Loose dogs in the country - don't know what to do

[erin0415]

I looked up the Texas code just now. I found this part interesting.

§ 822.012. CERTAIN DOGS AND COYOTES PROHIBITED FROM
RUNNING AT LARGE; CRIMINAL PENALTY. (a) The owner, keeper, or
person in control of a dog or coyote that the owner, keeper, or
person knows is accustomed to run, worry, or kill livestock,
domestic animals, or fowls may not permit the dog or coyote to run
at large.
(b) A person who violates this section commits an offense.
An offense under this subsection is punishable by a fine of not more
than $100.

My neighbor's dogs have killed my chickens on more than one occasion. They have never paid us for the chickens, even though I have requested them too.

 

[B. Saffles Farms]

Weve lost count of livestock and chickens, and birds our neighbors dogs have killed. Guess what, he hasnt ever paid one cent to us either.

 

[Trollkiller]

Quote:
Take them to small claims court.

 

[Mac in Wisco]

A.J.'s :

I become as distressed as anyone over dogs running loose and damaging my property and killing or even scaring my animals. but it is NOT The duty of the police to do anything about loose animals.
The Police are for criminals and for protecting people. cival courts are for animals and keeping dogs out of your property.

Perhaps where you live there are no laws against disturbing the peace, no laws against animals at large, and no laws against dogs harassing livestock. Other places may have such laws and people would expect law enforcement officers to respond if the situation warrants it.​

 

[B. Saffles Farms]

Quote:
Perhaps where you live there are no laws against disturbing the peace, no laws against animals at large, and no laws against dogs harassing livestock. Other places may have such laws and people would expect law enforcement officers to respond if the situation warrants it.

They should, but around here you cant get them to. We have some sorry P.O.s here. And to be fair a few good ones, but very few.

 

[Mac in Wisco]

Quote:
He needs to check his local ordinances as well as the state statutes. Many ordinances hold the owner liable for any damages. These types of incidents should be reported to the police and then you demand that the police uphold the ordinances as written.

 

[Mac in Wisco]

Erin, not sure if you are in the city limits or not, but here is the ordinance for Wichita Falls, note the dog owner's liability. Most local ordinances are written this way.

DIVISION 2. VICIOUS DOGS

Sec. 14-266. Definitions.
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this division, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
Vicious dog means any dog:
(1) Without provocation, that bites or attacks a human being or domestic animal, either on public or private property, or that, in a vicious or terrorizing manner, approaches any person on the streets, sidewalks or other public places in an apparent attitude of attack;
(2) With a known propensity, tendency or disposition to attack without provocation, to cause injury or to otherwise endanger the safety of human beings or domestic animals; or
(3) Owned or harbored primarily or in part for the purpose of dog fighting, or trained for dog fighting.
(Ord. No. 61-2004, § 1, 8-2-2004)

Sec. 14-267. Exemptions.
(a) No dog shall be deemed vicious if the bite, injury or damage was sustained by a person who at the time was committing a willful trespass upon the premises occupied by the owner or harborer of the dog or by a person who has tormented or abused the dog.
(b) Dogs under control of the police department or other proper governmental agency are exempt from this division.
(Ord. No. 61-2004, § 1, 8-2-2004)

Sec. 14-268. Penalty.
Any person violating any section of this division shall, upon conviction, be punished as provided in section 1-14, and the dog shall be impounded immediately in the animal reclaim center for a minimum of three days or until the violation has been corrected or other sections of this division have been met. An owner of an animal that without provocation bites or injures a person or animal shall be strictly liable for the harm caused by such animal.
(Ord. No. 61-2004, § 1, 8-2-2004)

 

[Mac in Wisco]

Quote:
That's when you go have a chat with the sheriff or chief of police and ask why they are not responding to your valid complaint. If they couldn't give me a good answer then I'd be at the next board or council meeting asking the same question.

 

[B. Saffles Farms]

Quote:
That's when you go have a chat with the sheriff or chief of police and ask why they are not responding to your valid complaint. If they couldn't give me a good answer then I'd be at the next board or council meeting asking the same question.

We have, they will come down here fill out a report and thats it. Its easier to just deal with it ourself.

 

[erin0415]

I'm 2 miles outside of the city limits now. Now I have to deal with county, (and its not even Wichita county) who weren't really helpful. Now that I have read the Texas statutes and know what the law actually is, I have a little better leg to stand on. The city of Wichita Falls is great on taking care of problem animals, but there is no animal control where I am at.