(Long Post) "Neighbor" dog killed 2 pullets **TRICKY SITUATION**

[centrarchid]

I think on OP's part of the property. They were free-ranging at the time (stated in post #8 of the thread.)

I see no reference to bodies other than finding feathers.

 

[Bethany101]

Take him up on that offer. Or ask if he will take the dog to animal control and surrender it there. You aren't strong enough to handle the dog, but he might be.

It looks clear that the dog must GO. The only questions are where it goes, and how it gets there (rehome, animal control, shooting).

I agree that the dog is being a dog--but chickens are "being chickens" and still get killed (by the dog, or by people who want to eat them.) I see no reason why a dog should get special treatment. To me, an animal is an animal. They all need proper care, and they can all be killed if/when needed. Of course any animal should be killed in a humane way--but if a properly placed bullet is acceptable for a deer, then it's acceptable for a dog (in my personal opinion.)

Thanks, I agree. I have one chicken (barred rock) that can't decide if she's a rooster or not. She switches between climbing all over me looking for pets and trying to peck out my eyes if I get too close. I am fully prepared to kill and eat Claudia if she continues to be aggressive. Does that mean I'm eager and excited to kill animals? Hell no. Claudia is probably my favorite chicken. But, what I am is very eager to do is protect myself from any animal that exhibits aggression.

 

[Bethany101]

Where were dead chickens found?

I never found the bodies, unfortunately. Which is why I think it's *possible* a hawk may have gotten them, but the spread of feathers is not consistent with an aerial attack. They are in a trail of small piles, as if being chased and swatted. Perhaps they ran away. I really don't know. But, I know for a fact that the dog came from the direction of the end of the feather trail. I am very confident that we arrived moments after the attack. If he didn't kill them, he certainly tried.

 

[centrarchid]

I am goin

I never found the bodies, unfortunately. Which is why I think it's *possible* a hawk may have gotten them, but the spread of feathers is not consistent with a flying attack. They are in a trail of small piles, as if being chased and swatted. Perhaps they ran away. But, I know for a fact that the dog came from the direction of the end of the feather trail. I am very confident that we arrived moments after the attack.

Not a hawk. It is very likely the neighbors dog protected you from further loss. Based on your account, dog interrupted a fox or coyote that was taking carcasses away. Dog was still riled up from that effort. Your pens are not resistant to even a fox. My dogs get all bully when a fox, coyote or neighbors dog comes in.

That dog may yet prove to be an asset. Odds are you and dog have ongoing personnel issues that are clouding judgement.

Responsibility here is on your grandparents about dog. You can fence assuming grandparents have no issue.

 

[Bethany101]

I am goin

Not a hawk. It is very likely the neighbors dog protected you from further loss. Based on your account, dog interrupted a fox or coyote that was taking carcasses away. Dog was still riled up from that effort. Your pens are not resistant to even a fox. My dogs get all bully when a fox, coyote or neighbors dog comes in.

That dog may yet prove to be an asset. Odds are you and dog have ongoing personnel issues that are clouding judgement.

Responsibility here is on your grandparents about dog. You can fence assuming grandparents have no issue.

We do not have foxes in this area. If there were coyotes, we would have seen them. My personal issues with this dog are that he has already attacked my animals in the past. I have very little doubt it was him doing the chasing. Very little. I have watched him chase my cat up the driveway countless times. This is a verifiably aggressive and territorial dog.

Edit: There is one species of fox in Washington state, and it is quite rare. Coyotes are a prominent predator here, but the property is large enough that if the dog was engaging coyote(s), he would have to have been doing so when we arrived, and I saw no such predators anywhere in the 9 acres field. I am also confident that he would not win a fight with even a single coyote. He is old and obese.

 

[My2butterflies]

I actually had the same thought while talking to a co-worker about this. I could put the chickens somewhere else and let the dog go sniffing around the pen, which would be left ajar. Once I see him, sneak up and lock him in. Call police. Done. Only problem would be knowing when he comes by. It could definitely work though, would just need some patience and enough free time to sit and watch all day.

I think it might be your best bet. Maybe get pictures of the dog on your property as well as taking some after you get it penned up. Just Incase the neighbors try to threaten anything once the dog is gone.
This is a crappy situation for sure and I’m sorry it’s been such an ongoing problem.

 

[centrarchid]

Onus is on land lord to either define rules or empower you to do so. Current situation is a tragedy of the commons.

 

[Bethany101]

I think it might be your best bet. Maybe get pictures of the dog on your property as well as taking some after you get it penned up. Just Incase the neighbors try to threaten anything once the dog is gone.
This is a crappy situation for sure and I’m sorry it’s been such an ongoing problem.

I'm definitely going to give it a shot. Really hoping it works

 

[Bethany101]

Onus is on land lord to either define rules or empower you to do so. Current situation is a tragedy of the commons.

Not sure what this is supposed to mean. Please use complete sentences.

 

[Geena]

We do not have foxes in this area.

If you live in the USA you have foxes or raccoons or coyotes, or hawks, eagles, bears etc.
Just because you don't see them doesn't mean they aren't there, they most definitely are. You need to have a fenced in area for your chickens, if the neighbor's dog doesn't get them something else will - for sure.