Neighbor's Dog Pack - Help Please (long, sorry)

[Kelly in tx]

Help, please. I have a small farm. Neighbor has a pack of dogs. About two months ago they threatened me in my front yard. I yelled at them and they turned and ran. I phoned him. His response: "Well, they haven't hurt anybody." I called animal control. By that time the dogs were home, not on my property and animal control did nothing essentially. They said I could shoot the dogs if they were on my property and threatening. I told the owner I'd shoot the dogs if I saw them again. I carried my pistol for several days and had loaded guns next to each door. Didn't see the dogs for days.
This morning the pack (loose again) chased a momma cow away and chewed up a two week old calf and the calf's ears. I tried to save the calf-took it to a good vet. After $477.50 of effort, the calf died on the way home. It isn't so much the value of the calf but that it is so wrong for the neighbor to have animals that come onto my property and threaten and/or harm or kill. And to maul a two week old calf is horribly wrong. These dogs are a PACK.
The Sheriff's office says they can only shoot them IF they (police) are threatened or see them threatening me.
I've shot at the dogs but haven't hit any. I'm fearful of injuring one and getting sued and big vet bills.
Ideas? Marksmanship training? Wolf trap? Get myself a PACK of mean dogs? Maybe some of those that live with animals? (Great Pyrenees???)
Coyote bait?
Thanks, kelly
FYI The owner has no pens, just puts dogs into a house or shed. Eventually they are turned loose, of course. I can't afford to put dog fence around 40 acres to keep the neighbor's dogs out.

 

[Fritz Maurer]

Why are you not doing a police report on property loss? That would at least start the ball rolling …

 

[Dingo3]

Just like the cat thread from a while ago, free roaming pets are a menace. This however is much more serious because of the danger to people and live stock. You have every right to shoot them as long as they are on your property. You could video them chasing stock but whatever you decide expect a long running feud with your neighbor that could end horribly. You have told him that there is a problem but he continues his actions. The law doesn’t seem to help (video might convince them to do something) and you can’t go on losing animals or feeling threatened. Your going to have to make a choice so think real hard before you act on any ideas you will receive here.

 

[Buckhammer]

Did you witness the calf being attacked? Did you take pictures of the calf where it was attacked? Did you call 911 immediately to report this attack? Will the vet testify that the wounds were consistent with those of a canine? You need to document ( entries in a journal, photos, cell phone call records) every encounter with these dogs, the dogs owner and the local law enforcement.

I just went through a situation very similar to this a few months ago. I gave the dogs owner and local law enforcement (sheriff, animal control) every opportunity to do their job. When it became apparent after 6 weeks that they were not going to do their job I used my voice in a loud, firm but controlled manner and threatened all parties with legal action and taking this issue to social media, print media and the local T.V. networks. 3 days later the dogs owner surrendered the dogs to be euthanized.

 

[DoubleO7]

@Kelly in tx
What style of fence are the dogs going thru to get to your cows?

 

[ss55]

Help, please. I have a small farm. Neighbor has a pack of dogs. About two months ago they threatened me in my front yard. I yelled at them and they turned and ran. I phoned him. His response: "Well, they haven't hurt anybody." I called animal control. By that time the dogs were home, not on my property and animal control did nothing essentially. They said I could shoot the dogs if they were on my property and threatening. I told the owner I'd shoot the dogs if I saw them again. I carried my pistol for several days and had loaded guns next to each door. Didn't see the dogs for days.
This morning the pack (loose again) chased a momma cow away and chewed up a two week old calf and the calf's ears. I tried to save the calf-took it to a good vet. After $477.50 of effort, the calf died on the way home. It isn't so much the value of the calf but that it is so wrong for the neighbor to have animals that come onto my property and threaten and/or harm or kill. And to maul a two week old calf is horribly wrong. These dogs are a PACK.
The Sheriff's office says they can only shoot them IF they (police) are threatened or see them threatening me.
I've shot at the dogs but haven't hit any. I'm fearful of injuring one and getting sued and big vet bills.
Ideas? Marksmanship training? Wolf trap? Get myself a PACK of mean dogs? Maybe some of those that live with animals? (Great Pyrenees???)
Coyote bait?
Thanks, kelly
FYI The owner has no pens, just puts dogs into a house or shed. Eventually they are turned loose, of course. I can't afford to put dog fence around 40 acres to keep the neighbor's dogs out.

Talk to a local lawyer. If you are concerned about a lawsuit, document your situation with pictures and copies of your correspondences so you can prove what is happening rather than simply having to rely on your word against your neighbors word. Some states still have free range laws, verify who the local law holds responsible for the animals. Talk to a lawyer to see if you can take your neighbor to small claims court to recover your damages. That will start a legal trail of fault and damages. This may not have the instant satisfaction of shooting one of the neighbor's dogs, but you do avoid the problems that would bring.

Some people are not able to care for their animals, others simply do not care. Try to find out which you are dealing with. Some people raise pets, others raise and train hunting dogs, others raise dogs for fighting, others have puppy mills to sell to pet shops.

 

[Kelly in tx]

Replies and advice are appreciated. To answer some of the questions:
-File a Police report? I'll see if I can do this with the sheriff's office.
-Videos/Photos? Yes, and have shared with Animal Control.
-Type of fence? Five wire, barbed wire.
-Documenting? I will follow up with Animal Control and Sheriff's Office. I've also sent pix/videos and reports to friends in the past.
-Lawyer? I will contact in the morning. ($300 - $550 per hour)
-Animal (dog) owners? Separated (not legally as far as I know - he lives in a travel trailer, she lives in the house.) SHE "rescues" animals - dogs, horses, pot belly pigs, goats. He provides the feed. None of the animals are groomed or bathed or trained by these owners in any way as far as I know.

 

[roy prins]

this is where the the 3 s's come into play -- shoot shovel and shut up . Like the old timer said - wife Ya better call 811 . She said Ya mean 911 ? No He said 811 Iam going to have to dig a hole !

 

[Mac AR]

Ok, unpopular opinion here: take care of your problem, tell no one, deny involvement.

A 12 gauge pump loaded with #4 buck works good on interlopers around my chicken pen, if I can get close enough. If you need some distance, a good rifle in the 6mm range topped with a good scope will do the business. Take a little time and practice your shooting beforehand. I like to use paper plates as targets, they're a good representation of the vitals on most game animals. Should one escape, go inside, put your gun up and take the wife out to supper. You weren't home and don't know anything about what happened.

It works.

Source: past experience...

Mac

 

[DoubleO7]

-Type of fence? Five wire, barbed wire.

And how much to run electric fence on the outside?
Buffalo rated.
Might be something to consider.

Your favorite retailer in self defense items might sell a self defense "bear spray" called Skunk (not skunk smelling as far as I know).

Skunk Malodorant Aerosol

Disclaimer: Due to the nature of this product, you will be requested to provide a professional credential showing you are a first responder, security group, etc. No orders will be shipped until credentials have been verified. Email credentials to [email protected], **This product is...

shop.blazedefensesystems.com

Next time when the dogs are near, invite them over and then hose'm.
Won't hurt them, but their owner might be persueaded to keep his dogs on his property. Instead of foraging on some dead rotting carcass they found when running loose.
Supposedly a good soapy bath clears it away.

 

[TerryfromSWIowa]

You have lost a calf and cost of a vet bill and worry about wounding a dog?? I would report it to the sheriff and keep a loaded gun handy. No sheriff would blame you for protecting your animals.

 

[stevieb49829]

Even practicing your markmanship may get the word to the neighbor. If it doesn't, I'd dig a mass grave and start filling it. When the first body hits the bottom of the hole, send your calf vet bill to the neighbor. There are neighbors, and every once in a while, you get someone next door to you that you would NOT use that word to describe them. steve

 

[NY 986]

this is where the the 3 s's come into play -- shoot shovel and shut up . Like the old timer said - wife Ya better call 811 . She said Ya mean 911 ? No He said 811 Iam going to have to dig a hole !

Kind of late for that. The OP has already confronted the neighbor. The OP will be at the top of the list if the neighbor can prove one of his dogs was possibly gotten by a person.

 

[da.bees]

Baby calves were selling at Texas auctions for $375 to $725 last Saturday. The only thing standing between you and collecting in small claims court is proving who the dog(s) that attacked your calf belongs to. $477 vet + $550 calf + $5k pain and anguish will get his attention and give you more satisfaction than killing dogs. You don't need a lawyer for small claims, the justice of peace only wants to hear the facts and isn't impressed by lawyer antics. You have two years to file but I wouldn't delay any longer than it takes to sit in to observe a case or two to convince yourself you can handle it.
If you decide to kill dogs and can't hit them here's the solution. Suspend large treble hooks baited with meat (the stinkier the better) 24-30 inches above ground with heavy trotline cord. Attach a cow bell between hook and overhead support. Day or night,when you hear the bell clanging walk out and dispatch the dog. The dog will suffer far less than the calf before his lights go out.

 

[JOCCO]

I have some what dealt with this. And I hope John t comes in with advice. You have to know your state laws. In one case the dog owner was served a restraining order/peace bond. She violated it and had to pay fine and restitution. Animal officer was in a bind because it was court ordered and had to follow the judges order. You can also file a lawsuit for the cow. You will be better served to talk to a lawyer in you state. There is even such a thing as trespass by dog. Example hunting dogs going on posted property.

 

[Hobo,NC]

A neighbor dogs injured my dog while he was tied up my wife witnessed it happen. I asked the neighbor to pay the vet bill to repair a broken leg they refused. I let the dust settle after awhile I had a friendly conversation with him. I brought up I needed to find another insurance carrier as my provider had went up. I asked who he had his homeowners with he told me. The next day I turned in the vet bill to his homeowners insurance his insurance paid up : )

My other neighbor had a farm several hundred acres with livestock. If he warned you about a issue with your dog and you did not confine your dog your dog would come up missing. No doubts he would shoot are poison them period end of discussion. I did not like it but I knew he was not B.S. me when he spoke. That's why my dog was tied up I knew it was the other neighbors dogs that were roughing up his livestock and was going to let it play out.

Its a shame folks think there dog can run free and be a nuisance to others.

 

[moresmoke]

As few as protecting the cattle- donkey with a poor disposition.

 

[cjunrau]

Help, please. I have a small farm. Neighbor has a pack of dogs. About two months ago they threatened me in my front yard. I yelled at them and they turned and ran. I phoned him. His response: "Well, they haven't hurt anybody." I called animal control. By that time the dogs were home, not on my property and animal control did nothing essentially. They said I could shoot the dogs if they were on my property and threatening. I told the owner I'd shoot the dogs if I saw them again. I carried my pistol for several days and had loaded guns next to each door. Didn't see the dogs for days.
This morning the pack (loose again) chased a momma cow away and chewed up a two week old calf and the calf's ears. I tried to save the calf-took it to a good vet. After $477.50 of effort, the calf died on the way home. It isn't so much the value of the calf but that it is so wrong for the neighbor to have animals that come onto my property and threaten and/or harm or kill. And to maul a two week old calf is horribly wrong. These dogs are a PACK.
The Sheriff's office says they can only shoot them IF they (police) are threatened or see them threatening me.
I've shot at the dogs but haven't hit any. I'm fearful of injuring one and getting sued and big vet bills.
Ideas? Marksmanship training? Wolf trap? Get myself a PACK of mean dogs? Maybe some of those that live with animals? (Great Pyrenees???)
Coyote bait?
Thanks, kelly
FYI The owner has no pens, just puts dogs into a house or shed. Eventually they are turned loose, of course. I can't afford to put dog fence around 40 acres to keep the neighbor's dogs out.

make sure you have chocolate bars available for them to eat. feed them just onto your property. the more the merrier. they will die or s$$t the house full if they live.

 

[tomturkey]

Dogs will do what dogs will do. It d.a. dog owners that are the problem. Had some attack my sheep one time shot and wounded one. Let the sheriff know, he told me I had every right to do so. Never saw that pair again. gobble

 

[Tony in SD]

I’m a pretty good shot, so not a problem for me. I would get some training and practice shooting. A 22 will work just fine but I would shoot a few high power rounds just so the neighbors know you are serious about shooting any animals that attack you or your stock.

Here in SD, we have shot dogs who attacked our herds. As you may have heard, our Governor wrote about shooting her own dog for killing the neighbors livestock. That is the way it works in rural America.

Good luck getting any money from an animal rescuer. They seem to have a good heart but they are broke all the time. Mostly because they will skip work to volunteer to rescue animals that they can’t afford to take care of.