I wasn't going to continue, but I want to say that internal bleeding CAN cause severe abdominal pain in humans. I've seen it. I won't continue the debate because I think it's a moot point. OP does have a gun, and apparently lives in an area where it can be used if necessary. As for the growling being aggressive or not, it depends on the dog. I have every confidence that OP will do the right thing for her birds, her protection and even the "annoying" dogs. Whether that means having to keep chasing them away, spraying them with pepper spray or shooting them.
Beekissed - I have never tried to kill an animal with a sledghammer, nor will I. I happen to live where it's legal to shoot animals that are on my property doing damage or threatening me and mine. Yep, guns make noise - I know this because our neighbors target-shoot at their place, and sometimes we do, too. No one would think twice about it. We know all our neighbors and their dogs. We had one neighbor whose dog came to visit quite frequently. We brought her back home every time. He eventually put her down because he didn't like it that she ran. Later on, we had a dog that would go visit that neighbor. He returned the favor and brought our dog back home every time. If our dog were harassing his family or livestock, we wouldn't expect the dog to be returned after the first vist. Yes, dogs are generally given a second chance. DH has disposed of nuisance animals. In suburban areas law enforcement is more readily available than out here in the country to handle them. I was glad to read that you never have poisoned a dog. Panties are now untwisted.
Have a great Thanksgiving, everyone!
Beekissed - I have never tried to kill an animal with a sledghammer, nor will I. I happen to live where it's legal to shoot animals that are on my property doing damage or threatening me and mine. Yep, guns make noise - I know this because our neighbors target-shoot at their place, and sometimes we do, too. No one would think twice about it. We know all our neighbors and their dogs. We had one neighbor whose dog came to visit quite frequently. We brought her back home every time. He eventually put her down because he didn't like it that she ran. Later on, we had a dog that would go visit that neighbor. He returned the favor and brought our dog back home every time. If our dog were harassing his family or livestock, we wouldn't expect the dog to be returned after the first vist. Yes, dogs are generally given a second chance. DH has disposed of nuisance animals. In suburban areas law enforcement is more readily available than out here in the country to handle them. I was glad to read that you never have poisoned a dog. Panties are now untwisted.

Have a great Thanksgiving, everyone!