Neighbor Dogs....again....UPDATE AT END OF THREAD!

[terrilhb]

I say SSS. You have tried everything. You are an awesome person. I would not have had those patience. I love animals but I have to protect what is mine. And than to go after your child. Hell NO. Once again I say SSS. No it is not fair to the dog, but you have to do what you have to. Good luck

 

[desertdarlene]

I like the idea of catching the dog and taking it to the pound. Better yet, take it to the pound two towns over if possible. Make them work to get him back.

 

[melindaregner]

Quote:
I think this one is risky.. Chickens do fly too. They could be the one to be hurt by electric fence. I agree with other posters on what to do. Get rid of the dog. It's sad to see dogs are the ones to carry the punishment because of irresponsibility of their owners. So sad for them, but that's life.

 

[Fool]

Looks like I have a minority opinion here-
1. It appears that at some point you said the dog was friendly and not a threat (post 18).
2. Knocking your kid over does not sound like an aggressive move or an outright attack (no bites? no damage?).
3. There has been no livestock lost/attacked nor any apparent damage.

It appears to me that you may have set yourself up to look like the villain if you do shoot the dog and maybe come off a little hysterical (sorry, not meant to offend). Your argument with the animal control person IS falling on deaf ears and even more telling is that they are checking YOU for compliance issues.

You stated "I was told to shoot if they attack my children or chickens and I will." This implies that you cannot legally shoot the dog for running wild or trespassing or tripping your son or standing next to the coop looking at the neat birds.

Animal cruelty charges are a serious matter where I am at. In Washington state, I would be better off shooting the owner than killing a pet under circumstances that could be charged as animal cruelty.
If you do pull the trigger, I would suggest you keep that info to yourself.

 

[KlaHaYa Gardens]

Quote:
This is an example of a poster offering you a reasonable solution. One that doesn't punish the dogs for the owner's bad behavior. One that doesn't advocate breaking the law, as it appears many in this thread are suggesting. One that doesn't advocated "lawyering" or walking the line between what is and isn't legal.

As one poster said, here in Washington, one could end up in PRISON for shooting a dog.


REASONABLE possible solutions/tips:

1) If you have a video camera, or still camera -- I'd be using it now. Video the dog in the yard, near the chickens, etc., each and every time you see the animal.

2) Send a certified letter, return receipt, to the owner SIMPLY listing your complaints, dates, times, etc. Demand they contain their animal.

3) If you can catch the dog and tie it up at least.

(I once caught two dogs in IOWA that had been killing neighbor dogs and animals for weeks. They came and attacked and injured my dog. The vicious dogs came straight to me. I tied them up at posts by the highway -- actually chained them with locks -- thus requiring the owner to come to me to get the dogs. (Due to relationships in the area, I didn't involve the police or animal control, nor did I sue for injuries/vet bills.)

4) Take the animals to animal control.

5) Sue the owner. Your requests of the court should include:
a) demand that the owner control the animal;
b) reimbursement for any damages/losses;
c) any penalties the court is permitted to impose.

6) Send a certified letter to animal control demanding they do their duty. Check with an attorney, but if animal control (and/or the police) fail to respond appropriately and you have losses, they may be liable.

7) ALWAYS be polite. ALWAYS be reasonable. NEVER lose your cool or a level head. This WILL work in your favor.

Good luck.

 

[amynbrent]

Post #34 is EXACTLY the position I feel I am in.

I do want to protect my children they are first. Chasing, jumping and nipping my kids clothes is all it has done. My own dogs do that. Other than crap in my yard he has not damaged anything. He has not hurt my dogs or any of my chickens. That is why I cant just shoot him. This is not an every day occurance but does happen a time or two a week. Summer is almost here and they are both teachers so hopefully with them being home the dogs will be under control. We have tried to catch them many time....there is two but the issues are mainly with the one. They will not come to us. I even tried leaving food out a few feet into my kitchen and having the kids hide on the side of the house so when he came in the could run and shut the patio door...nope. I was thinking about giving him my dogs meds to make him sleepy so I can catch him, but dont want that to backfire on me.

We did decide to shoot him if he does get my son again and if he is caught in the chickens. I was given permission to do so, we'll keep the gun handy. I am calling AC to talk to a supervisor. I know they are busy and overloaded but that is not my problem they suppose to do a job and what do my donations go for?????

 

[pinkwindsong]

Quote:
your in a real pickle... KlaHaYa Gardens makes so me really good points and suggestions.. if the dogs have collars on do they have their rabies tags on it. if not the AC needs to be involved. big fine big big fine to owners for not having the dogs vac or having the tags on their bodies. for teachers sounds like they need to be educated on how to be a good neighbor and a responsible dog owner.
if the dog has killed chickens it can and should be listed as ( viscous animal) I know sounds like a killer or something but even if its a chicken and not a person attacked thats how the dog will be labeled. your gonna have to get ac involved somehow.
good luck I don't envy you on this one.. I have my bad neighbors too and would wish them on anyone..
)O(
Pink

 

[TNRIRRoo]

Quote:
x3

Had a dog that would come around my fence, stir up my dogs and the neighbors dogs, pee on my truck and then try to get to my birds. All I can say is I havent seen the dog in quite a while.

 

[sjmarshall87]

If you have gone through all the proper step.. Notifiying the owner & Notifiying the Animal control I personally would send one last letter to the owner of the dog advising them of what AC told you. IF you find that dog on your property one more time you will shoot it. Maybe if they have that type of warning they will be a little more aggressive with the dog and how the dog is being chained. Maybe this family (troublesome dog owners) should consider electric fences... Why should you have to go to the extra expense of paying to put up your own? For your particular issue I would install a "poultry friendly" hot wire to your fenceing.. It should only cost about $50 and you will have the peace of mind during the day AS WELL AS during the night. `

 

[CapricornFarm]

Animal control does not exist here. I tried calling about a stray dog, never did get a reply. Then the neighbor shot it. I was shocked at first, but then discovered the harsh reality , if they are loose and hungry, they will eat your chickens, even if the chickens are penned behind chicken wire , they just rip their way in. If people are not responsible for their pets, the pets must pay the penalty. After initial contact with the owners, if the behavior continues it is just a waste of time to keep talking to them. And if they think you did in their "beloved" pet, they may exact revenge. So let it be for a while, then if something happens again, sss with emphasis on the shut up part.