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

[klf73]

My husband says he is going to shoot the neighbors dog if it kills any of our chickens. The problem is we live on a private road, and a lot of the residents think the leash law doesn't apply. I contacted animal control and the leash law does not apply only if you are on your OWN property. I have passed this information(leash law) along because I was concerned about my children as we seem to have a lot more roaming dogs in the summer. I was going to free range my chickens but don't want them eaten. I am going to put up chicken crossing signs etc. but not sure what else to do? We are at the end (pretty much) and there really is no reason for anyone to go by other than just a walk. I guess what the biggest problem that is bothering me is that I can't use my own land the way I want because my neighbors don't want to "chain the dog up" as they think it's mean. I was thinking of putting a notice out to my neighbors in writing saying that we have chickens and please abide by the leash law, or stay away from my property, that way they can't say they didn't know I had chickens. Make sense?
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated
Krista

 

[MissPrissy]

I know some will disagree but I think sending out a note is a good idea. Let them know you have chickens and you plan to prtect them. If they want their dogs to keep them off your property. Word it nicely so that you don't come off hostile and set them on edge. Remember also if you have a dog or something that could wander they will retaliate in kind.

 

[Chirpy]

You are in a tight spot depending on what kind of neighbors you have. I would certainly take the first step and put out a very nice letter (as you spoke of) to everyone letting them know about your children and chickens running on your place and that you would appreciated if the neighbors would please keep their dogs on their own property.

Keep a copy of the letter for future 'issues'.

Hopefully your neighbors will be nice and take it to heart.

 

[ChickenToes]

I agree, I think sending out a note is much better than your neighbor suddenly finding out that their dog has been shot. If you do end up having to shoot a dog (hopefully you won't have to) my advice would be to keep copies of the note on hand in case the dog's owner says, 'I never got a note from you.'

 

[MissPrissy]

If you shoot a dog - and don't tell them that is your DH's intentions - use the SSS method.

Shoot it. Shovel it. Shut up about it.

Please also be aware I am not advocating killing someone's dog. I am just saying if your husband does this don't make it worse on yourself by telling people he did it. You also have to live in the area as well as your DH and children.

 

[klf73]

We actually have 2 dogs, but they are beagles with great noses, so they are always leashed or else they would follow their noses and probably never come back

. We do have a large kennel for our dogs and they usually alert us when a dog (and occasional cat) come round, love that sound. I'm sure if they had a chance, they would think the chickens were great fun too. I was just thinking of some sort of notice that we have chickens, nothing saying dh will shoot their dog

. Just kind of an FYI so they can't play ignorant.
Krista

 

[flakey chick]

Ather option is a paint gun- It is unpleasant for the dog and owner. It encourages both to change their behaviour, but isn't likely to seriously hurt either. Also it does identify the culprit. It can be hard for owners to believe that their dog is the trouble maker, but this proves which dog was there.

 

[chickbea]

I think a nicely worded note is a great idea. You may want to mention that you consider your chickens to be well-loved pets, and that you intend to protect them as such.
You may also want to send a copy of the note to your local sheriff or dog warden so that they know you have done your best.

 

[BeckyLa]

Krista, I totally agree with sending them a letter. But, do you have a fence around the area of your property you are concerned about? I have lived in a place where if you don't want other people's animals on your property you had to fence them out. Otherwise, to kill someone's animal would be illegal. Although, if the dog were shot while in the act of killing your livestock, chickens, and you had the dead animals, or pictures of them, I think it's legal anywhere to protect your own livestock. I just think you should do some homework or, as they said, sss.

 

[rooster0209]

I agree the note is best. Explaining the situation.

Your husband could be charged with animal cruelty and destruction of private property...if the neighbors wanted to be nasty about.

Try to come up with a better resolution than killing the dog