Neighbor's dog got a chicken- they have chickens, too

[megwidmer]

Papa-
I believe that Colorado Livestock laws are similar to what you mentioned above.
Chickens are livestock- these dogs are pets. I know many flock tenders who have the reason and right to do so would not hesitate to shoot a dog on their property- but it is something I would never do to another dog owner. I would be heartbroken if I lost one of my dogs that way. BUT- my situation is not quite the same as other posters on BYC with this problem. I'd be starting a huge neighborhood war. I remember when we first moved in 7 years ago an old neighbor dog was found shot by one of the nearby cattle ranchers. I was completely freaked out anytime my dogs were gone for more than ten minutes (we have 2 acres that they run on).
There are two other dogs in our neighborhood who occasionally come visit us- and they have ZERO interest in our chickens. They just want to play with our dogs. One black lab pup (maybe 1 year old) got totally schooled by the rooster once when he tried to find a way to get at their food. He doesn't go near the coop anymore lol.
So, honestly, I have chosen to take on some of that risk by 1. not having our property fenced off and 2. having part of the run fence accessible to the chickens to fly up on. Before the pullets moved in, and now since clipping all their wings, the only bird who does this is the rooster on his lookout. I have a love hate relationship with him- so if he got eaten, I would be more bummed that I didn't get to eat him lol
Don't worry- I am not niave to the fact that ANY of these visiting dogs, mine included, could change their minds and decide chicken chase/chicken dinner sounds great to them. I'll have to post a great pic in the meantime of one of my dogs with our chicks. M

 

[megwidmer]

Lobo, 9 year old duck and grouse hunter, reformed?

 

[Papas Chickens]

We have two big stray dog packs out here that think they rule the neighborhood, they come into my yard all the time even with a seven foot high fence with barb wire on top, they try to get my dogs ( GSP and A German Rott) to fight with them but my dogs are trained not to indulge in there cons without ordered to do so, i usually chase them off with a shotgun filled with rock salt i dont allow my dogs to fight for a ton of reasons. When it comes to my live stock i usually use the same approach for the first couple times after that if they dont get the hint or if they kill one of my animals i use more lethal force.

 

[mollybuck]

thats is too bad but I am glad you were all able to settle it! I lost 4 to my neighbors dogs. Instead of asking for comp, because part of it was my fault as they were free ranging and the one time the dog jumped the fence (its high enough the chickens cant but the lab can!?).. I asked for them to keep their dogs under control. But their dogs come into my yard and attack my blind senior cocker spaniel....7 times now...that was my last straw. They now have some invisible thing... whatever, it seems to be working so far. they were peeved at me because I told them i was done giving chances and all this was taking a toll on me because she is one of my best friends...but i have to protect whats mine and I had to put my foot down because she just kept letting it slide. she keeps blaming my chickens for it... but they were here before one of her dogs and he is the trouble maker!

I feel you on the nervousness thing. I cant take the confrontation. i loose sleep over this whole deal, because when I contacted animal control, he told me that they would put the dogs down...i didnt file the complaint, but i warned her of what he told me. and that having him come deal with the dogs was less stress on my already bad heart! (which is why we got chickens to begin with!) so there wont be anymore from me about it, but if he has to show up someday, they have been warned.