Goosedragon: Sorry, did not mean to imply that you believed that. You were quite specific in what you said (or asked). Lots of misinformation out there I know I've been caught by some before. What an apex predator is a matter of semantics at times, perhaps not "the" apex on any given day, but certainly "an" apex on some days. Everything gets eaten by something else at some time. I would consider an apex predator any predator that is not regularly hunted by others. It would have to be pretty unusual though. Like you I also get a sense of satisfaction when I see tracks leading up to my electric fence and the obviously leaving in a real hurry. Hopefully one less that I have to deal with personally.
Manok-Tao: You are absolutely correct about not everyone having the same legal right to defend their animals in the same way. Whether that is as it should be or not is a discussion for another time and place (it's not one size fits all just as you stated). I choose to live in an area where I can shoot any predator that is "harassing or harming" my livestock provided it is not Federally protected or endangered. If I was forced to live in an area that where I could not, I might choose a subsonic .22 round, but I feel pretty comfortable with my ability to hit my target and drop it in it's tracks. Not a course of action for everyone, nor is it legal, just easier to do covertly. I would be inclined to use a live trap if possible, to catch coyotes that are as bold as some peoples are. Call up animal control and arrange pick up for euthanasia (can't release them in most places). Again, also easier said than done. If they won't take it, bring it to the next city counsel meeting and tell them, if they are so harmless, why don't I just let it go in here?
As far as how you solved you dog problem, no I don't condone it. Unfortunately I can't truthfully say I would not have done the same if left without other recourse. Was there another option? You were there, I wasn't, I can't say. If you felt you and yours were in genuine danger, you obviously exercised your ability to defend yourself. I can't argue that. If I'm going to be angry, I'd be angry at the irresponsible people that that left those dogs to become feral to start with. Not the person that had to make a hard choice. Others may not feel the same, I hope you don't catch grief over it. It's a very touchy subject. Sort of like certain animal rights groups.
Swamp
Manok-Tao: You are absolutely correct about not everyone having the same legal right to defend their animals in the same way. Whether that is as it should be or not is a discussion for another time and place (it's not one size fits all just as you stated). I choose to live in an area where I can shoot any predator that is "harassing or harming" my livestock provided it is not Federally protected or endangered. If I was forced to live in an area that where I could not, I might choose a subsonic .22 round, but I feel pretty comfortable with my ability to hit my target and drop it in it's tracks. Not a course of action for everyone, nor is it legal, just easier to do covertly. I would be inclined to use a live trap if possible, to catch coyotes that are as bold as some peoples are. Call up animal control and arrange pick up for euthanasia (can't release them in most places). Again, also easier said than done. If they won't take it, bring it to the next city counsel meeting and tell them, if they are so harmless, why don't I just let it go in here?
As far as how you solved you dog problem, no I don't condone it. Unfortunately I can't truthfully say I would not have done the same if left without other recourse. Was there another option? You were there, I wasn't, I can't say. If you felt you and yours were in genuine danger, you obviously exercised your ability to defend yourself. I can't argue that. If I'm going to be angry, I'd be angry at the irresponsible people that that left those dogs to become feral to start with. Not the person that had to make a hard choice. Others may not feel the same, I hope you don't catch grief over it. It's a very touchy subject. Sort of like certain animal rights groups.
Swamp