I still think a pellet gun that would not penetrate the skin would scare these animals enough so they wouldn't come back.You remember that neighbor who lives about a third of a mile or a half mile down the road? the one with the dog that "found" Goldie? Well, I was coming out of the coop this morning and there was that danged dog barking at me! I could not believe it. I yelled holy hell at the dog, and it headed home. Got on the phone with the neighbor, who is a nice guy, and tried to be polite - its christmas morning - but I was upset.
Think that the phone call was useless. The guy will probably keep them close to home but in a few weeks will lapse and let the dog run free. My partner says I should get a paint gun (since I can't bring myself to shoot the poor thing not to mention I don' t own a gun, not to mention aiming is a whole nother story) and tag the dog.
It is very discouraging.