Neighbor lets dogs out to do their business in my yard?

[sixdogs]

You guys that want to blow away Fido at first blush are missing a couple things. First, it probably leaves you open to civil action unless you can prove your side of the story. No paper trail, dubious story. Second, the dog owner is not likely to remain calm and thoroughly grasp your actions as justifiable. There is likely to be a reaction on his side and it may be unpleasant UNLESS you followed a logical path before action. I mean, how would YOU react if someone shot your dog without an adequate discussion of the facts?

As I mentioned in an earlier post, the first point is to discuss the issue with the dog owner. Make your points pleasant but clear and unyielding. It's his problem, not yours and he needs to fix it. You need to explain that he must take action to fix the problem so the dog warden doesn't have to get involved. Remember, pleasant but unyielding. Most people will respond to this approach.

If he does not respond to this I would call and say you really don't want to but have to get the animal control people involved. Then do it and copy the police dept. In almost every case this will fix the problem.

If it doesn't, call or write both animal control and the PD and tell them about whatever action it is that makes you feel threatened. Ask them what you should do if attacked on your property--if that's the concern--or how to stop the poo problem that your little grandchildren are getting into. They will tell you what to do.

After this, or if attacked along the way you have at least some degree of justification and are far less likely to provoke a retaliatory action by the neighbor. Just my two cents here--I don't have a dog in this fight.

 

[Jesse masterson]

My dog wouldn't behave in such a matter , he wouldn't be my dog, these blind animal owners that put dogs in front of the welfare of a child sickens me.

 

[JMER817]

Can't blame it on you if they don't find the remains. I have had dogs come across my yard many times. Most of the time I know the owners and the dogs are no threat. They just happen to get loose. If they don't go home right away I let the neighbor know. But if a dog I don't know comes in to my yard and is acting aggressive it is going down. Sorry but I'm not risking me or worse yet one of my kids getting bitten.

 

[HeLa]

First, it probably leaves you open to civil action unless you can prove your side of the story. No paper trail, dubious story.

Second, the dog owner is not likely to remain calm and thoroughly grasp your actions as justifiable. There is likely to be a reaction on his side and it may be unpleasant UNLESS you followed a logical path before action. I mean, how would YOU react if someone shot your dog without an adequate discussion of the facts?

This discussions seems to have bifurcated. It started as being regarding a neighbor's dog that relieves himself on a lawn that isn't his. The discussion transitioned to aggressive dogs that charge/threaten neighbors. Necessary force in response to these two situations is very different.

That being said...

To the above first point, it will DEFINITELY leave you open to civil action, maybe even civil liability. Yes dogs are chattel and if the shooter is found liable for damages the amount may not be too much. Maybe a few thousand dollars for the dog (tops) + legal fees + fines if it was criminal. Now if the owner brings other charges, say intentional infliction of emotional distress or some other negligence claim then start reaching into your pockets or call your lawyer brother who will defend you for free.

To the above second point, right! This has ended poorly more than once:
Walled Lake man killed in neighbors' dispute over dog | The Detroit News
Kingsport police respond to heated argument after man admits shooting neighbor's dog | Kingsport Times-News

And don't forget, the dog's owner might not be the only one after you. In my town our local SPCA lost its charter for failing to pursue charges against a resident who shot his dog. Guess what they'll be doing next time it happens.
http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/hun...f/2014/01/new_jersey_spca_revokes_charte.html


yeah, yeah, no one's going to find out. every criminal's famous last words.

dealing with the fallout to save a life, sure. dealing with it to save a lawn or make a point, no thanks.

 

[Jesse masterson]

Rather be sued and loose everything than see my 4 year old grandson torn to peices!

 

[HeLa]

dealing with the fallout to save a life, sure. dealing with it to save a lawn or make a point, no thanks.

Rather be sued and loose everything than see my 4 year old grandson torn to peices!

couldn't agree more

 

[cqaigy2]

Jesse masterson seems to have high jacked the thread. Im not commenting on his post, just the etiquette.

 

[Fordman1981]

Jesse masterson seems to have high jacked the thread. Im not commenting on his post, just the etiquette.

I don't think he hijacked, He brought up a similar issue. I think it is better to bring it up in an existing thread than start a similar new one. On top of that I think the op should be the only one that should say anything about a thread hijack. If the op says can we please get back to my issue I think Jesse would understand and start a new thread with no hurt feelings. I also think thread nannies like you upset a thread more than a similar issue being brought up. Just my 2 cents.

 

[TomSeller]

Right the neighbor let his dog out and it came over to Jesse's yard. The dog just meant business rather than intending to do his business. Small difference.

 

[Fordman1981]

Right the neighbor let his dog out and it came over to Jesse's yard. The dog just meant business rather than intending to do his business. Small difference.

So are you saying you think Jesse hijacked the thread too? How many dog threads do we need? Like I said in previous post unless the op complains why should we care?