MODERATOR - Please lock.

[astylishgirl]

I will be the voice of desencion. I think what you said was awful. There were a 1000 better ways to have discussed this with her. You could have talked about fencing and/or training. You could have explained to her about living in the country and how dogs kill livestock. Rather than make an enemy, you could have educated a friend.

I also think that SSS is abominable. Animals of all kinds get out of fences. Good neighbors help get them back in. I living in a farming community and we help each other when a bull goes through a fence or someones dog gets out. If I shot every goat, chicken, horse, cow or dog that came on my property, I would be as hated as a neighbor who does just that. The rest of us call each other and help.


If I seem sensitive on this subject, it is because I AM. We lost several great dogs to someone who shot them in front of our eyes. They were not out of a fence, but were doing their jobs. I won't go into that here, but shooting first and asking questions later is absurd.

 

[GaNewChick]

Quote:
The OP stated that her animals are fenced in. That's why I asked if the chickens free range inside the fenced property. If so, maybe I'm not understanding how the dog would be a threat to the animals/chickens unless a gate is open, the dog digs under the fence, or jumps over.

Just curious.

 

[mhaines4102]

I think you were kind. If you had not said anything and shot her dog, that might be out of line. If she is looking at moving into the country, she might as well get used to the idea of "personal responsibility." A chart might help. Your dog, your fault; your kid, your fault; your cat, your fault. Your dog gets shot chasing chickens because it is unchained, untrained and unrestrained; your fault (just had to throw that one in.)

Obviously, I think you should be amicable and friendly, and I am assuming you were and didn't just bite her head off. That being said, uncomfortable conversations ward off uncomfortable situations.

 

[Chicks_N_Horses]

Quote:
I'm kinda with her on this one. I think the SSS method should be last resort. I have always told folks that even the best of dog owners dogs can get out and kill others animals. You should always give them the chance to make it up to you and keep a neighborly peace. I wouldn't hesitate to shoot a dog that made a hobby out of it or an owner who didn't care but never shoot on site. JMO

 

[NurseNettie]

My opinion is, don't apologize, but offer an explanation to clarify "why" you would shoot "any" dog that came on your property, explain the problems and cost involved with losing an animal you've raised. If she doesn't understand that her dog is her responsibilty, and her "lack of control" of the dog, is HER lack of control, then you don't want her as a neighbor anyhow-- don't worry, don't fret, and be VERY happy that someone like that isn't going to be your neighbor forever!!!

 

[joebryant]

Quote:

Well said!

I have great neighbors, and their dogs often get loose. I would hate it if one were to kill my chickens while they were free ranging, but I would remember that "I have great neighbors...", and I know they would feel as bad about the situation as I would. I also know that they would make sure that it never happened again.

I will say though that I have had neighbors during my lifetime whom I would have liked to shoot, so I would not have wasted time hesitating to shoot their dogs that were killing my chickens.

 

[IDIOT HUSBAND]

Do not apoligize for telling her the TRUTH. She will only make those remarks at work untill she is too busy crying about her dog later.

 

[horsejody]

Quote:
We tried this approach with our neighbors. It just doesn't work on too many people. The dogs that get the SSS treatment are normally repeat nuisance offenders. SSS is not abominable. Abominable is when your flock is decimated because somebody didn't care enough about their dog to contain it. Using inadequate fencing, collars that be slipped, fences that can be jumped over or dug under, invisible fences, gates with no locks that kids and delivery people can leave open, etc. are not an option for livestock chasing/killing dogs. I have had neighbor dogs, horses, etc. stray onto my property. Nonpredatory animals will be returned unharmed each time. Dogs get one warning (unless I catch it killing). After that it's the owners obligation. One warning is more than fair. The OP didn't shoot the dog. She just gave the warning. People that allow their dogs to roam put others in the unfortunate position of having to decide whose animal gets to live. Shooting first and asking questions later is not absurd and is better than watching my animals be massacred. I'm sorry your dogs were shot. I don't know the circumstances so I can't judge. If they were on your property and not the shooters and were not chasing or harming anything, it should not have happened.

 

[lizardz]

I have to side with Hoof & Hen. The way you said it was pretty bad (if I'm reading your post correctly). I would definitely apologize (especially since you have a business relationship with her and probably have to see her often). I would say something like "I would like to apologize for what I said the other day. The reason I said it was because too many times good dogs get loose and cause massive damage to livestock and I was really concerned about the safety of my chickens and goats. People sometimes don't realize how quickly one loose dog can kill or seriously injure livestock. I didn't mean it to sound like I would be targeting your dog. I was just thinking of the safety of my own animals." Hopefully that could lead to a conversation about keeping her dog under control and mend hurt feelings. And I truly belive that's what you were concerned about was the safety of your animals. We all have said something when we were concerned about things that have come out not quite the way we would have liked. An apology costs you nothing and could go a long way in helping to educate her on managing her dog and being a good neighbor (even if she doesn't end up being yours).
Liz

 

[lorieMN]

maybe not apoligize for what you said,but the way you said it..right now she just thinks you are a _itch..explain to her why you said it..and about huskys..they can be very funny dogs,at least they think they are..a good friend of mine has 16+,she runs sled dogs,she shows a bunch,most have their CH in breed and OB,and even the most highly trained ones decide to pull a funny on her,often in the middle of an off leash show,and run crazy fast around the ring..then decide to come and heel...with a grin on their faces..on the other hand she doesnt even trust most of her own dogs with her livestock..I do believe an explaination is in order to your co-worker