MY Philosophy on Predators (FOX) Graphic PIctures

[CMV]

Quote:
Check your local laws and ordinances. Feral cats are usually viewed as any other wild predator, but a neighbor's pet is something else entirely. Pets are usually better protected under the law unless they are actively destroying someone's livestock.

 

[wpalmisano]

Quote:
I am the OP. You will notice I specifically did not place cats, feral or otherwise, in my original posting except to call them rodents. Domestic cats are not natural predators. Most songbirds in the US spend a day or two on the ground as fledglings before they can fully fly. Domestic cats, per the ASPCA, kill over 1,000,000,000 songbirds per year, mostly in the suburbs. That's a BILLION. The birds have developed no defenses. Then add in ducklings, frogs, etc..... most of which they kill for sport. Then add in my poultry which they stalk. I own two cats, they remain indoors, where they belong. If one was to get out and kill the neighbors birds, or even hang around his pen, causing the birds to fly up and injure themselves, he would be within his right to kill it. Just as I am. I feel if the cat wants to be part of the food chain, he should learn he is way down the list. If you like your cat, you should keep it indoors. Just my opinion. As for the law, well, in many places it's against the law to own a chicken, but not a cat. What does that say?

 

[fishnet1971]

Well said my friend. I have the exact same situation going on with my flock with two dogs that the owenr refuses to keep in their yard. I have lost a prize hen this week. I feel exactly as you do. I know how my heart is going to sink when I take down these two dogs. How much guilt I am going to have. I am not sure how to take it, but yes my friend, we have to do what we have to do.

 

[D'Angelo N Va.]

I feel the same way. Everything has a right to live and is here for a reason..although some I question, but either way they are here for a reason. I do not like destroying things unless I have to, and that means they are hurting my chickens/ livestock. I enjoy going through the woods looking at nests in trees and the occasional animal scurring for cover in a den or what ever. I had to put down my neighbors dog one time because it was destroying my rabbits. I had given fair warning after his rott. mutilated my pot bellied pig to the point where I had to put it down. He said he would keep them penned up, he didn't so I put them down. I did not feel bad at all because it was my pets he was hurting and they are like my children.

 

[wpalmisano]

Just wanted to add that I "rescued" 2 chickens yesterday from someone nearby. She had six, an Akita killed four and injured one. I have the injured hen, and one healthy one. She knew I would take them. She is giving up.

 

[Mattemma]

I won't go out hunting animals either unless they get through our fence and cause problems in my yard.For me the problems are animals killing my chickens and damaging the trees and plants I put in to feed the family.

One odd thing last year that was a problem for me was the groundhogs that not only dug holes to get into my yard,but even chewed through the chailink fence! They had to go.

 

[jimmythechicken]

i am from ct as well an you are right yotes are everywhere we do not see foxes nearly as much as we did a few years ago but we have the fishercats an bobcats for them to compete with now good luck with keeping your flock safe.