Neighbors dogs in coop. UPDATE! 2nd time. 911/charges/court today

[tammyd57]

We were told by the Animal Control Officer AND the Sheriff that if any of the loose, predatory dogs in our area were on our property and we felt threatened or our livestock was threatened, to shoot the dog and then call either office and they would come out and have the owner remove the carcass, and then be cited for it. They told us not to wait until the dog attacked. So far several dogs have been dispatched before anybody was harmed.
We live in a very rural area where there are only about 6 houses within a mile radius, so it's easy to know who the owners are.

I'm very sorry about the loss of your birds. When the dogs come back, and they will, don't give them a second chance. Shoot them.

 

[Over Easy in Adna]

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How about sending him a letter that says if his dog ever steps foot in your property again you'll wear it's skin as a cloak to remind him not to let his animal roam...

Nope, bad advice. Stay on the high road on this one. Follow up with an attorney, do not make any further contact with the neighbor (in person, E-mail, or Certified Mail) without the consent of your attorney.

 

[Chook-A-Holic]

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Before you spend money on an attorney, contact you homeowners insurance and explain what is going on(you have property being destroyed). Give them his name and address. They will find out who his insurance co. is and I can almost guarantee that something will come to a head in settling this mess. I had a neighbor years ago that flat refused to satisfy any damages done by his dogs. When I contacted my insurance co. they took care of the problem mighty quick, and I was immediately reimbursed. It wouldn't hurt to try as it will be cheaper and less stressful on yourself.

 

[BigBadCryBaby]

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Before you spend money on an attorney, contact you homeowners insurance and explain what is going on(you have property being destroyed). Give them his name and address. They will find out who his insurance co. is and I can almost guarantee that something will come to a head in settling this mess. I had a neighbor years ago that flat refused to satisfy any damages done by his dogs. When I contacted my insurance co. they took care of the problem mighty quick, and I was immediately reimbursed. It wouldn't hurt to try as it will be cheaper and less stressful on yourself.

Excellent advice. Let your insurance company use it's muscle to get this guy thinking straight again. It works, and all you have to do is give them the info.

 

[Hillsvale]

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Actually you need to be careful on this as well... if buddy was "smart" he would have written "Without Prejudice" on the letter... if he did this the letter can not be admitted into evidence.

 

[horsejody]

Chickfillhay, I pm'd you.

 

[scooter147]

I would just take him to small claims court. Save your money on the lawyer for now. Document your case well, the judge will want to see good documentation on how you came to your loss. Of course the letter from him is about as good as it gets in admitting guilt.
I love the homeowners idea. Your agent can assist you in filing a claim against his insurance. He may decide to pay out of his pocket to avoid his rates from going up.
I took someone to small claims court once for about $2,000 in loss of livestock. I won by default the other party did not show up. The judgement was filed. I did not get my money for about a year. When he went in to buy a car the judgement appeared on his credit report and he couldn't get a loan until he cleared the judgement.

 

[horsejody]

I went to small claims court and won a judgement. I got paid. The people knew I would use all legal means to collect so they paid. Many jurisdictions now have some very creative and effective ways for people to collect small claims judgements. I was almost sorry they paid so easily. It might have been fun to watch the Sheriff's deputies haul away their stuff and have an auction.

 

[chickfillhay]

We spoke to a couple of lawyers some didn't even return our calls and the ones who did wanted a fee just to talk to them. Hubby spent $25.00 to find out that just to hire him we will need 1500.00 and another 1500.00 in two more weeks. And that we would have to sue him for thousands just to recoup what we would spend on the attorney. Ridiculous!

These are all incredibly great ideas. I was going to send a letter, but now I will contact my homeowner's and let them handle it through his homeowners insurance. I will keep you updated. THANKS

 

[FlashPointFarm]

If your neighbor is within an earshot of a gunshot, maybe some target practice will get him thinking also. You may not have to resort to shooting his dogs if he knows you are target practicing. I really like the insurance idea. His rates will go up.