where can I find info on Alabama poulty laws.....

[lil'turkeymama]

I have been searching the web trying to find out if my neighbors can legally kill my birds if they fly over or get around a fence.I know i can't do anything about the dog killing them when they get over there.The dog has started getting out and coming over here and getting my birds.I can legally kill the dog but I fear that when I am forced to do that all heck will break out and they will kill my birds or even harm my horses.My shetland pony has gotten out several times and got into their yard trying to get back to the barn,wrong side of the fence silly pony.They have always been great about calling and letting me know when he got out.So,where can I find the info I need about can their kill my livestock if it escapes?Thanks so much

 

[franklinstreetwest]

In the city I go to my City Hall building to the ordinance and building permit department. In the country my Mother goes to her township hall to ask questions directly. Online there is probably a constitution for your county, township or city. That is just aweful that your neighbor is killing your animals! I can't imagine that they would have the right to kill them?! I imagine they could call animal control or the police and make a complaint. If they are irresponsible and allow their dog to run loose on whomever's property it likes, you could consider calling animal control or the police about that. The only instance I could imagine killing an offending animal, was if it were on my property and caught in the act of attacking my animal, other person or myself. In that instance I would feel justified. Good luck.

 

[franklinstreetwest]

Have you approached you neighbors about the dog's behaviour? Perhaps try pointing out that the dog is coming into your yards and killing things. If you are brushed off, calmly and rationally explain that you value them as neighbors and are grateful that they call you when your animals are a nuisance. But, you can not continue to allow the killing of your stock, and if you find their dog in the act of attacking your animals you will be forced to put their dog down.

 

[lil'turkeymama]

Thanks for the reply.I am in a very rural area and I'm not sure there are even laws to protect poultry.They know the dog is a killer because it killed all of their chickens.Well,the womans anyway,pretty sure the menfolk didn't care.We had to file a report with the police when their teenage boys keep shooting out car windows with a BB gun.The mom addmitted to knowing about one incident and had to wait for her disability check to come so she could pay for it.Not at all a responible family.I even went and cleaned their yard where my pony messed in it.I offered to pay for any and all damages he might have caused.We have about 40 acres here and they have 1.Our property borders 2 sides of theirs and roads are on the other 2 sides of them.I am not afraid to cull the dog except for they will know I did.We first spoke to them about the dog when it kept trying to get over the fence and get to us when we go to the barn.The dad said,the dog is in his yard,the end.We didn't ask for the dog to be removed just please don't let it get out and bite us.Just please tell the dog to stop.Try to control the dog,please.We told them we are your neighbors,we understand having a guard dog,we are not going to enter your yard.I reckon they think its cute when the dog charges the fence,jumps way up on it and snarls,snaps and slobbers at us.The mom will sometimes tell the dog to stop,but not always.I almost had a stroke the first time it got out and came over about 4 weeks ago.I had a major panic attack from the fear that it was gonna get me.I had to lay down and wait for my breatheing and heart to slow down while trying not to pass out or throw up.I happened to have my pistol on me and fired a shot in the ground.My husband called them and told them to get the dog it is out.They did come running out hollowing you better not shoot my dog.My husband got way mad at me over that panic attack.I'm a tough girl.I have had and handled very mean dogs in the past.I know dogs.I hunt by myself.I take walks around my propetry at night bt myself.I train my own stallions.I am by no means a sissy.But this dog is big and I'm not.My worst fear is not about killing the dog is about what they will do when it happens.I mean they could burn my barn,kill/poison my horses/birds who knows.I'm not sure culling the dog will not cause more problems.Its a really tough call.I have a extra large dog live trap set right now.I'm hoping maybe I'll get it and just have the pound pick it up.At least that way they'll have to pay to get it back.I try to be the best neighbor I can.I am a honest person.If I just shoot it,its gone and they know it.If I send it to the pound and don't tell them,it gets put down after 5 days.I think I'm too honest to be so deceiving.I need to weigh all my options before I can deal with this.I want to be sure risking what might be pain and suffering for my other animals is worth it.I need to be sure if they hurt or kill my animals they will have to pay for it.BTW,I will document any and all actions from this point on.Police reports,pictures,etc.Thanks for the vent,i needed it.I'm going do more research.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

First, make sure you animals stay on your property. No exceptions. Second, whose fence is it? If yours, add strong electric wiring. If not yours, place an electric fence (strong voltage) immediately beside their fence on your own property.

Lock all animals pens. If the dog gets into your yard anyways, SSS or take to the pound and keep quiet.

 

[franklinstreetwest]

Sheesh.......You are a strong, well reasoned, level headed woman! I know just how you feel about "knowing dogs", but still fearing one! I wish you were my neighbor.......I bought an invisible fence and electronic collars for my cats (my property is 140feet X 60feet) because I didn't want them pooping in my neighbors flower beds. It sounds like you feel that it's not the dog's fault so why take it out on the animal when it's really the owners that need the lesson! Your trap idea is a fantastic one! It sounds like they would be the retaliatory type of people as well. Although there's something to be said for standing up to the bullies...perhaps if you fronted them off, they would back down?? It's a really tough call. I have a neighbor that leaves their three large dogs out to howl, bark, squeal and yipe for days....It's 10 feet from my bedroom window and sometimes they are at it for 24 hours straight. It's like an alarm clock in your head. Then at 2:30 every afternoon they deliberately put their dogs on the front porch (that is masked by VERY LARGE shrubs), on a chains long enough to reach the last step, so that the school children or anyone else walking by gets "attacked" and scared whitless by them growling and barreling down the steps. They think it is amusing! Every day I see children RUN into the street thinking a dog is after them..... I fear retaliation if I call the police, and I know that the dogs are only acting on their upbringing. Perhaps if you catch your neighbors offending dog, you can find a way of relocating it without disposing of it. Then when they ask, you can feign ignorance......"It must just be out roaming...I bet it'll come back in a day or so.........has your dog turned up yet?". I would like to say I would shoot the thing and deal with their crap....but I don't honestly know that I am that person either. I would love to know what other options you've thought of? Have you had any support from township or law enforcement? Have you been a resident on your property longer than they've been on theirs? Do they own or rent?

 

[franklinstreetwest]

The same neighbors of mine, invoiced me for "my half of the fence" they wanted to build to keep their dogs in their yard. As per the city ordinance, your fence is yours and my fence is mine...you can each build one and it is SOLELY the person whose's building it resposibility. That woman came up and informed me that she was "expecting my half"........people who feel entitled to everything will just go on feeling that way and walking all over those who let them do it. I don't want to start wars.....but I didn't pay for their fence. She hasn't spoken to me since, but she does walk up in my yard all the time. I'm just waiting until I'm ready to build a permanent fence of my own, (there's a lot of other house repairs that top the list on that one) then I will get my property professionally surveyed. I know they built their fence on my property, once the survey is done, they will be forced to move it by the city.....Disrespectful, inconsiderate neighbors could keep me going all night....I would invest in securing your perimeter around them.....it leaves them with no "well their animals are always over here...) defense. Stay a step ahead of them.

 

[franklinstreetwest]

As to laws......If you are able to, I would go to your township office, county clerk, or the nearest city hall. There are almost certainly laws that govern personal property and or animals. At least in those places you should be able to get some bearing of what to expect. Attend some council meetings, get to know your elected officials in a "friendly" way. If you are planning on voting in the next elections, ask the people at the voting station where you might investigate these issues.

 

[theFox]

I believe this is what you want to know.

http://alisondb.legislature.state.al.us/acas/codeofalabama/1975/3-5-6.htm

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Quote:
The details vary by state, but if your neighbor's fence is on your yard and you do nothing about it, after a period of time (can be as little as 5 years!) they can claim title of that portion of your property by adverse possession, or claim a proscriptive easement, entitlling them the RIGHT to use the land. Get the survey done NOW, and if it is indeed on your land, address the issue now. Doesn't mean you have to build a fence now, but do take steps to prevent them from obtaining your land.