They chew through hardware cloth?!?

[Appalachickens]

We've had people trespass on our property to coon hunt and although it makes me angry with the hunters, I can't even imagine wanting to shoot the dog just for treeing a raccoon. I'd say the guy deserved the fine.

 

[Ted Brown]

1/4" x 1/4" is 23 gauge wire; 1/2" x 1/2" is 19 gauge. 23 gauge wire is .0226" thick, 19 gauge is .0359" a difference of more than half.

I suggest that the choice of 1/4x1/4 is the source of failure in your situation. A number of folks above commented on the "straight line". Look closely, not so straight with different lengths of wire along the line. I suggest that whatever broke through simply tore the wire as it is not strong enough to resist.

As suggested a over covering of existing wire with 1x1 or 1x2 or... will solve the problem. Or using 1/2 x 1/2 to begin with.

Even then not perfect. I used 1/2 x 1/2 on both walls and apron, after six years the portion of the wire that was buried (bottom edges) has deteriorated and ground hogs have ripped it apart. I have purchased 1 x 2 to cover the existing HC.

Good luck!