help please!

[Sonoran Silkies]

Quote:
I missed the signature showing he was from Michigan; I wondered how you knew to quote specific laws

 

[TK421]

I would seriously consider approaching the guy before you get the courts involved, b/c then you're limited to actual feed bill and replacement costs. You cannot put a price on a pet, and if you did, that would negate its status as a "pet." Stick to the "real property"/livestock argument and you will do better overall. Once you bring in emotion, you will be accused of inflating the price.

How old were your birds? How old were the last 5?

 

[matimeo]

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Only problem is that while you believe in responsibility, your neighbor may not, and you can't control that. I say shoot the dogs next time they cross your property line. That's probably the only surefire way of making sure it never happens again.

 

[bobbi-j]

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I'm torn on this one. You're right - you shouldn't have to put a fence up for just two dogs. BUT - what about the strays, the coyotes, and whatever else might wander through your unfenced property? You neighbor needs to be responsible to keep his dogs on his property, but YOU need to be responsible for keeping your chickens as safe as possible. I understand freeranging. We live on a farm with alot more than 38 acres around our place. My chickens free range, and I understand that if a stray dog, coyotes or anything else gets them, it's my problem because they aren't fenced in. My chickens also have a coop with attached fenced run to keep them safe if I feel the need. When we have company with dogs, the birds are in the fence. I hope you can get it all worked out with your neighbor. Good relations with neighbors can be helpful.

 

[Bizzybirdy]

I don't believe the fact that you did not accept payment on the first 23 matters at this point as you did that with the understanding/assumption that this horror would not happen again. Since it did that would nullify that agreement.

Take this jerk to court...I did when my neighbor's 2 dogs killed my hen and her 14 chicks, as well as several goslings and a pet rabbit. Make sure you have photos and statements and let the judge decide. Usually photos of the birds alive.... and after if you happened to take any (mine were of the gory remains), do the trick. He will also have to pay court costs, another expense he will not like.

True, it is so hard to place a price on any animal/bird you raised but they were worth more for their rarity/breed and potential to provide years of eggs.

Am so sorry for your loss.

I also agree with Matimeo...the only sure way to prevent this from happening again if the court thing doesn't do it is to S/S/S. Some people never learn.