My neighbor's kid stole my quail from my yard and after we confronted them he let it loose in the wild, what can I do?

[jxp]

Since they are Amish, perhaps speaking with the church elders might be an option. The ones I've known in my life have always been helpful with different situations.

Whomever you reach out to, I would suggest writing down the points you are wanting to make before hand. That way you can stick to the subject, not miss anything, and not go off into the weeds with things like your uncle or the estate which have nothing to do with the problem at hand.

 

[Bawkbok]

I don't have any tips for re-capturing your roo. I'm really sorry about this situation.

If you don't already have them, a combination of cameras and BIG prominent signs announcing that you have cameras could be a good idea. I know that Ring cams can be programmed to sound a siren when they detect a person. This would also give you video/photographic evidence of his trespassing.

I'm a teacher and have worked with many children with many different disabilities. Even a child with really severe Down Syndrome can understand rules and boundaries. This is a tricky situation because things like having him arrested/charged could have really negative impacts for his future. And I'm not saying you're wrong at all to get the law involved, I just think it's an ethically tricky area. The above comments that the parents are really at fault are spot on.

If possible, and maybe with the help of a mediator (like a neighbor who gets along with you and this child's parents), perhaps you could have a conversation. If not, you could send a notarized letter. Either way, it could say: first, that you have suffered loss of your animals; second, that you are putting in place cameras to document what happens on your property; and third, that you will prosecute and or use civil court to recoup any losses. Include the amount you will be asking for each animal, and make those numbers LARGE. This should incentivize them to keep better watch over their child.

And while this is a bit more extreme: a child with a disability is being allowed to roam out of his parents' supervision, bringing him into situations (like going near your horses) that could result in injury or death. This is neglect, and it would be grounds for a call to child protective services in your area. This could actually be more effective than going the criminal route.

I guess my final thought is that you know your neighbors best. Things like criminal charges, a call to CPS, a letter, etc, can all be read as "aggressive" by some people.

Things like installing better locks on your cages, putting up cameras, etc, are more defensive. I'm a really non-confrontational person, so I tend to go much more in the defensive direction when protecting myself and my animals.

You should choose an approach based not only on what feels "fair" in the moment, but what is also least likely to lead you into a more intense situation.

 

[Bawkbok]

So I might have missed it, but have you personally tried to speak directly to the parents yourself or are you not on speaking terms?

Are the parent/s themselves disabled also?

I second the suggestion of going over there with a police officer, since you have them involved already, and try to diffuse the situation while making your concerns clear. The officer would have to document the encounter. You definitely need physical proof of what is happening, i.e., camera footage, cell phone video, etc.

I hope your quail returns. Wishing you the best out of this situation.

 

[FrostRanger]

Shame on the parents. If you're going to let your kid run around, ensure they know how to behave properly. If your kid can't be trusted to not trespass and cause mischief on other people's property then they should not be allowed to run around without supervision. Not sure if the legal action will go anywhere due to lack of proof but I think more cameras is necessary in case this happens again. Hopefully the threat of legal action will scare the parents into being more responsible though. Hopefully your quail will return

 

[jxp]

If it were me - and admittedly it's not - I'd save police involvement as a last resort. So much can be resolved by just talking to people. Granted there are some real jerks in this world but the Amish community are by-and-large some of the kindst, most honest, hard-working, and helpful people you will ever meet. I also feel this family probably has enough stress in their lives without adding legal issues into the mix.

 

[Appalachickens]

I have to deal with wild animals that want to mess with my infrastructure and my chickens. You have neighbors that are behaving like wildlife and messing with your infrastructure and animals. I believe the same sort of deterrence that has worked for me should work for your form of "wildlife".

Rig hot wire energized by a solar fence charger around the perimeter with special configuration at the points where those pests are entering your property. This system will not harm your animals, and the quail should be okay as long as the hot wire doesn't come too close to any metal fencing that the quail might want to rest on.

Throw the switch and station yourself in a spot where you can watch those brats experience the consequences. Very, very gratifying.

My goodness, I hope you are joking. The "brat" in question is a child with apparent developmental delays. You surely aren't suggesting the OP try to shock a child with Down Syndrome and enjoy doing so?

 

[Appalachickens]

Not sure I'm following that entirely, but the parents are the ones to be upset with more than the disabled child. When I was a kid, there was a boy across the street who had intellectual disabilities from being exposed to rubella in utero. He would sometimes show up in our kitchen at night with a can opener, looking for food. My mother would just tell him gently that it was time to go back home and go to bed, and direct him back across the street. The point is, you say you're dealing with a child with Down Syndrome who has the added disadvantage of having neglectful parents. Some compassion might be in order here. By all means, reinforce fencing and ask the parents for compensation and for them to better monitor their child. But please don't take suggestions for actually hurting the kid.