Neighbor's Dog killed silkie - what do I do?

[Sonoran Silkies]

First, unless you already have a bad relationship with the neighbor, talk to them. Tell them what happened and your concerns about them keeping their dog in their yard and out of yours. Since the yard was fenced, they likely thought their dog was contained. And it WAS, until the dog dug out. The concern now is that the dog thinks it was rewarded by digging out, and will almost certainly make repeat attempts.

Your first request to the neighbor is to have them make strong repairs to the fence post and wiring. Second is to find a way to keep the dog from digging out. Third is for reimbursement for your loss.

If the neighbor is unwilling to be neighborly, that is when you need to call the appropriate authorities in your area.

 

[chickbliss]

Thanks to everyone for condolences and advice. I knew you guys would understand what it's like to loose a chicken.

Thanks jjthink, for directions to your thread about your own dog problem. I'd looked for dog attack threads last night, but didn't see yours. You're right, there is a lot of info there.

Yeah, last night I was so upset I wanted to bang on the neighbor's door and threaten to strangle their dog if I found it in my yard again (I don't own a gun). But I took the advice of SS and Schellie and went to talk with the neighbor first. She was very apologetic, said the dog was new and a puppy but that was no excuse. She asked what she could do and I said fix the fence. Not just like it was before, but better and stronger. She asked if there was only one place where the dog got through and I said yes, but that now, since it had the experience of chasing and killing a chicken, it would be looking for weaknesses. She said she would attach wire mesh all along the border, showed me another fence where they had reinforced it the same way, asked if I thought that would be OK. I said yes, as long as it was all along the border. They had old kennel fence panels propped against the existing fence to keep the dog in, but one had fallen down and it got under the existing fence. She promised to take care of it today. She seemed genuinely sorry; said her kids like to watch our chickens through the fence.

This may be an example of a good neighbor, I'll let you guys know what happens. As of now, I don't feel like I need to make a report to AC or the sheriff, since she has promised to take care of the fence. I'm not letting my three remaining girls out of their fortress and into the backyard until it's actually done, however.

Thanks again for the kind words, virtual hugs, and advice.

 

[PhoenixAngel429]

Bring it up to your neighbor first, they may not have known about the dog doing that. If they are a total prick about it, push the case. Reserch your local laws and you may be able to sue them for damages. If they are decent, they should open up on the case, maybe even offer to pay.

 

[schellie69]

I am glad that the neighbor is trying to fix the problem. I would also walk the fence everyday and double check for any weakness that you can see and fix on your side. I am sorry you lost your hen but I am glad that the neighbor seems to want to fix the problem and seems really upset. It is always better to keep a neighbor then to end up with a fight with the neighbor. I hope this works out and the dog never gets into your yard again.

 

[MysticScorpio82]

Quote:
I am so glad everything turned out ok with your neighbor. It is refreshing to hear that there are still caring people out there!