I am no longer a dog person

[Off_the_Grid]

Having to witness sensless slaughter is something no one should have to see, fact of life, but not pretty or for kids to see happenning to thier pets. The problem is not only the dogs, it is the humans that allow them to roam free. Doesn't seem to matter if you are in the city or out in the country, people just open the door and let the dogs out. We now live on 10 acres and I harness my dog and walk him at least twice a day. Other wise he stays in our 30' X 60' aviary (we also have parrots) with a pair of Bantams and all the parrots. When we first moved here, I had to carry a cattle prod for safety when we walked. Loose dogs really get my dander up, but we have to remember it's not the dog, It is the irresponsible owners. And what's even worse, IMHO, hold on here it comes, get ready for the backlash, free ranging cats. If you love it; leash it. OH and I agree, documentation is important and pictures.


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[redhen]

off-the-grid..you are right...free range cats are a BIG problem...not just for chicken owners...but in general!...and i LOVE cats!..i have 6....but i wouldnt let my cat free range and bother my neighbors..just like i wouldnt let my dogs free range...its JUST disrespectful to people on my street...i KNOW...i had a neighbor who had several outside cats..they were always in my garbage..etc...they carry disease...hanging around my house..which i then can bring into MY cats...its just not right..PLUS....(i dont know how many times i saw a fox chasing them)...its also very dangerous for them if you have predators around...Wendy

 

[Shared Acres]

How terrible!

 

[kstaven]

off_the_grid, I live in the country, just open my back door and let the dogs run all the time.

Of course I have a 60 x 150 fenced yard out back.

 

[paul65]

Sorry for your family. I have a little peekapoo that is such a baby he will not bother the chickens i have left him alone with them for hours he has been around them from day one if he barks at something my welsumer roo comes a running like he's there to help the dog now the hens have jumped on him, when that happens he runs behind me and hides lol.

 

[muddler6]

One thought I had was that since it was Labor Day when this happened, it could have even been visitors bringing their dogs to someone's house in the area and let them run. Especially since nobody in the area seems to know who these dogs belong to. Either way it is just plain wrong for people to not be responsible for their animals. I talked to all of my neighbors within ear shot of my birds and made sure they did not have a problem with the crowing out of respect to them, in fact they all said they loved the sound and let me know that they would gladly buy any extra eggs, which I do occassionally give them some just to be neighborly. I still haven't found anyone who knows who these dogs belong to, and I am at a point where I will just leave it alone, and move on. I just wish I didn't have to be worried everytime I let my birds out now.

 

[ellieroo]

For your kids am so sorry! That kind of image does not go away fast! As for dogs I think it is different for each dog as well as cats! My barn cats(6) were raised around banty hens! There is not a better teacher in the world than a banty hen with chicks! and I do have stories! Our dog is an 80lb Dobe she guards the house, us, the horses, cats and the chickens! She is self taught and even knows that hawks are not allowed and chases them as they come in, so as the image fades remember there are dogs that will go to war for you No questions asked!