animal could. It's just a matter of time.

 

[Shoshone]

Most of you folks would be well advised to forget about any assistance from civil authorities. They have bigger fish to fry than getting involved in dog disputes. And the good news is you don't need them anyway.

The best way to deal with neighbor's dogs is for you yourself to become proactive.....and the best defensive measure you can take to protect against attacks from the neighbors dog is install an electric fence. End result is quiet, peaceful enjoyment. Dog lives, birds live and all is good. Isn't that the desired end result?

I'd go so far as to say in the big picture, aside from the coop most folks provide to protect their birds, equally as important is an electric fence. Solves oh so many problems.

I like your reasoning.
Well said

 

[Birdie mom]

Almost no dog, no matter how sweet and well-behaved, can resist the lure of a chicken. Some dogs will also go after cats. A well-trained dog won't do it in front of their owner, but it takes genius, pacifist dogs to not chase when they aren't being supervised. Dogs eat chicken and love to chase... they don't have a way of knowing they are doing something wrong.

If the dogs tried to attack you or your children or larger animals, then I think they call them 'vicious' dogs, and will put them down.
If the dogs are not being looked after, I would call an animal rescue to get them out of there and into loving homes.

As for your chickens, you have got to find a way to protect them. If a dog can get into your run, any animal could. It's just a matter of time.

I respectfully disagree about all dog being chicken killers. My dog TJ won't hurt a chicken for the world. He sits and watches my hens eat all of his food and doesn't care a bit.

 

[Lilyput]

I'm sorry about your loss. Before you shoot the dogs you should give your neighbors a fair warning.
I'd tell them that their dogs killed your livestock and if they show up at your house again you will be forced to shoot them.

Yes, give your neighbors a chance to control the dog (their pet). Dog is just being a dog. I have giant schnauzers and one day one of my favorite hens and of course great layer decided to jump the fence. She lasted exactly five seconds! They just killed her and never even tried to eat her, great fun for them!

 

[roho555]

My elegant beautiful sweet bantams and little ducks were slaughtered about three hours ago by and neighbors wild ,dirty ,cruel dog....it’s really hurt me deeply and I want this seamlessly senseless act of cruelty to be answered for guess I’m just wanting some comfort and if possible a little info on deal with this mutt and if I can end it’s life legally ,any kind words and info would be greatly appreciated ,thanks to all the BYC members.

Sorry for your loss!
I grew up in the middle of sheep country here in Oregon and a dog chasing or killing livestock unfortunately is a goner. Like another poster stated: once the dog gets the taste of blood they will not quit. I have a rule about any predatory animal; if they are caught in the act or in a pen, chicken coop with any type of animal regardless of what kind of animal it is they are dead.

Several years back my daughter heard something chasing the horses in the afternoon, she grabbed the 22 (grabbed wrong gun) and went out the door headed to the barn to investigate. Sure enough there was two dogs chasing one of our valuable horses in the loafing area. About that time one dog turned on her; she shot the dog and unfortunately it ran off through the field, went home, collapsed and died on the neighbors/his porch. They called the Sheriff and he told them to let it go as they were at fault. Another time I heard/found two dogs chasing the horses in the loafing area at 3 AM. They never ran away and no one knows where they are buried. My wife said they were same dogs she saw running all over the country between here and another town where she worked, looking at the remains we determined that they must have been feral along with all the cats that get dumped out here. We do try to tame the feral cats somewhat and supplement feed them.

Shot my last possum in the chicken house while he was trying to reach the perched chickens. So no predatory animal has a value more than your livestock. Just make sure you use a large enough caliber gun or shotgun to make the kill quick and humane. Make sure if you shoot a skunk; shoot it in the heart and not the head or they will still spray till dead.

It is not my responsibility to build fences etc to keep predatory animals off my property; it my responsibility to keep my animals on my property although I do keep the chicken pen very secure even more so after that last possum. A mouse can get through a dime size hole, a rat through a quarter size hole; an opossum can fit through holes less than 3 inches in diameter. Good luck to everyone with your livestock and may you get many returns on your investment.

 

[Shoshone]

It’s an interesting dilemma.
It the dog bites your child, the dog is put down. If a dog kills your animals, then we say it’s not his fault because he is a dog.
Personally, I believe stopping a dog or any animal from destroying my property is justified and I would not lose any sleep over killing a dog that is killing my livestock. I grew up in ranch country and that is just the way it is.

 

[susanb1222]

My elegant beautiful sweet bantams and little ducks were slaughtered about three hours ago by and neighbors wild ,dirty ,cruel dog....it’s really hurt me deeply and I want this seamlessly senseless act of cruelty to be answered for guess I’m just wanting some comfort and if possible a little info on deal with this mutt and if I can end it’s life legally ,any kind words and info would be greatly appreciated ,thanks to all the BYC members.