How do I get mean neighbors to leave us alone?

Question

About 7 years ago, some neighbors moved in and immediately started problems with us. First it was our dogs were bothering them, then it was our music, etc. Well, lately they have took it upon themselves to lie to any authority figure to get us in trouble with the law. Just yesterday, they had animal control take our dogs, because they lied to them and said that our dogs were dangerous and mean towards them.. in accuality it is the other way around they own a dog that has been trained to kill on comand. They have told this dog to attack us in our own yard, My husband called police, but they did nothing. We own 2 pitbulls, and a mixed mutt, these dogs are the kindest and gentlest dogs you could meet. My kids, relatives, and other neighbor kids love the dogs. The dogs have never showed any aggression towards kids or other people, exception of the mean neighbors - who taunted and teased in the past. any suggestions as what to do????

Answer 1

Is it possible that your dogs are perhaps not as quiet and perfect as you believe they are? We all know how parents may see their kids as angels when in actuality, they are brats.
Usually, where there is smoke, there's fire. If your neighbours can hear your dogs barking and your music playing, it's too loud.
It is entirely possible that they overreacted, but animal control does not usually confiscate dogs without good reason. They may come to your house and give you a hard, but they would not take your dogs without a reason to believe that they are a danger or a nuissance (noise-wise).

I am also curious as to how your neighbours came into contact with your dogs enough to taunt them and be threatened by them? Is it possible that your let your dogs lose or that your dogs get out of your hard sometimes?

Or is it possible that there is a pitbull ban your area? These need to be taken seriously, or your dogs will be taken away and euthenised.

Follow-up with animal control, ask for reasons and explanations. It is possible that you are at fault and just not aware of it. You could also write an apologetic letter to your neighbours, saying that you never meant to bother them or for your dogs to harass them, and that you apologize if this occured, yadda yadda.

Worst case, you may have to move.

Answer 2

One thing I suggest maybe, is putting up small security cameras outside of your house, you can find some cheap so do not worry too much about cost, I believe that is a good way to have the proof that you need that you dogs are not vicious. Film your dogs natural behavior keep a tape handy to show anyone if there ever happen to be a problem where the neighbors try get your dogs taken away again, however they can not really do too much if they do not have any cuts or scratched from the dogs. If things get worse try taking them to court about harrassment. Make sure you have the proof you need to back you up however.

Answer 3

I know what you should have done from the start but it is'nt too late.
Go buy several surveillance cameras and install them at an angle that covers your property and as much of theirs as possible without aiming one into their home.You won't need to connect the audio feed as it's illegal anyway to eavesdrop.Which is essentially what you'd be doing.
Next time these people cause a problem call the police and let them know you have the incident on tape and play it for them so there is no question about who did what and they'll be forced to do something.
I hope you can get your dogs back asap.Hurry and get those cameras up.They only cost about $30.00 and one will do to start.Just place it where it will film the most occurances of harrassment.

Answer 4

Unfortunately, the presence of pit bulls puts you right on a black list with law enforcement, so as others have said, that's strike one.

Knowing that you are in the game already one step behind, quickly do as the others suggest and get security cameras and video all this stuff.

If you ever watch Court TV, they do a whole show called "Video Justice" that shows people getting caught in all types of acts. While they don't show the outcome of the trial, the videos definitely lead to the people's arrest, and hopefully the judges will do the right thing from there.

Bad neighbor situations are the worst, because they cause so much angst. Good luck, and I hope you get your dogs back.

Answer 5

Well, try getting a video camera or a surveillance (sp?) camera outside your home. Try to catch their dog on tape as well as yours.

Have you tried to peacefully settle this? I know it's hard on the pride when someone has been this nasty to you, but I would knock on their door with some cookies, or a fruitbasket, some beer, whatever they might like. If they are open to talking I would sit down as adults and try to figure out how this can be resolved. Whether it involves fences or everyone's dogs being tied up, whatever. I would also have someone else come along and videotape the entire thing, from knocking on the door to whatever happens next.

That's just me.....the same person that at 5'2" and 105lbs used to get in between big drunk guys fighting at the bars asking if they could just talk things out.

Answer 6

Try going down to the court house and inquire about a restraining order. You might need to get the police report number for the restraining order when you called and reported them. You might ask the clerks for someone that can help you fill out the restraining order for minimal costs if you do not know the ins and outs of it. Things like who serves the papers? Does a judge need to sign it? Etc.

You might have willing witnesses (people over 18) ready to verify everything if it is needed.

Once the restraining order is in place, if they violate it, they are in deep dodo. Once it is violated, all you have to do is call the police, produce the restraining order to the police, and they go off to jail.

Answer 7

Well, I hope your dogs are fenced in. Pitbulls can be imtimidating to some people and have been know to brutally attack people. Remember a dog is an animal and can turn on you at any point.
You can put cameras on your property. Go to x10.com. You can get proof of what they do.
I don't beleive in retalition but be kind to them. Send them cookies. Communication is key.

Answer 8

You have three dogs - two are pitbulls and it cannot take on one dog? I think we are only getting half the story here.

If your neighbour is doing this to you though then I suggest you record every conversation you have. Get video evidence if possible and speak to other neighbours, have they had problems aswell?

Answer 9

I know that it is unusual for Animal Control to take animals WITHOUT some sort of documentation of some sorts.

Could it be possible that the city you live in has a ban on pit bulls that you are simply unaware of?

Answer 10

Video! Your word against thiers. You have Pit Bulls. One strike against you in the laws eyes. It is up to you to protect your own reputation.

video your neighbors doing the things you say they are doing.