Neighbor threatened to make my animals disappear

[Baylee_baby_]

Hi all! I have a odd yard, but basically there's about a acre of alfalfa field between me and my neighbor I got permission from the alfalfa field owner to let the chickens go out and graze for pests but apparently my neighbors dog was running up and down the fence barking at my chickens and ended up tearing something in its leg. My neighbor is now demanding I keep the animals on my property and even threatened animal control. When I said all my animals are registered with the city he then proceeded to threaten to make them disappear including my dog... Anything I can do to make sure he understands his behavior is disgusting?

 

[DLA]

This is a difficult situation. I hope you are able to get it resolved.
Were there any witnesses to his threats? If not it's your word against his but you should still check with your local police. You should also get it in writing from the alfalfa field owner that you did have permission for your chickens to be there in case he decides to attempt some legal action.
Personally I would keep my chickens on my property, not because he's threatened but more in the interest of keeping my animals safe. There are things he could do that could never be proven (scattering poison and such) and with someone that may potentially be unstable to be making threats like this, I wouldn't take the chance.

 

[Baylee_baby_]

This is a difficult situation. I hope you are able to get it resolved.
Were there any witnesses to his threats? If not it's your word against his but you should still check with your local police. You should also get it in writing from the alfalfa field owner that you did have permission for your chickens to be there in case he decides to attempt some legal action.
Personally I would keep my chickens on my property, not because he's threatened but more in the interest of keeping my animals safe. There are things he could do that could never be proven (scattering poison and such) and with someone that may potentially be unstable to be making threats like this, I wouldn't take the chance.

I have a recording of our conversation thankfully thought on my toes for that one. I definitely plan on keeping my chickens in my fenced side yard with my ducks. I have text messages from the field owner. He's grateful my chickens keep away the major grasshopper problem we have in our city so I know he'd back me up, but I'm not willing to risk my chickens over a unstable man.

 

[getaclue]

I'd still call local law enforcement, AND animal control, then let them hear/see what the unstable person is saying. Even if they can't take action yet, it may be needed in the near future.

 

[Baylee_baby_]

I'd still call local law enforcement, AND animal control, then let them hear/see what the unstable person is saying. Even if they can't take action yet, it may be needed in the near future.

That's exactly what I did this morning as soon as they opened. I've lived in the same house for 25 years, and haven't ever had a problem until now. I get he's upset his dog got hurt, and ended up with a vet bill, but my animals aren't the aggressors trying to get into the other yard and barking constantly. The comment about my chickens really bugged me, but he also made comments about my dog being untrained even though my dog is your typical golden retriever he doesn't bark and just runs around minding his business and doesn't go anywhere he isn't allowed to go, but my animals definitely won't be going out unless I'm also there with them. I appreciate all the advice it's been super helpful in this situation