heartbroken... what to do?

[animalgirl2010]

Im so mad and sad right now. When I had to get rid of most of my chickens I kept one I had nursed her through a sickness before which she lost her eye in she was blind in one side thus her name blindie. Since she was the only one she had full run of the farm in with the goats or sometimes would fly over the fence to scratch in the garden. Today while going to check on a pregnant goat of mine I found her torn apart and then the culprit came around the corner of the barn... one of the many (like more than 10 that the neighbor behind us has) He had dug under the fence. I love all animals but keep them in your own yard I realize mistakes happen and sometimes they get out but this isnt the case they run free 24/7. I feel soo bad right now after coming off of my anger Ive been crying for like the last 20 mins(and I realize some of you will say its stupid to cry over a chicken but she was more a pet than anything). So my question what can I do? we dont have animal control and I live in the country anyway so that wouldnt help. My baby goats are in that pen too losing my pet chicken was hard enough I dont want them coming back after the goats

 

[Hillsvale]

Sorry for your chicken, what was the predator...? Dog, cat....

I think you'll find most will say shoot "it"

 

[animalgirl2010]

Oh sorry guess I was typing to fast for my brain... it was a dog actually there was two but one was on the outside of the fence.

 

[glenolam]

It's OK to cry after loosing a chicken. Especially when you put so much time and effort into nursing her back to health!

I think you should approach your neighbors, if you have done so before, and explain the situation. Be "neighborly" and request they keep a closer eye on their dogs. If you feel able, ask them to repay you for the hens you lost. I'm not one for confrentation, but if it came to either my animals or their dogs, guess which I'd choose....

If you don't want to confront them, then you should absolutely go to animal control. It's THEIR responsibility to keep watch on their animals, not yoursl How would they feel if one of your animals attacked and killed their dog?

Our neighbor's dog mauled two of our chickens and he freely replaced them....we said he didn't have to but he wouldn't take no for an answer....

 

[countrychix]

I agree with glenolam, but since you stated that you don't have an animal control officer I'd call the county clerk's office about local laws. Mine is very knowledgable and here it is unlawful for dogs to kill livestock; it can be put down for doing so.

 

[Mrs. Green Thumbs]

I'm guessing it was a dog... If I were in your shoes Id be bawling. Our chicks are our girls. We talk to them and have bonded with them deeply, you would be hard pressed to find a single soul here on the BYC that will say your "stupid" for crying. And as far as what to do, Id march my mad as a wet cat in a sack, red eyed self right up to that neighbor's door, pound on the door and inform that person that their animal MURDERED your pet and that the next time you catch one of those monsters on your property you will shoot it. And furthermore if another of your animals are harmed or go missing you will expect them to pay for any and all expenses including vet bills or they would be contacted by your lawyer. And then before they have a chance to say a darnd word I walk away.

 

[Dogfish]

Pop.

 

[drumstick diva]

Please DO tell the neighbor, even if you don't expect them to do anything about it. Let them know their action(letting dogs run free) brought about A bad reaction(dog killing your chicken). Most DO BADDERS don't even consider there is a down side to their selfish actions. Do tell him if any more lifestock is mauled or killed you will be taking action, file report with sheriff, whatever). What a horrible thing to have happened to your special girl.

 

[ginbart]

S.S.S. and see how long it is before they come looking for them.

 

[bakerjw]

If it were me I'd call the sheriff and get a report filed. After all livestock was killed. Next time it could be a goat or other chickens if you are to ever get them.

I've been heartbroken over the loss of the smallest of pets before so no apologies needed to me.

I am also an avid cyclist and detest loose dogs. But then again a few years ago my nickname became "rides with chickens" after a number of run ins with free ranging poultry. Have you ever played "Chicken" with a real chicken doing 25 or so on a bicycle?