how to cover your rear when dh shoots the neighbors dog? pre-emptive?

[cjeanean]

I like the idea of the paintball gun, but a warning to your neighbors about the use of one may be warranted. Some people can be pretty picky about things, and the last thing I would want is for animal control to show up talking about animal cruelty for shooting one with a paintball gun. Those things can really get you, I got shot with my hubby's and it left a bruise on my leg for well over a month (he shot me from about 15 yards away, no joke) and the tenderness still hasn't gone away totally (this was back in late April). A small, inexpensive outdoor camera may be an option if you can afford it and depending on where your chickens will be, that way you have it on camera if something happens.

 

[Jolyn]

Quote:
I think this is a great idea. I hate the idea of killing a dog because the owner doesn't keep it in their yard.

We chose to make a good size run and enclose it so we didn't have to deal with this. Dogs get lose sometimes and i don't want my girls to be hurt because of it.

 

[s6bee]

I think Miss Prissy has it right, send them a "Friendly" note saying that you have livestock and you will protect it from wild and domesticated predators, so please make sure your animal is controlled.

You may not be invited for the 4th of July party, but hey.

 

[okiemommy]

Do you have fencing around your property? I realize that fencing isnt impervious to dogs, but it will act as a deterrent and keep dogs out more often than not. I think that part is at least something that you can do to take action. And the part of it you are 'responsible' for. As for shooting the dog, that's a hard one. If the dog is a dangerous animal, I'd say yes without question, or tell animal control that there is a dangerous dog roaming the neighborhood , and you are worried about the safety of your children. They should come and get it if you tell them it is dangerous. Definitely don't tell people you want to shoot it, that could cause all kinds of problems for your family. If you have an animal control officer and this is an option, You could give people fair warning dangerous dogs or not, and tell them that if they don't contain their dogs with fencing or chain, then you will have to call animal control because you cannot, in any way afford for something to happen to your children or chickens. If they still choose to do nothing about their animals, follow through.

 

[spook]

Rock Salt. .12 gauge and rock salt. Dunno where you can get it, but the other thing is the paint gun. When they come to your doorstep to complain, call for an officer of the law, and have him listen to the dog with the paint problem.
Another suggestion, fence in your property so then you can let everything of your have freedom. Using the 3 foot fence, plastic from walmart no less, 50' for $10, metal steaks. It only keeps the honest fox out and the honest hens in. The other thing is electric fence with barbs, low and strands close together. Good luck...paint ball gun and Mrs Priss' idea of SSS....loose lips sink ships too!

 

[halo]

If you can fence a part of your property off with electric fence, and the dog gets a good jolt from it, I don't think you'll have to worry about that dog again. Problem is, you'll have the next dog and then the next dog. If youre property isnt fenced, whats to stop your chickens from going to the neighbors and being killed over there? Its your responsibility to protect your chickens from harm, and that includes safe fencing for them. If you free range them with no fencing, if dogs don't get them then some other predator will.

 

[Davaroo]

About all you can do is work with your neighbors at this point. Notes, chit-chat etc.. With luck they will be on board, but the dogs wont be. If theyve got the roamin' feet, they wont know about your "deals."

Build strong fences, including electric.
Get something less than lethal as first line defense.
Post the Sherrifs number on your fridge.

 

[klf73]

The problem with the fencing is it's over an acre(almost 2) and my kids use the property, and then there is the cost....maybe I will try the cheap plastic stuff and just have an opening right near my front door so I can see who goes in
The biggest problem I think will be the labs, we have a few bird hunters on the same road and it just causes concern for me.
Thanks everyone!
Krista
gotta go check my apple butter, got the recipe on here the other day and HAD to try it! oooh, it smells good

 

[VaM715]

Just remember the door swings both ways. Roaming chickens become chicken pot pie!! I've been there done that. I can (and have) legally shot roaming pets, but prefer not too. Usually it's after a conversation with the owners and repetitous (?) encounters with the offending dag. I have also found my chickens and guineas shot and/or skins and feathers.
The paintball thing works if you're close. I keep one loaded for the close ones, but I also keep my fox/coyote rifle hndy too. The rock salt shotshells are easy to make with proper skills, but they don't shoot too far.

 

[pips&peeps]

You need to contact your county to make sure you are within your legal rights to shoot dogs that attack your chickens.

And, make sure that is what the dog does. If it is just hanging around call animal control and let the owner pay to get their dog back.

Make sure to post your property also. A private property/no trespassing sign can go along way to protecting your rights.