Now I'm just mad! (dog attack)

[MomMommyMamma]

I know, you hear it, read it, every day. We just had our first loss to a dog. I walked in my room and could hear a hen cackling really loudly. I looked out just in time to see some neighbor's stray (it can't truly be a stray if someone is feeding it right?) eating her. The pen door had blown open in the storm and two hens got out. One made it back in. Good grief. Makes me do ANGRY. We've spent money, time, effort, affection.... and now a full size, layilng hen is gone. She was one of our two Buckeye hens. At first I was telling the kids things like, "These things happen," and "There's nothing we can do," etc. But the more I think on it, the madder I get.
Thanks for listening. Only chicken folks understand....

 

[Rebel Rooster]

Soooo Sorry...

We've all been there... if not, it's justa a matter of time... Folks can be horribly irresponsible with their pets... There are folks (family) in our area that let their dogs run loose all the time... Touchy situation!

 

[Martin Grove Farm]

There are laws to protect your livestock. If you can prove that it is your neighbours dog, you can make them pay for damages. I know it won't bring back your loving pet but it may stop a second attack.

 

[MomMommyMamma]

That's part of the frustration. You want to just march over there and demand retribution but, you can't really do that. I have a fantasy that living in the country with much sparser neighbors would make it better. I'm already struggling with getting rid of our loud rooster. I knew the day would come, but I wish it had not.

 

[MomMommyMamma]

Quote:
I'm going to call the county tomorrow to ask. We live in an unincorporated area and I'm not sure how dog laws work out here.

 

[bakerjw]

I am sorry to hear about your loss. I know I get nervous every time that my free rangers start making odd sounds.

 

[Huskeriowa]

Sorry for your loss! It will come back now that it knows you have live food for it. Obviously you can contact animal control or a neighbor about the stray dog first. However if that doesn't work and if legal and you can handle it, you can use 22 on it. The dog will either die or learn never to come back again. I only suggest this because it is a 'stray' and obviously doesn't have a responsible owner. Not trying to be heartless toward dog owners. I have two dogs and consider them part of the family. I take care of them and know they are my responsibility. Anyone that consistently lets their dogs run free has no regard for their neighbors and little for the dog. Just my two cents.

 

[terrilhb]

I am so sorry for your loss.

I know the feeling I lost 12 hens in Oct due to a stray dog. It got away that morning and than came back that night. It is SSS. I do not like this I love animals but I also have to protect my other babies. As much as I love animals and I do. Have rescued many strays, if it comes on my property and my dogs don't get it it is done. People need to take care of their animals and keep them home. Once again I am very sorry.

 

[J3172]

You can do one of two things, if your neighbor claims the dog you can get money, it wont bring back the bird but it might help in the future. If your neighbor doesn't claim it, call animal control and they'll come pick it up. Either way you can take action.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Quote:
And why not?