Neighbors Dogs killing chickens

[fancbrd4me02]

I would call the animal control also. Will he pay for the dead chickens? If he refuses, you should document everything & build a case against him so you can take him to small claims. Why not pad your case with some vet fees? Usually laz people only act when forced or if thier pocketbook is involved.

 

[journey11]

Been through this myself and know your frustration!

We tried talking to our neighbors repeatedly. They're a few years younger than us and kinda just irresponsible. His grandpa (also my neighbor) suggested the "shoot-shovel-and-shutup" method, which really truthfully is the easiest way to handle it, otherwise it becomes a long drawn out thing. My nerves don't favor long drawn out conflict!

They've been nice about it when we talk to them, for the most part. They did put in an electric fence for their dogs, but never trained the dogs to it. Then they started turning the dogs out into a goat-fenced pasture but they still found their way out. Then they tried chaining them, but they keep getting loose (this I don't understand--I had to keep my pitbull on a chain outside for 4 years and she NEVER once got loose).

After a few series of attacks, we resorted to catching the dog and taking it to the pound. We really didn't want to shoot it. Since that, they walk out with their other 3 dogs now and keep them inside the rest of the day mostly. I'm not really confident that they won't be back.

Since the fella shot the one dog like you said, you might try hauling them off to the pound if you can catch them. We took this dog several counties over so he wouldn't come back! If it's a mean dog, I'd either call animal control or if they won't come then I'd shoot it.

Look into your local laws too. Here we have an ordinance that gives you permission to shoot a dog that so much as harasses your livestock.

All else fails, you might go ahead and fence your property or part of it for the chickens. That's the only way you can be 100% sure. There will always be strays and wild animals to worry about anyway. It seems that chicken losses are inevitable for the most part, unless you keep them shut up in a run that is 100% predator proof.

 

[SteveH]

I know its frustrating and heartbreaking to go through these problems , so you have my empathy .

In my county here in IL it is the law that all people must keep their pets and livestock confined to their own property . In my own opinion that is the right thing to do anyway . There is much less animal farming done in this area as compared to 30 years ago , but the law is probably still on the books that if both neighbors had livestock , each was responcible for the cost of building and maintaining that portion of the fence that ran from the center of the two property lines to each owner's right . If only one had livestock , they bore the sole expence . The old way of handling dogs was they either chained or were taught to stay home ; if an owner did not put his wandering dog down a neighbor would . It was pretty much understood that if your dog wandered frequently it would not be coming home .

In my opinion " free rangeing " chickens should be confined to one's own property by adequate fencing just the same as either a horse , cow , or dog ; and have found that running a fence backed with an electric wire to be the most efficient deterrent at both keeping my animals in and other's animals [ plus predators ] off of my property . There will still be problems , but not nearly as many .

 

[chickenjones]

Steve,
I agree with you. I think we have the same fencing law here in Texas. We are in the process of putting up an electric fence but its not done yet. My husband is going to try to extend our coop out in order to keep them all in while we are finishing the fence. Its a shame.

He went tonight to talk to the neighbor and the said he was moving out and so my husband asked if he'd be taking the dog. He admitted it wasn't his dog, but his roomates so I don't know if he'll take him or not. My husband told him if he didn't take the dog, and nothing is done then something will have to be done. The guy suggested introducing the dog to our chickens.

He has already met 5 of them- I don't want to introduce him to anymore, thank you!

For now they will stay in the coop. It will be interesting. We have 18 week olds and then a rooster and 2 adults (left) since 2 were "taken" in the last 2 days. They were not only pets but laying hens. GEEZ.

I guess we will see.

Thanks for all the comments everyone!

Melody

 

[spud1035]

Journey 11's talks about the shoot-shovel-shut up method and that would be my choice. I'd never ever ever confront a neighbor about a dog cause what if another neighbor who dislikes his roaming dogs just as much as you disposes of em, it's goona look like you did it even if you didn't. And who knows what some fool might do when your not home. I feel your pain brother. Like everyone else here, wouldn't be nice if people were more responsible. good luck

 

[Cetawin]

I hate to say it for I know I am gonna get slammed for doing so but...if the owner could give two dangs less as is apparent by the owner's comment "just shoot em"....then when they come on the property shoot them. I personally, give dog owner's one and only one warning to keep their dog(s) away from my birds and at home...then I will shoot them. I do not like it but it is my property and I will not have someone;s animal coming onto and attacking my pets.

I warned my neighbor about his dog...the next time it came and went after my dog and me, I dropped it and I took the body to him. I never did find the owner of the bulldog.

 

[dragonlair]

I would report the dogs to animal control and if nothing is done, the local police. They owe you for each hen killed, take them to court of you have to. They need to keep their dogs contained.

 

[chickenjones]

Well we talked to the grown son and the father and mother of the grown son. The parents are not taking any responsibility but then neither is their son. This is not going to turn out well I know.

Goodnight everyone and thanks for all your comments and advice!

Melody

 

[Ibicella]

First: Fix your coop and run so they can't get your birds. Hot wire it or get a fence charger. A fried nose does wonders getting the point across to dogs.

Second: Document, document, document. Every time you see the dogs, the date of the dead chickens, all encounters, all conversations...write it down. Get a game cam and try to get pictures. Turn these over to Animal Control. Try to get some restitution. Write a letter requesting payment and send it certified mail. The more evidence you have, the more likely the authorities will be willing to get involved. If Animal Control can't help, call the police. .

3rd: If you're not getting any cooperation from anybody...well...shoot, shovel, shut up.

 

[theFox]

Hit him where it really hurts.

File a lawsuit and ask for the court to order the dog owner to put their dog down and compensate you for your loss and all court costs.