Neighbor's dogs attacked and injured our chickens. Next steps?

[ATXEEChicks]

Our neighbor's dogs escaped their yard and attacked our chickens. One hen had very deep bites so we took her to the vet and we're caring for her according to the vet's instructions. The neighbors have agreed to pay the vet bills but I've already heard grumblings from their in-laws (also our neighbors) about the expense since "new chickens are so inexpensive." The initial vet bill was about $200 and we're taking our hen back to the vet today for a follow-up visit so I expect that will be at least another $100.

First of all, I just want some reassurance that I just shouldn't care how much the vet bill costs because they should've kept their dogs out of my yard but second, should I be creating a paper trail (animal control? 311?) should this happen again? (The dogs already got out of their yard again since they attacked our chickens but I know they have since had the fence enforced.)

We're in Austin, TX.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Our neighbor's dogs escaped their yard and attacked our chickens. One hen had very deep bites so we took her to the vet and we're caring for her according to the vet's instructions. The neighbors have agreed to pay the vet bills but I've already heard grumblings from their in-laws (also our neighbors) about the expense since "new chickens are so inexpensive." The initial vet bill was about $200 and we're taking our hen back to the vet today for a follow-up visit so I expect that will be at least another $100.

First of all, I just want some reassurance that I just shouldn't care how much the vet bill costs because they should've kept their dogs out of my yard but second, should I be creating a paper trail (animal control? 311?) should this happen again? (The dogs already got out of their yard again since they attacked our chickens but I know they have since had the fence enforced.)

We're in Austin, TX.

I left the greater Austin area a couple years back. Yes, document everything. No, don't expect anything from Travis County or City of Austin Animal Control. But photograph with time date stamp, and record your contacts with them.

My impression, from friends still living in the area, is that Austin is becoming increasingly hostile to home poultry as property values increase and there is an influx of new arrivals from other, less poultry accepting areas of the country.

Start Reading

This is your sword and your shield. 3-2-1, 3-2-2, 3-2-61, 3-4-1, 3-4-2, 3-4-7(b)3, etc

Of course, your neighbor can call code enforcement on your chicken keeping coop, ensure appropriate setbacks, etc - things code enforcement is currently MORE LIKELY to show up for, and otherwise make your chicken owning life a living hell in their effort to protect property values from the effect (real or imagined) of having chickens nearby.

 

[ATXEEChicks]

I left the greater Austin area a couple years back. Yes, document everything. No, don't expect anything from Travis County or City of Austin Animal Control. But photograph with time date stamp, and record your contacts with them.

My impression, from friends still living in the area, is that Austin is becoming increasingly hostile to home poultry as property values increase and there is an influx of new arrivals from other, less poultry accepting areas of the country.

Start Reading

This is your sword and your shield. 3-2-1, 3-2-2, 3-2-61, 3-4-1, 3-4-2, 3-4-7(b)3, etc

Of course, your neighbor can call code enforcement on your chicken keeping coop, ensure appropriate setbacks, etc - things code enforcement is currently MORE LIKELY to show up for, and otherwise make your chicken owning life a living hell in their effort to protect property values from the effect (real or imagined) of having chickens nearby.

Thank you! That's really helpful, thank you for referencing the most relevant codes.

We are fortunate to live in a neighborhood that's zoned a 'Rural Residence' so we're not worried about having code enforcement called on us for our chickens but that could (and likely will) change as the city grows.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Thank you! That's really helpful, thank you for referencing the most relevant codes.

We are fortunate to live in a neighborhood that's zoned a 'Rural Residence' so we're not worried about having code enforcement called on us for our chickens but that could (and likely will) change as the city grows.

In these Chicken Law/Ordinances threads I'm usually the one telling people they are SoL, and need either a variance (hard to get when one is already in violation) or a change in Ordinances (much harder, and slower process - particularly now). It was a welcome change of pace to find a message I could respond to with something more helpful.

I'm not touching whether or no you can continue to hold the neighbor on the hook for damage to your birds - most state laws treat poultry as property, meaning the limit of damages is likely between $5 and $35 per bird - but I've not looked at that portion of the TX Code and am not a lawyer in any event. I just have odd reading habits.

Very best of luck to you in this!

 

[Jenwisp]

And many don't like to think about the option of shooting the dog to protect your livestock if it gets on your property again, but there it is. I would think that goes without saying in Texas, but look up your right to defend.

 

[ChickyBacBac]

Our neighbor's dogs escaped their yard and attacked our chickens. One hen had very deep bites so we took her to the vet and we're caring for her according to the vet's instructions. The neighbors have agreed to pay the vet bills but I've already heard grumblings from their in-laws (also our neighbors) about the expense since "new chickens are so inexpensive." The initial vet bill was about $200 and we're taking our hen back to the vet today for a follow-up visit so I expect that will be at least another $100.

First of all, I just want some reassurance that I just shouldn't care how much the vet bill costs because they should've kept their dogs out of my yard but second, should I be creating a paper trail (animal control? 311?) should this happen again? (The dogs already got out of their yard again since they attacked our chickens but I know they have since had the fence enforced.)

We're in Austin, TX.

Call the cops, make a report and ask the neighbor to pay, via text or asking him and then emailing him later with the conversations details.

 

[Birdsonghill]

In my area (Tennessee), One has the legal right to shoot domestic dogs threatening, harassing or attacking livestock, according to statutes I have read and been told about by authorities! However, a city/twn. law prohibiting discharging a firearm within the city limits may result in your arrest or fines on that violation! I suggest using large live traps, as I have done successfully, several times. A photo/video of the dogs in cages on your property and the report of animal control picking up the stray dogs, along with a formal complaint against the dogs owners is highly effective, without you harming the poor dogs, that belong to the irresponsible owner! Sometimes, a pet dog that is usually, carefully, confined at his home, escapes and it would be tragic to kill a family pet, needlessly! Compensation for attacks is always awarded but it is at prevailing market values. The dog owners are not responsible for vet bills beyond the fair market value of the injured animal.

 

[Ponypoor]

Our neighbor's dogs escaped their yard and attacked our chickens. One hen had very deep bites so we took her to the vet and we're caring for her according to the vet's instructions. The neighbors have agreed to pay the vet bills but I've already heard grumblings from their in-laws (also our neighbors) about the expense since "new chickens are so inexpensive." The initial vet bill was about $200 and we're taking our hen back to the vet today for a follow-up visit so I expect that will be at least another $100.

First of all, I just want some reassurance that I just shouldn't care how much the vet bill costs because they should've kept their dogs out of my yard but second, should I be creating a paper trail (animal control? 311?) should this happen again? (The dogs already got out of their yard again since they attacked our chickens but I know they have since had the fence enforced.)

We're in Austin, TX.

YES keep a paper trail, my neighbours dogs (Rotties) attacked my mare when I was out riding one evening, the Policewoman who came out was very displeased by the dog's owners. She suggested I keep a paper trail of every Veterinary, Police, By-law officer, etc involved. Neighbours can get very snarly apparently!

The Vet came out tried to suture the mare's hind leg but told me it would likely fester which it did. Long and the short, $700+ later and several months of repeated Vet visits to treat infection and then Proud Flesh (tissue that doesn't heal properly) and my neighbour was not happy with me. Of course I told him that my mare was able to be ridden and I didn't get a chance to re-breed her - and maybe the stress caused her to actually loose her early pregnancy. That shut him up....

Nothing like neighbours to cause you grief. These days I keep electric fencing for the Chooks, and 4 board dog proof fencing for the nags. And new neighbour get a meet and greet when I am out riding and a warning about loose dogs, fireworks, and driving like mad things on the roadways with kids and horses around