I didnt explain (should have) that I think both parties made mistakes. I just think things could have and should have turned out better.
Sure we all have the RIGHT to kill a marauding dog, but is it really the RIGHT thing to do. I live in the wild west, but even here people occasionally take the time talk to each other about the problems they have with each other. This shoot first policy does little to help our cohabitation. Most of us dont seem to be ranchers, but most of do seem to be neighbors. These werent just some random feral dogs. They had names, a home and people who were surprised they were gone.
Things could have been a lot better if the chicken owner simply tied up the dogs and called the owner. The dogs would be alive, fences would have been mended, the chicken owner would have been compensated for the lost chickens and the dog owners would have been aware of a training/behavior issue with their dogs. It's simple, talk to your neighbors!
Now, all there is dead chickens. Dead dogs. A soured relationship. A chicken coops with insufficient protection. An interesting debate on the forum.
LisaJean: Yep, I have some smart dogs (and some not so smart). Did a bunch of stuff to secure the yard and other stuff to get them to stay at home. It has been a year since the last breakout. You just never know if the dogs have plans for another escape. My dogs are working dogs in the sense that they are out all day to protect the chickens. They allow me to have happy little free range chickens and for me to slack off and avoid building a proper coop and yard. Never said I was perfect, but so far the system is working.
OK, now lets all play nice
Jim