Running loose dogs found in coop yesterday

[critterwhisper]

I have a issue I need to ask advice about. Yesterday when my husband and kids got home from ball games, they found three dogs in our yard. One was in the coop with all 27 chickens while the other two were outside the fence . The one jumped across the fence to get to the coop . No chickens were killed. These 3 dogs belong to the same owner in town , last year there were issues with these dogs growling at people, killing one guys rabbits, and cornering my horse where she was scared . The owners had their dogs seized , payed the fines, put up a required fence . But fail to keep the dogs contained, and when you go down to confront the owners they don't answer the door. The town Marshall was trying to catch all 3 dogs after my coop incident because they were running the town crazy. The dogs came back later in my yard, growled at my 13 daughter the took off. The lady who I guess owns the dogs has come down several times a few months ago looking for her dogs and my husband warned her what would happen if they bothered our livestock . Obviously this didn't phase her. Anyways the Marshall has informed us with living in the country what we had the right to do . But I see no other choice if these people will not take responsibility seriously. What do you think? How would you handle the situation? Please no bashing- I am a animal person, and a dog owner but I need tone able to have my chickens out instead of keeping them in lockdown 24/7 in their coop. Just want some country living advice

 

[sourland]

I raise dogs and have had dogs my entire life. Any dog entering my property and harassing/killing animals or threatening my family will be shot. The neighbor has been warned, the authorities have been notified - I hate killing any animal, but it is my responsibility to protect that which lives at my home. It's a tough decision.

 

[critterwhisper]

I agree, I hate to do it, but I keep thinking of the time and money I have put into these girls & boys to get them this far .yet the owners have been warned by my husband and other people and the Marshall .

 

[jruhle]

Especially if the dogs are aggressive toward children, I would definately shoot it. I wouldn't feel bad about it either.

 

[annewandering]

If the dog bites a person then dont kill it. Unless things have changed, and they might have, the dog needs to be put in lockdown to check for rabies. Otherwise the person needs rabies shots and they are not nice to get I have heard.
I would be calling the cops immediately though.
Unless you know for a fact the dogs have their shots. Do they ? Might want to find out just in case.

 

[bobbi-j]

You can kill it, just don't destroy the head. That's where they test for rabies. And, if they don't have current vaccination records it could become an issue. Any animal that comes onto my place and growls at, threatens or attacks any person or animal that lives here will die. Your husband, the town marshal, and "other people" can threaten and warn and talk until they're blue in the face. But if no one does anything, all these words are obviously in vain. Speak, then act. Too many words, and people quit listening.

 

[432bullet]

We live in the country to. Just do what has to be done and don't tell anyone. Feral dogs are one of the most dangerous things you can run into in the woods or around live stock. they have no fear of humans. Dog lover, we have three, but they are controlled all the time.

 

[Mattemma]

Kill them.I have 3 dogs and 3 cats.I know what can happen to them if they leave the yard.I know I
can be liable for any problems they cause.Roamers that come into my yard are taken care of.I never waste time talking to neighbors.

 

[critterwhisper]

Yes all three had their rabies, the owner had to show proof to the county to get custody back of the dogs. we will what needs to be done . I just keep thinking what if they go for kids next.

 

[annewandering]

I see no reason to not shoot on sight. Your daughter has already been threatened. Your animals are threatened. You have been more than patient.