I feel like giving up..

[calista]

Quote:
This is EXCELLENT advice. You can bet his insurer would drop him like a hot potato with dangerous dogs at large, not to mention waving a pistol at you and your kids.

I'm of the opinion, too, that a certified letter on legal stationery from your lawyer, outlining the situation as you see it and the implied threats, might do the trick to make this ******* clean up his act.

You have a right not to live in fear of your neighbor's invasion of your privacy and to feel safe in your own home.

 

[skydancer28]

I used to live in San Antonio but had many friends in outlying areas, so I can just imagine the kind of neighbor you have.

For those of you who live in more "civilized" regions, it is hard to comprehend what it can be like in the lawless West. It is not a good idea to assume that the neighbor is insured. It is an even worse idea to assume the neighbor is sane. Retaliation is a very real consequence of getting officials involved in this kind of matter--especially if you do not know of possible relations, the ole boy network that may exist, or if so-and-so graduated grade school with one of the local deputies...

Don't get me wrong. I loved the vast majority of the people I knew in Texas--kind, friendly, decent, trustworthy folks just like everwhere else. However, from what StormyMoon has experienced, I think it is safer to assume that the neighbor she is dealing with is NOT one of these...Stormy's best option is to protect her property and all the critters living there, and stay far away from this neighbor. It is well understood in Texas that if you--or your dog--set foot on someone else's property without permission, you are in the wrong. And that people in rural areas often take the law into their own hands.

For a faster, simpler solution to the electric fence option, you might look at the portable mesh systems that can be set up in minutes and moved around as often as you please. Several of my friends have this system, and they say it is a lifesaver in protecting their poultry against stray dogs, cats and other predators. Here is just one website with plenty of info, but I recommend you go to your nearest feed store to get a look at this equipment in person:

http://www.premier1supplies.com/fencing.php?species_id=6

Google "electric poultry mesh" for other options.

It is a horrible thing when shooting a dog is the kindest alternative. You are in my thoughts, StormyMoon.

Sincerely,
Dianne

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Quote:
For many words there is the denotation, or dictionary definition, but also the connotation, which includes the way the word is usually interpreted and the emotions behind it. Years ago I read an article on using spelling and grammar checkers. One thing in particular I remember was a warning about indiscriminately allowing a grammar checker to replace words wth their synonyms (so that the same word was not used too often). The example they gave had an original statment about using a copier. Wish I could remember the exact phrase they gave, but it was something that might commonly be said in an office setting. The grammar checker replaced "make a copy" with "burn an effigy." Lots of bad connotations with the later, although it is still a technically correct statement.

 

[peterlund]

Up Here in Massachusetts, If I unloaded on a neighbors dog, even if it was ripping my children apart, I would go to Jail.... lose my right to have a weapon, and be financially ruined from all the lawsuits. All of you in TX AZ etc are so lucky to be able to protect yourselves and your livestock without the backlash of a runaway government, hell bent on taking guns from the untrustworthy public.... Just a rant. I am envious. On a lighter note I got a record 13 eggs from my flock of 16 yesterday.... Omelette's anyone?

 

[aprophet]

Quote:
coupla 3-4 500mg of tylennol ex strength and a can of dog food will take care of varmints/feral dogs in a much quieter fashion for both the OP and the fellow from mass

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Quote:
from http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/140-156.htm

Massachusetts

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PART I. ADMINISTRATION OF THE GOVERNMENT


TITLE XX. PUBLIC SAFETY AND GOOD ORDER


CHAPTER 140. LICENSES


EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES


DOGS


Chapter 140: Section 156. Killing dogs under certain conditions; wounded dogs


Section 156. Any person may kill a dog which suddenly assaults him while he is peaceably standing, walking or riding outside the enclosure of its owner or keeper; and any person may kill a dog found out of the enclosure of its owner or keeper and not under his immediate care in the act of worrying, wounding or killing persons, live stock or fowls, and if any person shall kill or attempt to kill a dog so found, and in the act of worrying, wounding or killing persons, live stock or fowls, he shall not be held liable for cruelty to the dog unless it shall be shown that he intended to be cruel to the dog, or that he acted with a wanton and reckless disregard for the suffering of the dog. Prompt killing of a wounded dog, or a prompt report to the owner or to a dog officer of the wounding of the dog, shall be considered evidence of sufficient regard for the suffering of the dog. ​

 

[StormyMoon]

Quote:
sun is one thing we dont have to worry to much about in texas

 

[StormyMoon]

Quote:
Yea the sheriff didnt show up until after the man was done screaming at me and waving his gun. I didn't confront in an aggressive way, he was mad that we knocked on his door , that we bothered him over in his words " some stupid birds". That I should keep my birds off the ground. It was after all that , that the sheriff said he had the right to shoot someone trespassing on his property. They have many sheriff officers out here all wearing sheriff badges about 8 of them they may be just deputies all driving Sheriff cars with sheriff badges? I am not familiar with the ranks my self. I am only just becoming familiar with the laws around here. They have some pretty wacky ones if you ask me. I did tell the Sheriff that I was on my own land when he started pointing and waving his gun. The man ( the Sheriff ) kind of smirked...and I have learned long time ago not to argue with the law.

We have reported it, gotten everything in writing but by law the man next door has the right to decide what is trespassing and what is not.
I don't care about that part any more though I know I will never go to his house for anything ever again. I will just secure my home and my chickens.

 

[StormyMoon]

Quote:
Dianne you are exactly right that some of these people out here go to the extremes and they do not like people telling them to keep their dogs off other peoples lawns, they stay out in the country for many reasons so they can do as they please. I know they are not insured because I use to speak with his wife often my children played with their children which is no longer the case. This woman has told me enough information to make me not want to deal with them ever again.

Not many people are insured I don't even have home owners insurance. Its not a law saying we have to as renters.

I just moved not to long ago out of Arlington from an area where drive bys were becoming more frequent than I honestly could care for.
I moved away from that to protect my children. I however do feel a lot safer out here than I do in the city. I know I will be ok as long as I do not step foot on their land. I will just stay to my self.....moving is another option I only rent here I don't own this land so I am free to go any time. Which may happen soon we will see ...


For now we will put up an electrical fence that can be moved when we go. We are also looking into a guardian dog that is already trained by a farmer.

 

[aprophet]

Quote:
Yea the sheriff didnt show up until after the man was done screaming at me and waving his gun. I didn't confront in an aggressive way, he was mad that we knocked on his door , that we bothered him over in his words " some stupid birds". That I should keep my birds off the ground. It was after all that , that the sheriff said he had the right to shoot someone trespassing on his property. They have many sheriff officers out here all wearing sheriff badges about 8 of them they may be just deputies all driving Sheriff cars with sheriff badges? I am not familiar with the ranks my self. I am only just becoming familiar with the laws around here. They have some pretty wacky ones if you ask me. I did tell the Sheriff that I was on my own land when he started pointing and waving his gun. The man ( the Sheriff ) kind of smirked...and I have learned long time ago not to argue with the law.

We have reported it, gotten everything in writing but by law the man next door has the right to decide what is trespassing and what is not.
I don't care about that part any more though I know I will never go to his house for anything ever again. I will just secure my home and my chickens.

A coupla states still have the castle doctrine texas is one of them goggle it it is pretty interesting reading sounds like the deputy gave pretty good advice the places I have lived the sheriff himself rarely showed up most times a deputy.