Predators and the Moral Dilemma

[dacjohns]

Quote:
Generally speaking to the last part of your post, it tells a good bit on the attitude to expect in regards to the animal control part. Whether you care to believe it or not it does make a difference. I hope you're not to sensitive to it. It would of been the same if he had said, 'he walked off mubbling in his redneck drawl'. Which would have been correct in my case. Why not just read the post and let it slide, or can you.

I disagree and we can leave it at that.

 

[dainerra]

Quote:
actually, there are many people who believe that our neighbors have the same rights when it comes to our birds. I know that my neighbors would be enjoying a tasty chicken dinner if my chickens decide to forage through their gardens. Would I be upset? At myself, sure.

 

[MusketeerinFla]

i understand the OP's position, and agree with him, however, any predator attacking my flock will get a bullet/buckshot/musket ball/ arrow for it's trouble...and I'll sleep fine that night. MiF

 

[teach1rusl]

OP - your post is days old, but I'll throw in my two cents anyway. I'm a tried and true animal lover - pretty much all animals. I've had coons around my place that many warned "would kill my chickens, so you'd better kill them." I didn't kill them, because they were guilty of nothing more than living around here. I've "rescued" snakes, moles (kind of regret that one

), field mice, etc. I'm a big wimp with spiders, but TRY to have DH/DS catch and release if possible when I find one in the house, so I don't have to kill them. I just believe animals has just as much right to be here as we do.
But I also believe in protecting one's own. If a raccoon...or a dog...attacked my chickens, my cats, my dogs, or me, I wouldn't hesitate to shoot it. I would feel like crap (and to be honest - I know I'd cry afterward). But my first obligation is to protect my own. That's nature IMO; animals will fight and kill to protect their own.

 

[CariLynn]

Quote:
I am the same as Teach1rus too...we shot a fox that realized we had chickens and while my husband did it quick and in one shot, I did cry. I have a neighbor who is across the street and has harassed our horses. He now knows, let your dog attack and chase them, I will do what needs to be done. My little flock of 12 doesn't roam free but they do have a 100ft square large yard to run and scratch and enjoy themselves. I would be devastated should someone, or something, threaten or harm my flock, I am attached to each little hen and especially so my big bad 4 or so year old roo, a beautiful Buff Orpington named Chief.

Human wise, the neighbor across the street finally got a bitter pill to swallow from us. For over 7 years now he has been using the land across from our farm and home for his own personal track for his young son's track for their motor bikes, believe me, it got so bad I was in tears many times as the noise went on and on and on every day, all day on the weekends and I started to look for other places to move to for peace and quiet. We were approached by the sisters who's mom owned it, their mom was in a nursing home, they wished to sell it and did we want it...absolutely! We bought it and when he realized we did boy oh boy did that make the little vein on his forehead throb, as he confronted us about telling his son to stay off the land. It is now posted all over the place and I have peace and quiet back..so do my horses.

 

[OldGuy43]

Update:
Learn or perish is an immutable law of nature. Saw the dog from post #1 still running free. However, he now gives my flock and ranch a wide birth. Unlike his owner, he has learned, and will therefore survive. Not so sure about the owner. While he has nothing to fear from me he seems to be a slow learner.

 

[Mattemma]

Glad to read the dog has learned to leave your flock alone.

 

[pintail39]

I find it very ironic that in this pro "shoot the dog if he is on your yard and off leash" post there is a picture of a dog running off leash (post #19 by OldGuy).

 

[OldGuy43]

Quote:
That picture was taken before the leash law was enacted.

 

[evenstargirl]

I have a hard time with dogs, probably because of having my own, whom I love dearly. I always just chase dogs off by waving a shovel at them. However... when we had an american mastiff come into our yard... I looked out the window to see what my dogs were barking at, and I saw the biggest dog I've ever seen standing next to our goat pen. He was as TALL AS OUR FENCE. I freaked and started screaming before I was even out of the house. My husband grabbed his gun. When the dog ran beside my car, he stood nearly as tall as my car. Between the two of us, the dog fled and hasn't been back.

Even though we live in the country, we keep our dogs in our fenced-in backyard unless we are out front with them. I do this to keep my own dogs safe, as well as out of respect for my neighbors, some of whom have dogs, cats, guineas, and horses. I hope people do the same, but many do not.

As far as small predators... I always thought raccoons were adorable until I saw one next to the chicken pen. We have since put traps beside our coops and caught numerous possums and several raccoons.

I have my Ruger 10/22 in my office closet. I've never had to use it, and it is an absolute worst case scenario. My husband will tell you I have the softest heart there is. I do NOT want to hurt animals, but if they are after my own animals, I will do what I can to protect them.