So...some dogs - a pit bull and a small german shepherd - just came into my yard and killed most of my chickens! The dogs had tags, but my wife (I am not home) wasn't willing to approach them, even though they seemed "friendly". The dogs are gone now, but I'm not sure if i should advise my wife to:

A) shoot the dogs on sight if they come back
B) call the cops to complain and file a report
C) drive around and try to find the owners and tell them to pay up for my hens
D) all of the above


Hmmmm

In addition to your above list, I would contact Animal Control. Also, it is possible that through the County Comptroller’s Office, you are entitled to some form of compensation. Many years ago I raised rabbits for food, a pack of dogs killed all but one of my rabbits and the county partially compensated me for the loss of food/live stock. In some areas, owners of large animals (cattle, sheep, etc.) or other small animals (chickens, rabbits) that are raised for food can compensated if their livestock are killed by free roaming dogs.

Pete

probably illegal - discharge of a firearm w/i city limits


yep. get it documented. maybe there are others who have had the same experience with the same animals.


confrontations may have unintended consequences. as well as personal safety issues.

unsettling to say the least.

good luck.

My first order response would be to shoot them.

But people get irrational about pets and don't often seem to be able to maintain a handle on a need to control their pets or lose them. When it comes to a dog getting shot it is, for them, property and how dare you 'take' their property. But when it comes to responsibility, owners being responsible for what their property does, they turn around and claim the dogs are not property and have free will. Dogs get to be property or independent actors. Which one being determined after the fact according to whichever is easiest for the owner.

Of course once you shoot the dog/s they immediately become the bestest dogs ever. Canine saints they were. Never hurt anyone or anything. Even if the day before the owner was bragging about how viscous they are and how they tear up people and other animals. It all changes once they are dead.

If you do shoot them the best bet is to quickly bury them, clean the gun, and claim ignorance when they come around asking about their lost dog/s.

B, C and shoot video and sue the owners in small claims court if they don't fully compensate you.

Shooting the dogs could escalate the situation, for a long time to come.

The non-confrontational way is SSS: Shoot, Shovel and Shut up.

Most areas (esp rural areas) have laws that say any hunter or homeowner or farmer can shoot on sight any predator that is chasing/harassing/killing wildlife, livestock or family pets. The killer-dog owner usually doesn't have a legal leg to stand on.

Talk to your local law enforcement and get some advice.

Ask around to see who the dogs might belong to.

Take photographs and date them.

Teach your wife how to shoot.

Sue

There's also A few of- What If's Too! What if my Son/Wife tried to Intervene the Attack,& the Dogs had the Upper-Hand?What if I set a Trap with a Few Chickens,Get it on Camera,& Shoot the Perps.!You live in a Rural enough area to Boil Maple sugar,You are Fairly Well-Known for Your Neighborhood Participations of Emergency Response,Volunteer Fire Dept Member,NRA-Member?I would have a Talk with the Local Constable,before any Action! Lawsuits are the Very last resort,unless you plan on moving Thereafter!

Not only is discharge of firearms perfectly legal here, it's commonplace. I live tucked into state game lands, i have a small rifle range in my back yard. I don't think there's a single day you won't hear some gunfire around here.

We have no police department, only state police. They couldn't care less about my chickens.

No worries there. She has her own shotgun.

Hmmm...

I thank everyone for the points. I think I'll be able to take care if this in a way that works out OK. Glad i don't actually need the chicken for my income.