If your dogs come onto my property and kill my chickens, do I have the right to shoot them?

Question

I know what law states, but after reading what happened in Krum, Texas, I would like to know what your reaction would be. Do you think it would be appropriate? Should the person pay for the loss of the dogs? What happens if the person gets death threats?

Answer 1

you bet if a dog comes on your property and attacks one of your animals or family members you can defend yourself by killing it . i know i had strays come into my yard and attack my dog that was tied up i ran them off and called the cops i don't have a fence because i rent . you can settle the rest up in court and you should be able to get off without paying a dime.if they try to sue

Answer 2

1. It's your property and my trespassing dog has caused harm on your property, so I don't really have a say in what you do to it while it's there killing chickens, as far as I am concerned, particularly if you have warned me and others that you will shoot such a dog. I would be very upset, though, at the loss of my dog.
2. I would prefer that you didn't kill it, and that I paid you compensation instead. I would ensure that my dog was tied up, or under my control, while out of my home in the future as part of my apology to you.
3. No, I wouldn't expect you to pay for loss of my dog.
4. If someone sends you death threats over a situation like this, inform the police and take steps to protect yourself.

Answer 3

Actually most states have special laws concerning the death of livestock. This goes back to our rural history when the death of a farm animal could literally be a life or death blow to a family.

Most municipalities have leash laws, although they are usually never enforced, until somebody's pit bull kills some child.

I assume you know who owns these dogs. I also assume he is a neighbor. If I were you, I'd go down and have a calm talk with him about keeping his dogs restrained. At the same time I'd go down and talk to your local law enforcement and see what your options are if it happens again. Unless these are real expensive chickens I wouldn't make a federal case out of it. If it happens again I'd have to reassess the situation. That being said I'd do it legally. Since you are armed, I guess he is to.

Answer 4

Did you have a proper fence?
If you didn't then perhaps you need one.
If you did, then firstly I would contact the owner and see if they would help compensate for the loss. If you cannot reach a conclusion, do not shoot the dogs. If you were a dog you would do the same thing with the chickens.
As for death threats - that is stupid. You want to threaten to kill someone because their dog attacked some chickens? Ridiculous. No wonder why the USA is so f&*cked up - too many guns and not enough talk.

Answer 5

.
Snares are really effective and do not make any noise.
Once a dog starts killing chickens it cannot be untrained.

Tough choice, I love dogs but the owners do not. If they did, they would keep the dogs under control. Protect your property

1. You have a right to protect your property

2.No pay for the lost dog...dog owner should pay for lost chickens

3.Report it. then keep your sidearm handy in the event you need it.

Answer 6

While many states (including Texas, where I live) allow the killing of nuisance animals, including dogs that attack livestock, I don't think I could kill a dog that was not attacking me or another person. As for the other parts of the question, no the dog's owner is responsible for it's actions, just like if their child destroyed your car, and all death threats should be reported to the police immediately.

Answer 7

you may have the "right", but is it the "right thing to do"?

Seems to me a good neighbor policy is the best way to proceed. Go to the neighbor explain what happened and give the neighbor a chance to make restitution.
If the guy intends to be a good neighbor he will replace the chickens or any other item that was damaged.
If he doesn't then you have to protect yourself by reporting to the police. He probably won't like that either but remind him you gave him the chance to do the right thing and wouldn't do it.

Answer 8

If they're in the midst of a rampage, you may have little choice. If they've killed and are done, killing them for revenge is not very useful and will likely only lead to an unnecessary escalation of hard feelings. The world would be a better place if we could rid ourselves of vengeance.

Answer 9

Any dogs that run loose and attack livestock should be fair game to shoot. They are dangerous.

Answer 10

Certainly you should shoot the dog and protect your livestock. I would (and have).