Help With Pawprint ID?

[WinklerFarms]

I guess that depends on the effectiveness of Law Enforcement where you live. Years ago, AC would not even respond out here in the county unless it was a rabies case. They are better now, but they certainly aren't going to respond at 3AM on a Saturday or whatever.

True I guess. The law enforcement here is pretty good and if I did have an issue I know they would be here whenever I called. It is unfortunate that they have not been reliable in animal cases. Now days they seem to be getting better about taking animal cases more seriously with a lot more attention on animal abuse and whatnot. I want to state I am not an animal rights activist or anything, I just think it is wrong to kill someones pet no matter what the circumstances.

One thing you could try if you are seeing them on your property is a paintball gun. I have heard that if you get em a few times with one they will stay away but I don't know from experience. Good luck whatever you do.

 

[DibbleCreek]

The prints pictured are from a large dog. Coyote prints are very distinct, with the two center toes being "pigeon-toe'd," and pointing to 12 o'clock. The pads are also more "oval" than a dogs. Google "coyote paw print" and view some of the images, there are some great examples online.

 

[animals1981]

my dog recently chased off 3 medium sized dogs who came to close to her turf large aggressive working breeds from good lines are the best protectors

 

[Poupoulles]

I have a huge Rottie and his toes splay like that in mud. I am very particular about my dogs being out and about. I keep them home!
I agree about not having to turn your place into a fortress just for someone else's irresponsibility. But a single strand of electric around the coop might be enough of a detterant that they wouldn't come back, and wouldn't set back too much or make your place look like fort knox.

That first big zap is a real educational moment for a dog!

 

[Gallus Sapien]

Dido on post #22, a wild canine's nails point in while a dog's point out. Wild canines' tracks will also be in a straight line while dog tracks will be more side to side when they run. Hope this helps.

 

[ReikiStar]

I get that, but I have dogs. They don't leave my property, ever. It really isn't that hard to do. I assume the responsibility for keeping my animals where they belong.

I don't see why I would have to fortify my property due to the irresponsibility of others. Running some wire is easy, but driving in/out and providing access for deliveries (UPS, FedEx, etc.) can get complicated. It should not be my problem to keep my neighbors' animals out.

When you're chickens are torn apart by your neighbor's lack of responsibility, you'll wish YOU had taken steps to protect your animals and property.
Here is the deal...no one gives a darn about your animals, so they aren't going to make an effort to protect YOUR animals, that's your job. You may not like having to go through the effort (time, money) or even how it might make the place look. But you're incorrect, it IS your problem to keep animals you don't want out of YOUR yard. It's this kind of thinking that gets countless innocent animals killed or ripped apart every year. One little gate that the delivery people have to open isn't going to hurt anybody. Do you realize how many lives both animal and human are lost because someone didn't want to be inconvenienced to not drive drunk, to get off the freeway, get back on and get off the exist they missed, to use their turn signal, etc.

I second Dels recommendation...electrical wire fencing is about as good as it gets without having solid fences. Even then, you'd want a hot wire across the bottom to keep predators from digging underneath.

And I'm pretty sure I'd report your neighbor to the place he adopted the dogs from. The guy and his dogs are a liability.

 

[FlaRocky]

Hello, I have horses, chickens, cats and dogs. I fence to protect MY livestock and pets. I use a high tensil hot wire and box on 5 acres that is for 20 miles and for keeping Buffalo. Yes, maybe over kill but it keeps the 3 packs of hybrid coyotes and strays OUT of my place. They are 50 to 87lbs. confirmed by Florida Game and Fish. They have bred with the drop off strays. This is less than 25 miles from downtown Orlando, Florida. It will knock you to your knees, I know from experience.lol.

Spending $500 now, or $20-$30 per bird, $1000+ on 1 trip to the hospital..... To me is a no brainer, especially if you have children or grandkids. The cost of keeping these predators out is cheap and a deal at $500.00 or so.


Remember self preservation of you and your family is number one, Always.

Maye


PS, I know a few of you will not agree, but this is America!!! The land of the free and home of the brave.

 

[IGmom]

I agree, it is not the dogs fault, it is the owners fault. The dogs are just being dogs. We live in the country and there are always dogs running loose but we keep ours up in a completely fenced yard, not that difficult, but it was costly initially. I have to even protect my chickens from my own dogs.

 

[Gallus Sapien]

Well, what was it???????????????????