IM SO MAD!!!! do i have a right to be????

[ScottyHOMEy]

If the laws/ordinances where you are allow for the discharge of firearms, then the triple-S , that's S(hoot), S(hovel), and S(hut up!), solution would definitely be in order.

Yes, there are realities that will vary, from in-town yard to my homestead carved out of the woods, and what's around for predators that might dictate fencing or other measures. Still, the remark of the dog owner mentioned in one of the replies who said, "Hey, you're in the country, these things happen here,"???? Where I live, a predatory pet is subject to the same risk of being shot as a fox, raccoon or fisher. Those things happen here, too.

 

[Magic Birdie]

IF THAT HAPPENED TO ME, I WOULD SCREAM AT THEM UNTIL THEY BUY ME A LOT OF BIRD-RELATED STUFF AND PUNISH THEIR DOG FOREVER!!!!
Also on my list:
Call police
Scream at dog
Hug chickens

 

[TexasAggieOfc]

In Texas, you could easily shoot that dog because Chapter 9, Texas Penal Code provides for using deadly force to protect yourself, another person, and your property. That doesn't mean that's the right decision.

I have close to 10 acres here. Our neighbors behind the fence have a yellow lab. Before my coop and run were better secured, chickens routinely got out. On occassion, the lab would aquire one of the said chickens, and almost all of the ones he's taken have been on my side of the fence.

Do my neighbors have a responsibility to restrain their dog? Absolutely.

Do I have a responsibility to provide for my flock's safety? Absolutely.

Here's what I decided, and it works out well for us. If the dog gets a chicken that's out, no harm-no foul. It's what he does. If I ever find the dog in my coop or run, he'll immediately die of lead poisioning injected by a Springfield XD-40 police service weapon.

I respect folks that want to fully free range, but with it comes a great risk. I'm not up to putting my flock out to that risk. I secured the coop, so they stay home.

 

[wbruder17]

So, thiis thread is talkiing about dogs....but what about cats? Cats are notorious wanderers and our neighbors cat is ALWAYS in our yard. Even went down in the bbasement one time when the door was open. We never minded before, because we like the cat, but now I'm almost positive that cat killed one of my chicks and maimed the other. I don't want them to have to keep their cats indoors (they have 7) and I really like the neighbors as well....what would you all suggest? Maybe ask them to have the cat wear a bell?

 

[TexasAggieOfc]

Quote:
Do you have cats of your own? If not, try some type of cat repellant.

 

[wbruder17]

Quote:
Oh come on, you can't control where cats go that easily, they are sneaky creatures. Besides, that's free fertilizer!

Cat crap IS NOT fertilizer. Same as you can't use human poop or dog poop as fertilizer.

 

[wbruder17]

No cats for us. 3 dogs that don't bother ANYTHING. Not the chiickens, or the wild ducks, or squiirrels.. NOTHING. The cat iis completely unafraiid of them and will come up to us in front of the dogs. If 3 dogs can't repel 1 cat, I don't know what willl.

 

[Wisher1000]

I have 40 or so birds (chickens and guineas) that free range all day (I live in the country.) I have neighbors that I share eggs with on a regular basis. The other day, my sons got off the bus and a strange dog bounded across our yard to greet them. They picked up sticks and ran the dog off. It didn't get close enough for the boys to actually hit it. Upon inspection, one of my chickens had been killed and from the looks of the feathers all over the yard, was caught up against my house. I located all the other birds, eventually, and then went to look for the dog. I went to all my neighbors and explained that I had had a problem with a dog and asked if they had a dog that matched the description of the one the boys saw. I further explained that if it had been a neighbor's pet I wanted them to have a chance to keep it home rather than to just shoot it. I would want the same chance if it were my dog. I found no one who said it was their dog. If it comes back, I will catch it if it comes to me willingly, and take it to the shelter. If it will not come to me, I will shoot it. I love dogs, I hate that it is not the dog's fault it has an irresponsible owner. I can be reasonalble, but I will protect my birds on my property. Several of my guineas have been hit by cars, I cannot be mad at the drivers, they did nothing wrong. I take responsibility for those losses. If a dog, or coon, or fox, or coyote comes to my place to eat chickens, I will shoot. That's the way it is.

 

[Capvin]

To the OP I must say that if a fox came upon your unsupervised flock and killed some of them, then you have a right to feel mad at yourself and your job would be to make sure that your chickens were safe from the fox. The fox is a wild thing that has no other choice but to hunt for food. When your neighbors "domestic" dog is running loose because your neighbor is negligent or just does not care for the rights of others, then you should not blame yourself, but you have every right to be angry with your neighbor and seek some sort of retribution. For some of you who have read any of my previous posts you will know that I do not advocate the shooting of any wild animal (except for raccoons and rats) that are a danger to my chickens. I feel that it is my sole responsibilty to protect them from the wild things. I supervise my chickens when they are out of the run but I wear a revolver on my belt. It is not for the wild things, they are always easily scared away. It is for the dogs that may be running loose that because they are "domesticated" they will usually not be scared off. I will reluctantly and hesitantly shoot them. I have told everyone of my neighbors that live within a mile of me that I have chickens. In fact they all get eggs in their turn. I have told all of them that if their dogs get to my chickens and I can not prevent it by other means, then I will shoot them. My neighbors are friends and they take extra precautions to be sure their dogs do not come around when I may have my chickens out. I should add that one of my neighbors dogs does come around quite often and just loves to watch the chickens and has never given any indication that he would ever harm them even unintentionally. Those kind of dogs are always welcome.

 

[frostbite]

In defense of cats, a know of an 8 pound barn cat that keeps the small rodents at bay, never disturbed the chickens or ducks, but was witnessed facing down and then chasing off a fox. Never say never.....