Neighborhood Pets killing My Chickens

[Shawn67]

In the last 6 months I have lost 6 chickens to either neighborhood dogs or cats. Today, I went out to feed the few chickens I have left and I saw a dog circling my coop trying to find a way in. That was the last straw. That dog won't kill anymore of my chickens. Now my wife is mad at me and says I ruined our reputation in the neighborhood. The neighbor came down yelling and screaming because I shot their pet. People don't understand that chickens can be pets too. I care about my chickens like people care about their dogs. I feel like if someones dog comes onto my property and goes after my chickens it deserves to get shot. Am I wrong?

 

[Tomahawk]

In the last 6 months I have lost 6 chickens to either neighborhood dogs or cats. Today, I went out to feed the few chickens I have left and I saw a dog circling my coop trying to find a way in. That was the last straw. That dog won't kill anymore of my chickens. Now my wife is mad at me and says I ruined our reputation in the neighborhood. The neighbor came down yelling and screaming because I shot their pet. People don't understand that chickens can be pets too. I care about my chickens like people care about their dogs. I feel like if someones dog comes onto my property and goes after my chickens it deserves to get shot. Am I wrong?

A man must protect his homestead. How he chooses to do so is purely at his discretion in my opinion. As an adult, he must deal with the consequences of his decisions which can include, but is not limited to, legal consequences, opinions/ reactions from neighbors, conscience, and also the opinion of his spouse/mate.

 

[LRH97]

A man must protect his homestead. How he chooses to do so is purely at his discretion in my opinion. As an adult, he must deal with the consequences of his decisions which can include, but is not limited to, legal consequences, opinions/ reactions from neighbors, conscience, and also the opinion of his spouse/mate.

x2. Reactions really depend on the community and the group of people. However, in my neck of the woods, livestock are many peoples livelihoods so neighbors don't take the risk of letting their dogs run around loose. They know their pets probably won't come back if they threaten someone else's animals. My opinion has always been this: if ANYTHING is on your property threatening ANYTHING you hold dear, whether it be animals, children, or spouse, you have the right to defend it. If I was put into the situation, I would be lying if I said I wouldn't have done the same thing. And the reputation...if a man protecting his property ruins a reputation, that's sad. And, sounds a little harsh, but now your neighbors will hopefully be a little more careful with where their pets are allowed to roam.

 

[Shawn67]

From what I have read I think most states have laws that allow a person to kill animals threatening his livestock on his property. I hope thats true in my state. Thanks for the replies.

 

[Tomahawk]

x2. Reactions really depend on the community and the group of people. However, in my neck of the woods, livestock are many peoples livelihoods so neighbors don't take the risk of letting their dogs run around loose. They know their pets probably won't come back if they threaten someone else's animals. My opinion has always been this: if ANYTHING is on your property threatening ANYTHING you hold dear, whether it be animals, children, or spouse, you have the right to defend it. If I was put into the situation, I would be lying if I said I wouldn't have done the same thing. And the reputation...if a man protecting his property ruins a reputation, that's sad. And, sounds a little harsh, but now your neighbors will hopefully be a little more careful with where their pets are allowed to roam.

Agreed on the' ruining' of a reputation thing. If I'm the guy known for ceasing any threat towards me or mine, I'll wear that badge with honor .

 

[Tomahawk]

From what I have read I think most states have laws that allow a person to kill animals threatening his livestock on his property. I hope thats true in my state. Thanks for the replies.

Just be sure that whatever action you take is done responsibly and I wouldn't think you should have any legal problems. Buuuuut, a happy wife makes a happy life

 

[Cindy in PA]

Many states have laws about protecting livestock, but in many states you have to make a good portion of your income off your livestock to qualify! I believe in protecting chickens, but the law will determine who is in the right. The same goes for foxes and other animals. You would have to have a hunting license & furbearers tag here in PA. It gets really tricky with everyone stating you are allowed to protect your livestock. Best to check with your state & local agencies.

 

[birds4kids]

If you had a serious problem I think the police would have knocked on your door.

If the irresponsible dog owner wanted to take legal action I would think that would start with calling the police, which I would hope would inform them they were the party in the wrong.

 

[centrarchid]

In the last 6 months I have lost 6 chickens to either neighborhood dogs or cats. Today, I went out to feed the few chickens I have left and I saw a dog circling my coop trying to find a way in. That was the last straw. That dog won't kill anymore of my chickens. Now my wife is mad at me and says I ruined our reputation in the neighborhood. The neighbor came down yelling and screaming because I shot their pet. People don't understand that chickens can be pets too. I care about my chickens like people care about their dogs. I feel like if someones dog comes onto my property and goes after my chickens it deserves to get shot. Am I wrong?

Warnings should be given first. No SSS stuff as that also makes you look deceptive and weak. Do not be rude when defending your actions. I have experience with this and had to learn by making a few mistakes. Also consider neighbors are longterm critters, You need to get to know them by name and ideally at least make an effort to communicate with them. Life is not fun if your neighbors think lowly of you.

 

[slingshotandLAR]

Many states have laws about protecting livestock, but in many states you have to make a good portion of your income off your livestock to qualify!  I believe in protecting chickens, but the law will determine who is in the right.  The same goes for foxes and other animals.  You would have to have a hunting license & furbearers tag here in PA.  It gets really tricky with everyone stating you are allowed to protect your livestock.  Best to check with your state & local agencies.

I'm in NY...

There are exceptions and exemptions to the normal laws here.

It states you do not need a trapping or hunting license to trap or kill any animal that is threating livestock. This includes back yard chickens, there is also no season restrictions on this law. People's pets are predators as far as I'm concerned, but I don't live in a neighborhood.

I see both sides. But I whole heartily agree a man can just take so much. Seems like today was the breaking point and so be it.

I hate this issue, people want to be irresponsible and unconcerned that their "pets" are running loose as well as killing your animals, than have the nerve to tell you their animals are more important than yours.

Seems nobody considers that side of the coin. The way I see it if you don't like me that's fine I have enough friends. Neighbors or not, why does your wife care about someone that clearly has zero respect for you and yours.

By doing what you did today everyone gets the message, hopefully this will cure most of the problems you've been having.