So mad I could spit bullets (loose dog AGAIN) - Letter rejected

[FlewTheCoop]

Quote:
This is a good point. Shooting your neighbor's dogs could cause the neighbors to retaliate. You do have to live by these people. I'd start with the least extreme measures first. The harder you try to do the right thing (and document, document, document), the more the law will be on your side if anything bad happens in the future.

 

[speckledhen]

FlewtheCoop, a vicious dog who bites a human being will and should be put down, not adopted out to anyone. And it would be good for all to review the rules of this section which state:

*Although some ways are not considered ideal to some, it serves the purpose of removing the offending predator. If you have an idea or a helpful comment, please do reply. If it is a sarcastic comment about the disposal or capture of a predator, please keep your thoughts to yourself. We are not here to judge one another on methods or ways and means.​

 

[MoodyChicken]

That's really terrible, I'm so sorry! Both my neighbors have dogs that roam free and come onto our property sometimes. Only once did they ever kill one of my birds, but they're part of the reason why my flocks are no longer allowed to free range. I think it's sad that they can't be free to do chickeny things because my neighbors just don't seem to understand "lock you dogs up." I tried to shoot one of the dogs once, missed but still tried, and his owner has since locked the dog up.

Have animal control take the dogs away next time. that'll get it through your neighbors' heads. Or better yet, set up traps and catch em. Then take them to the pound.

 

[FlewTheCoop]

Quote:

I'm sorry, I didn't realize I was being sarcastic. I know a thing or two about dogs and animal control, and a dog that has bitten a person once is not legally considered vicious. A dog that growls and stands its ground is not considered vicious. Now, if you're not concerned about the legality of the issue, that's fine. But I was speaking in legal terms. Many dogs with behavioral issues are rehabilitated and find new, better homes with owners who know how to keep them under control.

I just want to point out that just because I am new to this forum doesn't mean I'm new to the entire realm of dealing with livestock and predators. My mother-in-law lives on a farm in the extremely rural area of north Wisconsin. She has sheep, pigs, and chickens. I have spent quite a lot of time there and have dealt with just these exact kinds of issues, and have been on both sides of the situation (she lets her dogs roam, too, and had a dog that had bitten a couple of people, but it was always on her property).

Forgive me, Cara, if I offended you. I didn't mean to. I get a little touchy about the killing of anyone's pet, however negligent the owner may be. But I understand that others have opposing views. I didn't mean to imply that your opinion held any less weight than mine.

 

[Cara]

You're fine, i'm not offended

We love our dogs dearly (partly why I can't fathom why anyone would let theirs run loose).

We dealt with a similar situation, minus the chickens. Had two loose dogs that would come up to our front door and growl at us, and try to start fights with our dogs through our yard fence, a sectioned off area on our own acreage. I have no problem with a dog on its own property defending itself/its territory (unless it's my own dog growling at me!), but doing so to neighbours is a different matter. Unfortunately in our case the AC dept didn't want to know, the neighbours weren't the type you'd pay a visit, and the sheriff told us to just shoot them as that was what they would do if we called them out. Luckily for us the dogs disappeared, not sure whether someone else shot them or the people moved, but it is an extremely stressful situation to be in on your own property.

 

[boxermom]

Wow. I can't believe all the illegal activity being spoken of here. Poisoned hamburger? Threats with anti freeze? Stealing? Dumping the dogs? These people are still neighbors. You don't think they will know something is up? Police and animal control are still your best and LEGAL option. I understand you want to keep your chickens safe, but what about the rest of your property? If they are that irresponsible and certifiable, what's to keep them from retaliating? What if something or someone other than the planned dogs get into the poison. What then? Let the police handle it.

 

[russ_t]

When you called animal control to find out if the dog had had its shots, did you tell them that it was because the dog had bitten you? If you did, then you did report it. Second time you called and every time after that, you need to make sure you get the name and ID number of the person you speak to, and be sure they know that the dog has bitten you before. If they won't help, ask for their supervisor. Get the supervisor's name and ID, if they won't help, ask for their boss. They are supposed to public servants. If you don't get help after a few people call your local TV station a explain how the animal control people are refusing to protect you from a dog that has repeatedly entered your yard and has bitten you.

The newsies love to blow the whistle on negligent public officials. Maybe if it is a slow news day....

BTW, here in Texas, you can only shoot a stray to protect your live stock if you are zoned agricultural.

 

[coberdor]

Making enemies of your neighbors can get old, really fast. I had the same problem with my neighbor's labs. I got my property surveyed, put up the ugliest darn fence - the ugly part showing on their side, that I could construct.

It keeps their dogs out of my yard. I planted nice ornamental grasses, rose-a-sharon, along my side.

I now just have to keep them from coming down the drive. Their dogs have been hit by cars several time, attacked my dogs and other's.

Good fences make good neighbors. You'll never force them to be responsible pet owners. I feel sorry for the dogs.

Good luck. Spring is coming, it's a great time to do fencing!!!

 

[speckledhen]

Good fences make good neighbors. You'll never force them to be responsible pet owners. I feel sorry for the dogs.

+1

Flewthecoop, honestly, if dogs are roaming on a regular basis, I consider them strays, not pets. I have built fences at several homes to contain my dogs, spending a few thousand dollars because that was my responsibility to contain my dogs. They were never loose, NEVER. If my dog (that I lost last year to kidney failure) had been allowed to roam the neighborhood, he would kill cats, birds, whatever and I knew it. If he was killing someone's livestock and was shot, it would have been my own fault and I'd have nothing to say about it.
All that being said, notice I said to trap the dog, call the police and do not inform the neighbors. However, what would I do if I caught a dog killing my chickens? I'd shoot to kill. What would I do if a dog attacked me on my own property? Shoot to kill. Would I care if I was upsetting neighbor relations? Not one whit.
A Rhodesian Ridgeback is nothing to fool around with and can do some real damage if he becomes aggressive. And this one has already bitten the original poster.​

 

[Guinea Goonie]

Yes, i too am a responsible dog person. I am not all that crazy about dogs, but if I am going to have one, it is going to be an pleasant animal to live with.

What does this take ? Training and containment. I would lose my mine if my Corgi was caught killing my neighbors animals. I think i would probably shoot her myself. I have spent HOURS with this dog in training and it has in fact proven to be her only savior.

I get very frustrated with her when she becomes a pain in the butt.
Thus, the training then is repeated and she is rewarded for her obedience. The wife and I ARE HER WORLD. She is a pretty darn happy little puppy of 10 years now.

One does not get certian dog breeds for a pet. Letting the world raise your children is one thing. Doing the same with a dog will get it killed.

It sure is a nice thing when you can leave your dog out with the chickens and know nothing will happen.