I hear ya Brother.
My son down east bank Plaquemines has a working Jack Russell and a working Patterdale. I love these two lil dogs like crazy. (I think as we get older we get softer). It's weird because when I go over to my son's house, they both come up to me and love on me. My son and grandson are amazed because they don't do that with anyone else! And, I'm lovin every minute of it.
The issue is; If either one of these little maniacs ever got in with the chickens, they would kill every one within seconds. I don't think most people have an idea how fast dogs can kill every bird in sight! But, anyway, as a young man I would have had zero patience with a stock killer dog. Now, I wouldn't raise a hand to either one of these great little maniacs! It would most assuredly be OUR FAULT if they got to the birds. I guess it's kinda like the Paw Paw syndrome!! Grandkids and favorite dogs get away with more.
I'm glad you're keeping your dog! My son's wouldn't believe for one second that I'd take this view.
I guess I am lucky Buck never killed for sport he always ate them then would leave them alone. He caught a woodpecker in mid flight. Them he's my second dog to catch a squirrel he ate that too head to tail. Pam