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

[Tweeza]

Quote:
This made me laugh out load!!! I was in need of a good laugh. Thanks for sharing.

 

[BaronRenfrew]

I've hit the neighbours dog w a pellet gun which taught him to stay home but they live far away (half mile) and its all farm land in between. Its likely legal to use a big gun to shoot an animal attacking your livestock (it is in Canada so it MUST be in the USA) but in a world with nearby neighbours and with two dogs (which makes it a pack mentality) I'd advise you keep your chickens fenced in in some way.

I have something you should look into that could help both with your property problems and other things: Prepaid legal. I believe its $80 per month and you get access to legal advice, letters, whatever it takes to fix the problem. (and much cheaper than hiring a laywer yourself) You also can call them for free for advice on any issue. Problem with the warranty on your dishwasher? old employer jerking you around? speeding ticket? need help with service from a government agency?
Not to mention a free will every two years, and many other benefits. Look into it www.prepaidlegal.com

 

[Badlatitude]

Quote:
After reading what u wrote Id go to homedepot and get some 4ft wire fence and stake poles to hammer in the ground and fence off as much as I could to dissuade the dogs
Also
I assume your over 18. Go to you local Walmart or gun shop and getyourself a nice cheap mossberg model 500 pump 12 gauge and a few boxes of low recoil 00 buck. From what you say your are under siege by breeds that are KNOWN for being agressive , attacking, fighting and killing. What are you going to do if that ridgeback or thoose 2 pits get Ahold of you?!?!?!?! If you play with fire long enough you WILL GET BURNED

 

[Lunachick]

Judy - I wish I could help! GAD how frustrating....But I did like mirecipes idea of a tractor, do you think you could do that for your property? Make a STURDY one.

I have a "screamer" too, her name is Dorothy and boy she can makes some noise until I let her out, but I am lucky in that I have a 6' cedar fence to help protect them.

I hope your situation gets better and fast.

 

[jjthink]

Thank you

With the fabulous jump start provided by Jody (thank you thank you ), I am sending the below letter to the dog owners (copying AC). It is very long (so sorry) but I provide it here in case any of the content about the RR and JRT breeds is helpful to anyone else - spent considerable time researching various websites to learn more about them and there's no sense in anyone else having to reinvent the wheel. Also, www.animallaw.info provides excellent info about dog statutes in various states, as Jody has no doubted quoted in her sleep with the absolutely horrid situation she has had to endure.
JJ

Dear :

Re: Your dogs at large

I sincerely wish I didn’t have to write this letter but I feel I have no choice since earlier requests that you control your dogs were not honored. Even so, this is still just a warning, though it has to be the last one. If there is a next time, it could result in catastrophe for my pets or someone else’s, so I fervently hope I don’t regret not yet taking the actions I could be taking, as noted below.

On December 1, 2008, your dogs were running at large on my property chasing, worrying and attempting to injure or kill my pets. In my attempt to coax your dogs back to your yard, I was bitten on my right hand by your Rhodesian Ridgeback. The law prohibits dogs running at large, dogs chasing, worrying, injuring or killing domestic animals and livestock and dogs biting humans.

I feel that your dogs are a threat to the safety of my pets and to any human who gets in the way of the dogs doing what they want to do. I have repeatedly made you aware of the nuisance and hazards caused by your dogs not being confined. However, the dogs still escape your yard. Most recently, the Rhodesian Ridgeback was in my yard again on March 10 attempting to chase, worry, injure or kill my pets. Several days prior, both were again loose and your husband was having trouble catching them (I’m sorry, I don’t know his name or would have addressed the letter to both of you). I stood between the dogs and the rest of my yard to try to protect my pets which thankfully they had not yet spotted or there would have been no stopping your dogs.

It is your legal obligation to keep your animals from harming others. Please be advised of the following New Jersey statutes.

4:19-8. An owner or person harboring a dog which is found killing, worrying or wounding any sheep, lamb, domestic animal or poultry, who shall, after being informed thereof, fail to kill the dog within twenty-four hours after receiving such information, shall be liable, to any person who shall sue for the same, to a penalty of ten dollars, to be recovered with costs by a civil action before the Superior Court and shall also pay triple damages for any injury done.

4:19-9. A person may humanely destroy a dog in self defense, or which is found chasing, worrying, wounding or destroying any sheep, lamb, poultry or domestic animal.

4:19-16.The owner of any dog which shall bite a person while such person is on or in a public place, or lawfully on or in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, shall be liable for such damages as may be suffered by the person bitten, regardless of the former viciousness of such dog or the owner's knowledge of such viciousness.

4:19-23. a. The municipal court shall declare a dog to be potentially dangerous if it finds by clear and convincing evidence that the dog: (1) caused bodily injury as defined in N.J.S.2C:11-1(a) to a person during an unprovoked attack, and poses a serious threat of bodily injury or death to a person, or (2) severely injured or killed another domestic animal, and(a) poses a threat of serious bodily injury or death to a person; or(b) poses a threat of death to another domestic animal, or

4:19-24. If the municipal court declares the dog to be potentially dangerous, it shall issue an order and a schedule for compliance which, in part:
a. shall require the owner to comply with the following conditions:
(1) to apply, at his own expense, to the municipal clerk or other official designated to license dogs pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1941, c. 151 (C. 4:19-15.2), for a special municipal potentially dangerous dog license, municipal registration number, and red identification tag issued pursuant to section 14 of this act. [FN1] The owner shall, at his own expense, have the registration number tattooed upon the dog in a prominent location. A potentially dangerous dog shall be impounded until the owner obtains a municipal potentially dangerous dog license, municipal registration number, and red identification tag;
(2) to display, in a conspicuous manner, a sign on his premises warning that a potentially dangerous dog is on the premises. The sign shall be visible and legible from 50 feet of the enclosure required pursuant to paragraph (3) of this subsection;
(3) to immediately erect and maintain an enclosure for the potentially dangerous dog on the property where the potentially dangerous dog will be kept and maintained, which has sound sides, top and bottom to prevent the potentially dangerous dog from escaping by climbing, jumping or digging and within a fence of at least six feet in height separated by at least three feet from the confined area. The owner of a potentially dangerous dog shall securely lock the enclosure to prevent the entry of the general public and to preclude any release or escape of a potentially dangerous dog by an unknowing child or other person. All potentially dangerous dogs shall be confined in the enclosure or, if taken out of the enclosure, securely muzzled and restrained with a tether approved by the animal control officer and having a minimum tensile strength sufficiently in excess of that required to restrict the potentially dangerous dog's movements to a radius of no more than three feet from the owner and under the direct supervision of the owner;
b. may require the owner to maintain liability insurance in an amount determined by the municipal court to cover any damage or injury caused by the potentially dangerous dog. The liability insurance, which may be separate from any other homeowner policy, shall contain a provision requiring the municipality in which the owner resides to be named as an additional insured for the sole purpose of being notified by the insurance company of any cancellation, termination or expiration of the liability insurance policy.

Again, it is your responsibility as a pet owner to keep your animals in your control at all times. Legally, your dogs could have been euthanized (see the above mentioned statute) for "chasing and worrying" my pets, but I chose not to, every time thus far. I am someone who loves dogs, cats, birds – all manner of creatures – and indeed have rescued countless homeless cats and dogs over the years, many right here in town. I pay out-of-pocket for their medical care and spay/neuter, thus saving taxpayers and rescue groups many thousands of dollars. In fact, I am helping one of your neighbors on Washington Avenue with another rescue cat right now, having arranged to pay for and take her for her spaying and medical check up, because the kind lady caring for this once homeless cat is unable to do this herself.

However, I have to draw the line at the point where one person’s pet seeks to harm that of another. Sadly, it is entirely the offending animal’s guardians fault when this happens but many a dog have been put down in our society because their guardians did not responsibly control them. Or they have been hit by cars. I ran into the middle of Route 29 to save a dog whose careless owner was not paying attention – the dog was about to get run down by a large truck. I grabbed the dog and threw us both to the side of the road in the nick of time and got a scratched cornea for my trouble, though at least the dog was unharmed. The dog owner remained oblivious, took the dog and went on with her day without so much as a word. I spent the afternoon at the eye doctors and several days thereafter in significant pain. Nevertheless, I would save her dogs again, as I would your dogs, if they were in harm’s way and not in the process of harming or attempting to harm other beings.

I have researched the Rhodesian Ridgeback breed. The experts make my point more clearly than I can and I pray this information resonates with you.

From “Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue” website:
Ridgebacks are not Labradors or Golden Retrievers in short coats. They are hunting dogs and have a high prey drive. Translation: They are quite independent -- they don’t fawn over your every word, they can be oblivious to being called and require a lot of positive motivation to train them in traditional obedience. Many people just aren't prepared for the willful disobedience and hard-headedness in this breed.
Ridgebacks naturally want to hunt and have no sense of cars or yard when they go after a squirrel, rabbit or cat. A fenced yard is important for your dog's safety. Once a Ridgeback starts after a squirrel or rabbit, nothing short of a six foot wall or fence may stop them. Dogs allowed to roam are in danger from becoming lost, of being hit by a car or being poisoned. Your certainly don't want your dog to run away or get lost or killed. It's also good idea to have your Ridgeback wear an identification tag or, better yet, to have your dog permanently identified with a tattoo or microchip just in case he manages to get loose despite your efforts. And, of course, when he leaves the yard he'll need a leash.
No one wants to live next door to someone who lets their dog out to eliminate on the neighbors’ yard, whose dog gets out and kills cats or scares the walkers, joggers and bike riders. Ridgebacks must be introduced to cats and even so, may be aggressive towards strange felines.
Before you get a Ridgeback, please consider the adult size of a Ridgeback and whether you and your family members will be able to properly keep the dog and to train the dog to be a great companion and a good canine citizen.
Always keep this dog safe -- provide a safe, fenced area where it can exercise, never permit it to run loose, never permit it to ride in the back of an open pickup truck or be chained or tied up outside, permit no teasing or abuse by children or others when the dog is playing in its own yard (or any other time) - such as poking sticks through the fence, yelling at it, tossing things at it?
A Ridgeback can become a roamer out of boredom. Dogs who roam often fall victim to automobiles -- another reason to have a properly fenced yard.

From “Breeder Retriever”:
Rhodesian Ridgeback, or African Lion Hound, is also highly intelligent and strong-willed; reports of Ridgebacks opening gates and cabinets to fetch a snack are common and often frustrating for owners. Keep an eye on your Ridgeback and do not leave him to his own devices

From “Ridgeback Rescue of Northern California”:
These dogs are still hunting dogs. Their innate nature is to hunt, chase, corner or tree something. They love the thrill of the chase. A fenced yard is necessary in urban environments as Ridgebacks have been known to scale 6' walls. The Ridgeback does not set his own boundaries; if he sees a squirrel or cat his instinct will take over. Owners must be aware of this and work to prevent potential tragedies.

You have a breed that requires a tremendous amount of exercise but that cannot be safely unleashed except in a tall-fenced yard. A beautiful animal but with very specific needs and presenting very serious dangers that you do not seem to acknowledge, given his roaming. We are talking about a breed capable of taking down an adult lion. My pets – anyone’s pets – are no match for a Ridgeback. This includes a cat that was seriously injured with a baseball by your next door neighbors when their ball entered my yard – this poor cat cannot begin to defend himself against a hunting dog.

Your other dog appears to be a Jack Russell terrier.

From “The Real Jack Russell”:
Cats and other small pets will not work with a Jack Russell because these dogs are first and foremost, hunting dogs. They see the cat or hamster/rat/guinea pig as prey (quarry). With firm and consistent discipline you may be able to curtail the hunting instinct a bit, but they will still want to hunt. They should be kept on leash when in rural/country areas, because if they take off after a ground squirrel or other quarry, they will not hesitate to dig and go underground. Terriers have been known to stay underground with their quarry for days, with no food or water.

From “K9Web”:
To be blunt, perhaps you should consider a different breed if you don't wish to have a hunting dog. Jack Russell Terriers can be difficult to deal with because they are true hunting dogs. Unlike some modern breeds, Jack Russells have one type, hunting. Hunting ability is bred into them. It is their nature. The unique personality of this feisty terrier is rapidly gaining popularity, but they are not a dog for everyone, especially first time dog owners. While adaptable to a variety of environments, they are first and foremost bred to hunt. Given the exercise requirements of the Jack Russell, a home with a large, fenced yard is more appropriate. They do not take well to inactive, sedentary lifestyles. However, if you are at home during the day or are able to provide regular exercise, it may work. They need a 5-6 foot high fence, since they are known to jump, climb, and even dig under fences.

Long story short, you have two dogs known for their prey drive and you’ve let them run loose, not demonstrating regard for anyone else’s pets. If we assume for a moment that somehow you acquired these animals with no knowledge of their breed characteristics, now you do know, and so presumably you will never let them run loose in or near town again. Obviously the invisible fence you mentioned repeatedly on the 10th is no deterrent, at least for the Ridgeback, since he was in my yard that day – it cannot be relied upon to contain the dog. Please supervise your animals and keep them on your property. I value my pets greatly and do not want to see them maimed or killed by your dogs. I am aware of at least one other neighbor who fears for her cats because they’ve been chased by your dogs. If your dogs continue to roam on my property, I will have no choice but to use all legal means at my disposal to remedy the situation. My pets/rescues should be able to be in my yard without fear and without maiming or death as the price. I pay a lot of money in property taxes to live here and my pets should be able to use their own yard. I shouldn’t have to stand over them every second, fearing for their safety. I am very respectful of my neighbor’s properties and pets and ask only the same in return. Nothing more. I would hope you would find this to be a reasonable philosophy. . You didn’t want to discuss the matter of your dogs running loose when I returned your RR on the 10th, as though I were taking an unreasonable position; hopefully the information in this letter will influence your thinking about how the dog's should be managed.

The first time I returned your dogs to you – back in December – I wrote a note to say that I was sorry we had to meet under those circumstances. The repeated incidences since indicate that you do not see the seriousness of this matter. I hope you do now. I didn’t want to have to write letter like this but feel forced to try harder to get through to you since the more neighborly December letter obviously did not. All of this is taking my time away from truly critical things I need to be doing, and that is also not fair. Please don’t make me spend any more time on this. This has already taken an egregious amount of my time. Our many thoughtful and responsible neighbors (with one glaring exception of people behaving incredibly irresponsibly, and most are appalled by it) would tell you I am a very good neighbor to have – quiet, considerate, helpful, giving. At the ready to help when they’ve had animal illnesses or injuries. It’s too bad we again have to cross paths under these circumstances.

Sincerely,

(Incidentally, the next to last sentence is in there because their next door neighbors are the ones callously flooding me out with their illegal development - I am sure the dog owners are being fed a bill of goods about me by these other incredibly irresponsible people and so this was an attempt to isolate them from the crowd!)

Edited to provide final letter

 

[boxermom]

Very well said.

 

[horsejody]

You go girl!!! I'm so proud of you JJ I could just cry!!

 

[Buck Creek Chickens]

Perfect letter, hope they really read it and just don't toss it away.

 

[Lunachick]

Way to go Judy! I hope that gets you somewhere with them!

 

[Black Feather]

Quote:
Don't by chance have that nice little recording with gun shots and screaming dogs in digital format that you could send around do you? Might come in handy!

UC