My new neighbor is threatening to shoot my dogs, goats and horses! He hates us!!! Help!!!?

Question

Ok, I live in Copperas Cove, TX in the country, but close to Fort Hood where my husband's in the Army. We just bought this house a few months ago and have a few farm "pets." My husband was injured in Iraq and has had trouble keeping up with the fence, pasture and everything, but we're getting there! A few weeks ago we had some friends staying with us and while my husband and I were at work they let our dog out and forgot to call her back in so she wondered out of our gate and across the street. It was a warm day and the neighbors left the front door open and my dog went into their house! They came over and told our guests they'll shoot our dog if they see her near their yard again! My dog is a lab mix and LOVES everyone, she didn't hurt anything or do any harm. When I got the phone call I rushed home and apologized to them, but they weren't interested in talking to me, only to my husband so he went over and explained what happened, but they didn't care.

The other day we rescued 3 goats and were letting them explore the yard and get to know our other pets, one squeezed her way under the fence and the neighbor chased her back over and when I saw him I went to help and I was laughing at how stubborn she was. The man said "this isn't funny, where is your husband?" Mu husband walked over and told him we just got the goats and the neighbor and his son said "one more of your animals comes over and I'll shoot them all! I can't wait to have to shoot one of those horses of yours!" I stood there with my jaw dropped to the ground and my husband just apologized again. We aren't just letting our pets roam the neighborhood, stuff happens, but I'm FREAKING out! Is there anything I can do about the threats- I am keeping a close watch over our animals, but they're animals! HELP!

Saph- there is no need for answers like yours, we did rescue the goats and have a beautiful facility for them, but they squeezed through a fence we didn't know was weak- like animals do! You don't know much about animals I'm sure and we were outside with the goat when it happened! There is no need to be rude regardless of your opinion! Thanks everyone else for answering! I've called the police and they are going to discuss the situation with my neighbor since we live in an unrestricted area. The neighbor has animals of his own and if his dog got out it would bite someone and I still wouldn't shoot it!

Answer 1

I'd call the police but you might also want to make sure all your animals are secure and cannot get out...it would be a shame if they got shot by your jerk neighbor.

Answer 2

I see that the neighbor is a jerk, he could have started things out differently, but... put yourself in his shoes. Wouldn't you freak out if a strange dog wandering into your home? You don't know the reasons for the neighbors behavior. You should keep your dog under control at all times.

So, now you know that the neighbor across the street is a jerk. When you take in 3 goats you KNOW that you need to keep them AWAY from THAT neighbor. And you let the goats wander around the yard? They should be kept in a pen in the pasture until the pasture is set up to hold goats.

Since the neighbor wont talk to you, and only to your husband, ask your husband to talk to the neighbor to find out where they are coming from. If you are going to be living across the country street from each other, it's better to iron out the wrinkles then to draw battle lines.

Why are you attacking Saph? You told her that there is no need for answers like hers, yet there are several answers JUST like hers. Telling you that the neighbor across the road is a jerk, and to keep you pets and livestock in check. Yet you don't say anything about destroying their car or shooting the neighbor. Hmm... You had also said that the goats were in the yard, you never said they were in a 'facility'.

One thing that freaks me out is thinking about your dog and that goat crossing that country road... I know how fast people drive on country roads.

Bottom line is... control your pets and livestock.

Answer 3

I agree that the animals should be contained, but your neighbor should be checking with the law before shooting any animals. I live in a rural area in Arkansas. No leash laws here. The only permissable reason for shooting a loose animal is if it is killing another animal or attacks a human.

Answer 4

First of all, I agree with the many people that say that you have to control your animals. I don't know why you attacked one particular post by Saph, except that maybe you didn't like that she didn't agree with you.
I like animals, but I still don't want strange animals in my yard (especially goats). I don't think I would threaten to shoot an animal, but then again I am lucky enough to have responsible neighbors that understand that good leashes (like good fences) make good neighbors. I guess that is where that expression comes from, now that I think about it.

*edit* Now that I re-read your post, you animals got across a street. That is actually one of my pet peeves! I was driving down the road one night and saw a dog walking down the other side of the street. I couldn't do anything before the dog was hit by someone coming the other direction. The dog never saw it coming, but I was horrified! If only people would realize that loving an animal means protecting them and providing boundaries. Get your animals under control, please!

Answer 5

While I can't say I like his methods or attitude, I can't imagine how I would react if some strange dog walked into my home! I suggest that you need to realize that while animals are not responsible, you need to be. Get a leash for your dog. Don't let friends (who are visiting) take charge of your animals without making them aware of the situation. If you can't keep the animals in your yard, then call the humane society.

You say you 'rescued' these goats, but I have a hard time imagining that the state would place an animal with you if you do not have proper facilities. Perhaps you should leave the rescuing to others until you are better equipped.

Don't misunderstand, I think that the neighbor sounds pretty bad, but I also think he is provoked (and we all say things when we are mad). Put yourself if his shoes, he is living peacefully, and then Noah moves next door. If he doesn't want your animals in his yard, that IS his right.

Lastly, don't underestimate the damage that a goat can do to someone's property. Tie them up or get the fence fixed. Good luck.

*edit* In response, I was not trying to be rude, but I was trying to make you see another side. I have had animals all of my life (except when leases didn't allow them),but I didn't expect everyone to like them or want them in their house or property. I am sure you mean well, but I still say that until you have facilities (i.e. a fence that will contain them), you may want to consider that not everyone feels as you do.

Answer 6

I would call the police right now and make a report of his threats. I am not sure of the local laws, but the police would be able to tell you what steps to take... legally. I don't think that it would be legal in any state to shoot your animals. But, if you have already made the report, and he does happen to shoot one of your pets, the police will know who did it. In the mean time, I would try and fix the fence, as best possible, and show the police that you are making an attempt to contain your pets.

A neighbor shot one of my dogs not too long ago. She was not killed, but hurt. There was nothing I could do, because there was no way to "prove" who did it. Even though I know where she was, and got a glimpse of who shot her.

Good luck to you, and I would strongly suggest that you call the police right now. Make that report, and try to mend your fence.

Answer 7

Well they are lousy neighbors, but you are required to have control over your "pets" at all times. Rude or not, they are in the right. I'm sorry about your husband's injuries and your nasty neighbors. I'd be sure and keep your precious pets away from them! You'd think an apology and explanation would be enough. Some people are just plain mean! Tell your husband thanks for his service and not to dwell on the bad stuff. Hope you get the fence fixed soon and have a happy life in your new place, with all your wonderful pets!!

Answer 8

Invite 100 friends over for a toga party and light a cross so your neighbors can see. Your neighbors will fix the fence themselves.

Answer 9

check your state "fence laws" but since you're in texas--he probably has the right to shoot your animals if they come on his property. too bad you have to live across from an as*hole. i understand your husband has been injured, but i'm sure ft. hood has an assistance program or can get some soldiers to come out and fix what needs to be fixed. ft. hood is really good about that kind of stuff. my brother was stationed there for 9 years. however, i would keep the police informed every time you have issues with them==just so they are aware should something happen in the future. so sorry you're having problems.

Answer 10

sounds like the neighbor is a jerk
even though a jerk they have the right to expect you to keep control of your pets. get the fence fixed don't give the idiot across the street an excuse to kill your pets. labs and lab mixes are all wonderful dogs and yes very friendly, it is like they have never met a stranger they know and love everyone so do what is needed to keep the dog safe. being in Texas the neighbor probably has the right to kill your pets if they wonder onto his property, hell in Texas he can probably kill them even if they aren't on his property (sorry i digress i was thinking your dog was an undocumented immigrant). good luck and keep that lab safe and at home.