Two legged predator !!! how to stop the person...

[racuda]

You say unlocking a lock is a hassle, but so would turning off the electric to the coop handle. Not to mention that you will forget sometime and get zapped yourself.

 

[GlitterBug]

A Dog

 

[Buugette]

My grandfather whole heartedly believed in shot gun loaded with rock salt. Never knew of a recipient to return to the scene of his crime.

D

 

[gavinandallison]

Post signs around the perimeter of your property, then a 12-gauge and cell phone, next time they come on your property, hold them and call the police and have them arrested for trespass and probable theft. The police could then search their property andsee if the silkies are still there.... Good luck!

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Quote:
Theft is criminal; not civil. It may be a misdemeanor, (usually depends on the value), but it is definitely criminal.

 

[spottedtail]

Be careful with the gun advice.
Alot of things can go wrong there.
Only use a gun if you mean to kill (not scare!).
Killing someone is a life-changing event. Are your hens worth that?

Set up a game camera. Get pics, they make great evidence.
If possible set a trap where the thief will lock himself inside the coop.
Then call police.

spot

 

[Tinkspirit70]

We actually loaned a wildlife camera to a friend who was missing chickens every night, the camera recorded a coyote the first night, and two hispanic men the second night, get the camera!! and then you have proof, and I agree with spotted, if your gonna go the gun route be prepared to go all the way...otherwise you could get into alot of trouble. On the news two years ago , a man shot an intruder in the leg and the intruder sued the homeowner and won.

 

[Gator113]

Quackcrazy...... As much as I too would be tempted to drop these jerks with a hot-wire, you could find yourself being arrested for assault, or worse if one dropped dead.... especially if the LEO's were to determine that your wire was set for humans. I know, it's not fair, blah, blah, blah. You could also be subject to a lawsuit.... I know, that's also not fair either, but it is a risk you have in todays world, though not likely.

You know your world, but if it were me, there would be three choices. After posting "No Trespassing" signs in conspicuous places, I would either hide out and catch them in the act.... but you better now what you're doing and how to handle such a confrontation, especially if they are dopers or already wanted for previous crimes. Second, simply walk over to the barn and confront them. I can be extremely intimidating, so they would likely move on.

OR, arguably the best course of action, depending on the caliber of your local Law Enforcement agency... call the cops TODAY and report it, and demand that they take action to get them out of the neighborhood. If the jerks are trespassing at the time of your call, report this as a "trespass in progress" by multiple persons, and that you are frightened. This is truthful and should light a fire under their response. You see, it sounds as if the jerks are already trespassing, so if they are there when the LEO's show up, they can be arrested for criminal trespass and depending on your laws, possibly burglary.. a felony in most places.

When you talk to the cops, tell them that while you are concerned about the theft of your chickens, that you are concerned for the well being and safety of yourself and family members. Tell them that you want them to deal with it, so that in defense of your life, you won't be forced to take care of the problem yourself. If the deputy shines you on, be nice, but demand to speak with his supervisor, if he/she fails to resolve this, be nice, but keep going up the chain. If you get all the way to the top, and the Sheriff fails to deal with this, let him know that as much as you had not wanted to that you will talk to a lawyer about bringing a lawsuit against the county, the agency and him personally. If he still fails to resolve this, then and only then call the media and tell them what's been going on.....

Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer, none of this has been legal advice. I am a retired (thank all that is good and holy.. lol) Detective Sergeant for a Sheriff's department with 30 years of service. I retired 8 years ago, so the laws might have changed such that you are now authorized to shoot them and burying them out behind the barn... but I would check. LOL

Good luck.

 

[mmaddie's mom]

Quote:

I'm thinking, in Texas this might be OK!

 

[hillfarm]

In Texas, we have an understanding. We were raised with guns, and most of us are great shots. I will shoot your pup with a bb gun the first time he's on my property. If he comes back I'm getting my 22. If he survives, and comes back, I will shoot to kill, shotgun in hand. Keep yours on your property. An animal will get out, its understandable, if he's chronic, then you loose your pet. Makes sense round here.

Here's my logic. If my dog tastes blood, chicken, cat whatever, I will destroy it. It's a danger, to my livestock and yours. I saw my dad put down a very exspensive great dane for getting into the neighbors chicken coop. He could of replaced the flock a dozen times for the cost of the dog. But it was a killer. Therefore useless.

Now if your human and you take from me, well your either very stupid or very hungry. But if you had any sense you could of just come to the front door and asked to cut my grass for food. I would of fed ya. Steal from me and you risk getting killed. I argue that its not taking human life in trade for some stolen chickens, I say its taking a criminals life who threatens me and my family and our land. I worked and earned what I have, I wont give it up without a fight. Its about two things, feeling secure and protection.

I know, sounds brutal, but it's a mindset here. I would never trespass. Daddy made it really really clear. He buried a bb in my BF's shoulder one night when he tried to sneak over. Dad said that was his warning shot. He dumped me the next day.

Just saying I don't get the idea of being sued by someone who is committing a criminal act on my property. I know how to use a weapon and I will. I have no trespass signs all over. Stupid people need to be culled too. IMO