Help! Neighbor’s dog killed chicks!

[dmaloney15]

Hello friends. I was horrified to find a neighbor’s dog INSIDE my metal brooder. (110 gallon metal stock tank) I am in OK and recently moved to a locale I just learned offers ZERO protection for losses of livestock to privately owned pets. My only recourse is to shoot the dog if it returns and file a civil lawsuit which would be a small claims case with no attorneys and only a $60 filing fee. But who wants to sue a neighbor and kill their dog?!

I am fairly certain these folks will not restrain their animals so does anyone have advice for how to best keep them away AFFORDABLY? P.S. That dog MASSACRED TWENTY NINE chicks and even when beaten over the head with a metal feeder, would not MOVE. I am totally inexperienced with this situation so advice/tips on any point will be much appreciated! Thank you!

 

[LadiesAndJane]

I am so sorry for your losses. You will have to keep future chicks and chickens in something that’s covered and completely predator proof, including from neighbors dogs. Try talking to your neighbor if you are able. In my neighborhood people let their dogs run loose and we often find them in our yard. Talking to them sometimes helps and sometimes doesn’t. Good luck.

 

[CaliFarmsAR]

I agree try to talk to your neighbor first.

 

[Ruby Rogue]

Sorry for your chicks

 

[Folly's place]

I'm so sorry!
Electric fencing! See @Howard E , @cmom , and Premier1supplies.com, and get it set up, and baited to start. I hope it's legal where you live.
Most, or all states in the USA have laws regarding livestock losses, and this applies to your situation with the neighbor's dog.
Responsible dog owners SHOULD apologize and pay for damages, and contain their dog in the future.
Your brooder and chicken housing needs to be safe from predators, because this dog isn't the only predator who will show up.
Mary

 

[coach723]

I'm so sorry this happened. A predator proof enclosure is the safest thing in the long run. My birds are only semi free range, for the same reason, dogs. MIne have a fenced range area, as well as a completely enclosed run and coop, because I am also rural and people are not always responsible with their animals. I have trapped them on occasion and taken them to the shelter myself or had them picked up. Since they had to pay to get their dog back, they were more careful after that. I also threatened to shoot one neighbors dogs after speaking to them more than once. The threat was enough to make them keep them home. But you can't take anything or anyone for granted, secure your animals as best you can because you cannot always predict what will happen. Since we are so rural, dogs get dumped out here also, they just show up. My current family dog was dumped in a ditch at about 6 weeks old, and we kept him.

 

[Acre4Me]

Sorry for your loss.

talk to neighbor if possible. How much land are you talking about? How close are you to the neighbor?

Some neighbors won’t control their dogs. In this scenario, you are best to document incidences and any interactions you have with neighbor. If they are problematic, overall, in the long run, you will have some information If needed. For right now, you can report the incidence to the police and/animal control for documentation purposes.

it is never desirable to start a neighbor war. So, your response is going to depend on several factors we do not know about. But,a small claims court appearance may be worth it bc the judge may reprimand them for allowing theirdog off their property to destroy livestock and remind them that their dog (or any subsequent dog) couldbe legally shot/killed on The spot when harassing or damaging livestock...anyone’s livestock.

an electric fence has an initial cost, but long term is a relatively inexpensive solution. Yes, you should get one with a good strong charge and bait it for the dog’s benefit. Of course, make sure they are legal Where you are located.

good luck in the future!

 

[Aapomp831]

I would have shot it. Sorry not sorry.

 

[MROO]

Hello friends. I was horrified to find a neighbor’s dog INSIDE my metal brooder. (110 gallon metal stock tank) I am in OK and recently moved to a locale I just learned offers ZERO protection for losses of livestock to privately owned pets. My only recourse is to shoot the dog if it returns and file a civil lawsuit which would be a small claims case with no attorneys and only a $60 filing fee. But who wants to sue a neighbor and kill their dog?!

I am fairly certain these folks will not restrain their animals so does anyone have advice for how to best keep them away AFFORDABLY? P.S. That dog MASSACRED TWENTY NINE chicks and even when beaten over the head with a metal feeder, would not MOVE. I am totally inexperienced with this situation so advice/tips on any point will be much appreciated! Thank you!

My first night in a new place my across-the-lane neighbors' dog tore apart my wooden rabbit hutch and wiped out all of my bunnies - including two does and two litters, The only ones that survived were three babies that were locked in the garage and one nasty dutch bunny we found hiding in a storm ditch three days later. I was devastated! The only option I had was to knock on their door and ask them to keep her tied up. They agreed and apologized, but were not very reliable about it. It was a looooong time before my rabbits moved out of the garage ... and then, it was to a solid electric-protected shed. That turned out to be a very good investment, because long after the dog was gone, the foxes tested that wall all the time ... but never got any of my bunnies or birds.

 

[One Lucky Momma]

I think, among other things, you need to present them with a bill for the chicks. Also, let them know you’ll have no choice but to have the dog impounded if it’s found on your property again.

I realize some folks won’t keep their dogs up, and that’s their business. But when it comes onto your property, it becomes your business.

There’s an aspect of opportunity in situations like yours, and best case scenario would be a face to face meeting between neighbors that goes well and ends with all parties feeling okay about the outcome. Good luck, and VERY sorry for your sad and unfortunate loss.

oh, and I realise there’s a lot going on at the moment, but try always to whip out your cellphone and photograph, photograph, photograph.