legal ramifications in predator control

In my area I can do what I need to do if its to protect my animals, but I would still use a quiet method, if at all possible. I am not a criminal, but if I can avoid trouble, I will. Its just I didn't get all set up with coop knox to feed the local cats and dogd.

 

Now we know why there is a 3rd 'S' in the SSS option.... Ssssshhhhhh!!!!

 

we had to shoot the neighbors dog last year for killing our baby goats. we felt REAL bad about it. when the neighbor pulled into the driveway the next day we thought that she was going to come unglued on us about it, and she actualy thanked my husband. she knew that he would need put down and she wouldnt have been able to have it done, then she gave us a check for the babys that he killed. we are in iowa and in our county, it is leagle to shoot and kill any animal that is a threat to livestock.

 

Quote:before folks do something like this they need to check laws concerning companion animals, wildlife is usually handled by dnr, game and fish etc, companion animals are generally handled by animal control. when in doubt create a paper trail,verify and document take lots of pictures and document actual replacement cost of stock and press charges against the animals owner causing the damage. in Va when it is shown to animal control an animal is causing damage to livestock it is the officers responsibility to destroy the animal causing the damage it works pretty good here.

 

Anyone can be charged with a crime. Have you ever heard the term "you might beat the time but you won't beat the ride"?

The way the system is supposed to work is that the PROSECUTION HAS TO PROVE YOU GUILTY; you are not supposed to have to prove your innocense. Unfortunately, you need to hire a lawyer and spend money if you are accused. Always hire a lawyer if you are accused of a crime. Always. No exceptions.

With that said, everybody has to do what they have to do. I'm not advocating breaking the law; find out what it is before you start caring for livestock. If you break the law, there may be a consequence. If you need to shoot a predator, legal or not, there may be a consequence. Know this and act wisely.

 

Whether its legal or not (it is here) I tell the neighbors, in advance, what the consequences will be for letting their dog OR cat cross my fence line. This is not done in a confrontational manner. Just state the facts. Works pretty well for those who like their pets.
On the occasions I've had to grudgingly shoot, its always SSS with emphasis on the last S. No matter that I did so legally.

 

In the state of Texas if you have a posted NO TRESPASSING sign on your fence line anyone or anything that IS trespassing can be shot.

Been on the wrong side of this situation before also. We had a very large, very beligerant bull jump onto the neighbors property and kill their bull. Next day had to write a check to replace theirs and load up the deer rifle and shoot ours. Sometimes you just have to take responsibility for your animals.
You may ask why we didnt take that bull to the sale. Well, we had tried several times. He had always broken the lot to get out. We built a brand new one with telephone poles and 2x8s with hog panels around the bottom and barbed wire on the top. Had him in it, went to get the trailer, came back he had knocked the gate of its hinges and got out. Plus we were very concerned about the safety of anyone working at the sale bc this guy was just so stinkin mean.
There is a reason we called him "Diablo" haha. His shoulders were above my head also and I am 6'1. Meanest animal I have ever met in my life.

 

Where I live though it is I believe still legal to shoot dogs harassing your livestock, you would most likely be sued by the owners and sometimes they win. Out here we let animal control handle it.