Issue with neighbourhood dog (UK)

[chubbyducks]

I hope this is the right place to post this, we've had a problem recently with a neighbours dog who has taken to coming into our garden and attacking our ducks. He usually just barks and scares them, but today he seriously mauled one of the ducks (we had to wring it's neck in the end as the injuries were quite severe) and caused eye damage to another.

We've informed the neighbour but he seems unwilling to take precautions to keep the dog from leaving his property - he says the onus is on us to keep our garden dog-proof. Trying to dog-proof our garden would be extremely costly, not to mention awkward (we'd have to gate the driveway which would be a real nuisance getting in and out every day!), and is seems unfair that it would be our responsibility.

Does anyone have any advice? I've seen there's legislation in place to protect livestock on agricultural land (Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953) but it doesn't look as though this extends to a home smallholding.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Have you spoken with the local dog warden?

 

[RonoKT]

Your local council and police have powers to deal with the owner. Unfortunately the outcome would probably not be great for the dog. Legally the onus is very much on him to have his dog under control. I would contact the council before the police, but both aught to take some action on your behalf.

 

[MeepBeep]

I personally despise those that believe it's your job to secure your property against their trespassing and destructive animals that they believe are entitled to trespass and destroy other peoples property...

Have you looked up the local laws in regards to dogs at larger or dogs killing livestock? I have no idea what UK laws are in this regard but I highly suspect their dog being at large as well as killing or destroying your property is not legal, and thus they are likely liable both criminally and civilly...

I say review your local laws and contact the authorities that deal with dogs at large as well as the police for destruction and damage to your property...

 

[chubbyducks]

Thanks for the replies everyone, I did have a look for any applicable laws but only turned up the agricultural one. I'll give the council a ring tomorrow and see what they have to say

 

[MeepBeep]

Appears the UK laws are well in your favor...

https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/controlling-your-dog-public

 

[chubbyducks]

Thanks, that's a great link. I spoke to the dog warden and he told me it was a "civil matter" and not something that the council would get involved in, which seems to contradict this, but I think I'll send that link to my neighbour anyway as I'd hope that the risk of a £2.5k fine may be enough for him to take precautions to keep his dog in! At the very least it disproves his claim that it's my responsibility to keep the dog out