Neighbors dog killed a bunch of my chickens!

[Jeniferl29]

I am so upset right now. I went outside this morning to find dead chickens and feathers all over my yard. We came out just in time to see our neighbors pit bull come around the side of the house with one of my welsummers in her mouth. We have about 100 chickens and we have only been able to find a handful alive. I have found 11 dead so far. We ran the dog back through the fence and went next door to tell the neighbor about what happened. The dog is kept on a chain but it keeps breaking its collar. This is the third time it has gotten loose but the first time it has killed something over here. I am so ready to quit right now and give up chickens. Things keep happening and I am starting to think I am not supposed to raise chickens. I just feel like crying.

 

[dutchbunny83]

I'm so sorry!

Losing birds is the worst.
I've been there, and there have been times when I've wanted to quit as well.
Just keep your head up!

I had a neighbor down the street have a dog jump their fence. Then come jump my front fence then my back fence to get to my chickens free ranging in the yard. Fortunately my husband was outside when it happened so he only got one. But I was fuming.

If you do opt to keep your chickens I would re-enforce the fence. Even though it's the neighbors' responsibility to keep their dog in the yard, it has to be ours to make sure our birds are still safe from all types of predators in our own yards. I would re-enforce your coop too.

Were your neighbors at least remorseful?

 

[Jeniferl29]

Well, he seemed to feel bad but he didn't offer to compensate us or anything he just kept saying, "these things happen" . I tried to keep my temper but when he started telling me it happens and then telling me he used to raise some mixed Rhode Island reds I almost snapped. I tried to explain to him that these are not Rhode Island reds, mine are 100 percent English Orpington laying hens and cream legbars his dog had just eviscerated that I had been trying to obtain and raise for 3 years now but he just doesn't get it. All he offered to do was help me clean up the bodies and buy a new collar for his dog. Why is raising chickens so hard?

 

[jentralala]

You should call the police and make a report, and then serve him with a bill for the chickens his dog killed and damages to your property. He needs to know that if his dog kills your chickens there WILL be consequences.

 

[RichnSteph]

I'm unsure what the laws are in Georgia but down here if an animal destroys or attempts to destroy your livestock you can legally kill it. Now I'm not advising that but I am saying it's an option. I'd first seek some legal counsel (if you can get it free or nearly so) on what you can do to have the neighbor compensate you for lost hens, eggs and emotional damages. People need to be responsible for their animals and saying "these things happen" is just crap.

Keep in mind if you do end up shooting the dog, or you have someone shoot it for you, leave it where it falls and call the police or fish and game department and let them come out and take a look. Then when the neighbor complains you can just smile and say "these things happen".

I do hope you get this resolved.

RichnSteph

 

[Terrip598]

I am so sorry for the loss of your flock!!! I had the same thing happen 2 weeks ago. Please call the local police and get a report on file, it cant hurt. Here in Louisiana you may shoot the animal if you catch it killing your animals on your property. In almost all areas the neighbors are financially responsible. Don't give up on raising chickens! They are like pets to most of us and you deserve the company.

 

[Jeniferl29]

It is legal to shoot an animal if it is attacking your livestock here. As a matter of fact, the neighbor asked my why I didn't just shoot it when I saw it attacking the chickens. The reason I didn't run for a gun is because I was afraid it could kill more in the amount of time ittook to retrieve the shotgun. I just got back in and I have found another dead hen. That makes 11 chickens so far and one duckling. I think the duckling just died of fright. It was laying there untouched. Another thing that upsets me is the dog pulled broody cochins off eggs and killed them. Its just a huge disaster. This is what it killed that I can name off of the top of my head.... an English black orpington laying hen, a broody barred Cochin hen, a beautiful silver partridge showgirl hen, two lavender cochins hens, a welsummer laying hen, a cream legbar roo that was my favorite chicken and would fly up on my shoulder when I called him, a lemon blue Cochin roo, and many many more are missing.

 

[dutchbunny83]

It is quite disturbing to me the neighbor asked why you didn't just shoot his dog???

If they don't want it, why not surrender it to a place where it will be properly cared for. Hopefully put IN a house not left tied in a yard to get out. Unfortunately it probably came after your precious birds because it was neglected and bored!

 

[One Chick Two]

Well, he seemed to feel bad but he didn't offer to compensate us or anything he just kept saying, "these things happen" . I tried to keep my temper but when he started telling me it happens and then telling me he used to raise some mixed Rhode Island reds I almost snapped. I tried to explain to him that these are not Rhode Island reds, mine are 100 percent English Orpington laying hens and cream legbars his dog had just eviscerated that I had been trying to obtain and raise for 3 years now but he just doesn't get it. All he offered to do was help me clean up the bodies and buy a new collar for his dog. Why is raising chickens so hard?

What would be appropriate compensation once you find out the total of your loss? What would you sell your purebred adult laying hens for?

Can you give him a bill with the damage, "11 dead purebred English Orpington laying hen show quality birds, courtesy of your dog...$$$ ea., $$$ total for all." (Something like this anyway) Plus damage to fences, etc. Probably wouldn't hurt to print off a few sites that sell comparable adults to educate him, so he can actually understand the value of your Orps.

If he belittles/ laughs/ ignores, bring him to small claims court. If he's respectful, he should work out compensation to you, beforehand. It is his legal responsibility to keep his animals under control, and trying to work it out peacefully beforehand is always best. That said, in your shoes, I would figure out how and where the dog breached security, and beef security up. Good luck!!!

 

[WellDunnFarms]

Absolutely call the police I file a report, livestock is livestock no matter how small. I would definitely send him a bill and estimates of prices. I'm sure didn't offer to pay because he was hoping you wouldn't even ask! I'm so sorry for your losses. And for the animals who lived through it.