Heart breaking day on the farm...

[ringaring]

Sounds like this is more than 1 dog and they are aggressive to livestock & people. You have every right to defend yourself & home, including your pets/livestock. Don't back down - you may prevent a worse tragedy in the future.

 

[sarahconnor]

Sorry this happened.

Right now the world is filled with @$$. That's why there's so many problems. We actually could have more people on the planet, but we've got the wrong kinds mostly; the bad ones.

Well I can talk you through what you can do...

For starters check your fencing and how the animal got in both on your property and in the coop. This is the important part. And secure those spots. Start with the coop first, but don't end there. You can easily wire it shut cheaply and tie things up. Even using a bag of zip ties will work to get started; but combine them with some kind of metal fencing, or panels or something.

How big is your property and theirs?

You could also technically put up some kind of motion sensors. Because the dog will likely come back if the cops don't take it away. Its had a taste of fresh meat and blood. Once they do that its hard to let it go.

You could right up electric fencing if your fence line isn't too big. Back in the day people din't spend tons of money on this. They'd make it themselves using car batteries. I remember going with a family member to see some farms and accidentally touching homemade electric fences. (The charge wasn't enough to do damage, just give a little kick.)

(Um, the electric fence thing I don't know what your local areas laws say or are about...so technically if some little kids walk into it and get zapped I'm worried about them going after you by sue happy parents that have been spoiled their whole life.) I'm just saying this is an option...

Well...if looting and rioting comes to your town like it is others, you might want this stuff up anyway. Maybe the dog incident will help you get ready for the mobs actually.

A cheap option also is to get your own dog, something that will guard fowl but not eat them. (But this costs money.)

You can also tie cans on strings and rig them up where you think they are getting in. (Noise makers). If they hang from a fence and something is shaking a fence from trying to squeeze under or over then they jingle, etc. (low cost, low risk).

I wouldn't do traps. Too easy to get sued if people fall or step in them.

Also beware of enmity. You can never underestimate how people will react. Try to not show them you are mad because this can cause it to escalate.

You could also try to find out if other neighbors bordering you and them have had problems with their dogs before. (The police ironically might not check this. I found this out when one of my brothers was being a dink, and they let him have like 3 DUI and nothing happened because of lawyer mongering 2 of them are DWIs...which is the same thing only a trick lawyer move to get out of shi-...stuff.)

You could also put up a nanny cam option by the coop, or in it. (This probably won't cost much...but you might need extra long cords depending on the distance etc. And I'd make sure the electrical plugs aren't over anything flammable.)

Bottom line, be careful. The dog has to come back. He's tasted fresh meat and hunting. There's no way he won't come back, but maybe not tonight or tomorrow night if you still have fowl. And number 2, you should be really extra polite to these neighbors and nice because when they have to give up Fluffy they will blame you for it, and be mad.

What a well thought out reply.

Beautiful and in depth. Thanks for helping our fellow chicken owner.

 

[cmom]

I know what I would do. I was lucky, I told a neighbor about their dogs on my property running around outside of my pens. Luckily I have electric wires up and they never penetrated the pens. After our chat, the owner kept the dogs away. I do have a gun and will use it if anything either kills or seriously invade my territory. I have killed a few predators but no dogs yet. I have seen dogs on my property but they have never made an attempt to get to my birds, I have some game cameras up.

 

[SeaHen]

I'm so sorry and understand your pain. One thing I've come to terms with is that it's not the animal's fault when these things happen. My own adorable little mini dachshund-spaniel was a chicken killer as are my neighbor's cute tiny dachshunds. A couple of nights ago my daughter literally brushed up against a cougar in our mulberry tree. It had already killed 4 of my ducks and 3 favorite chickens that we hadn't put to bed yet. We have guns and will use them if necessary but I can't hate an animal, wild or domesticated, for following its instincts. It doesn't excuse this dog's owners and you need to hold them accountable for what happened, if only so they will take more responsibility in the future.

 

[cmommyrun]

I’m so sorry that happened. We have had that happen when my son was little. He was holding the hen and the dog bent the fence to get the hen from his arms. Animal control wanted to fine them and put dog down. They wanted them to build a better fence. The lady realized it was serious and asked if we could resolve it ourselves because she couldn’t afford that. Her husband at the time felt like I was causing trouble and wasn’t wanting to do anything. But she was smart and I wanted to keep good relationship. I agreed that she could pay me for the hen and re home the dog. We’re still on good terms now And the bad husband has been long gone . I’m wondering if due to covid if they wI’ll go to your neighbor. I hope you can keep the peace as you live there. totally unrelated but I had a neighbor dog bit mine and they refused to pay even just half my vet bill.animal control did deal with him but I didn’t keep my cool and I yelled. They rent the place out now and tell the renters to have pet insurance because of me

 

[Rosebud25]

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.

Depending on the laws in your town/county/state you might be able to shoot the dog. Call Animal Control and your local police. But as you stated they are connected to the authorities you might have to go to underground protection. A nice bowl of stew for a disappearing dog.

 

[Shoshone]

I can’t answer for all laws everywhere, but where I have lived you are justified in shooting the dog unless you live in town where you can’t shoot a gun.
Sounds like you are out of town. So now you have to weigh the reality of what will occur if you pull the trigger.
I would go see the neighbor and explain and let him know of how you wish to deal with the the next problem dog. Also talk to animal control, if there is such a thing where you live.
Then you have some decisions to make.
To me, I would warn the neighbor, then catch the dog near your chickens and sadly, If the neighbor won’t take care of the dog, and if I’m not willing to accommodate the dog, I would shoot the dog.
I say sadly, because the dog is also a victim of a careless owner. The dog is a dog following his instincts. He’s not evil. He’s a dog.
But you still have to deal with him.

 

[Shoshone]

Yeah that’s the position I’m in last thing I need is to get in some kissing match and things get out of hand and they hurt my animals in retaliation and liek I said they have been reported to the cops and ani mal control.

Supposedly they are going to the dogs owner and address it .Its just so sad ,a completely senseless act of cruelty to animals that I cared and loved and hell of a lot . I literally do the dude from across the yard and just wanted to have it out with him but I know it won’t bring back my babies or the connection we had .

 

[Longhornlove]

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.

Im so sorry! That's just terrible! I really hate irresponsible pet owners. Its not the dogs fault its the owners. Ultimately its the dog that ends up paying the price for the owners ignorance.

 

[kjorgey]

Call animal control and the police to file a report before you take matters into your own hands. So sorry for loss. I too would be immediately wanting to seek revenge, but I would hold the owners responsible, not the dog. Let your law authorities intervene for you.