All Hens killed by Dog

[gwright6]

I had 2 speckled Sussex 26 months, 2 easter eggers 5 years old, three 26 month barred rocks. Neighbors dog has repeatedly dug under my fence past year and a half to run on my property and I have warned him to control them. I warned him of my livestock. His dogs came on my property and I was alerted by security cam. I texted him to get them and he couldn't find them he said. Then I got horrible alerts from the coop security cam of his Husky killing my hens in their coop. The dog ripped off the side of the run (1/4 inch hardware cloth secured by industrial staples and a board and got in. Then shoved through the automatic door and got into the coop. The coop and run have been proof against racoons, bobcats, coyotes, and a fox for 5 years. It was secure we thought. It has 18 inches of hardware cloth dug out from the concrete barrier at the edges.
The Sheriff came and reported an event. Humane law enforcement came. I am to contact them in 2 days. She termed the dogs a "public nuisance" which I think will result in restrictions on him and how he confines them. I have pictures of everything, even, unfortunately very clear photos of his Husky killing them all.
I am starting to get past the shock, horror, and rage, and just crying and waking up at night and trying to organize my mind what action to take.
I am making a list of damages to give to my lawyer and will purse the dog owner in small claims court.
If anyone can think of anything to add to damages or any experience that will help please let me know. I am in southern CA, and we have fairly strict laws about this, especially when it includes killing to livestock, which includes chickens.
By the way, the dog just killed them and went off and left them laying in a pile.
I am so, so angry and so sad. My husband loved them, too. He built the coop and run and put his back into making them safe and comfortable. One irresponsible person caused this. It did not have to happen.
I am thinking no more chickens. Then I am thinking put in a barrier with electrical wire. That dog will come back, I think

 

[gwright6]

Probably not feasible, but you might think about relocating to a state that has reasonable gun laws. It's gonna get nothing but worse. Soon it may be people breaching your home to steal your chickens.

 

[McChooky]

If you have lots of neighbors you probably have a lot of dogs living close to you that could kill your chickens if they ever get out .It just takes once.My advise to anyone raising chickens is be prepared for the worst and build safe pens to protect them when you're gone

 

[Plaid Dad]

In the last 6 months the neighbor's dogs have killed 10 hens, 1 rooster, and our barn cat. I couldn't figure out what was killing them until this past Sunday when we witnessed it actually happen. I told the neighbor that if I see his dogs on my property again, they'll be shot.

I will take no pleasure in killing the dogs since it's really the neighbor that I'm pissed at but it seems that I've run out of options.

 

[WhiskeyTheRedd]

Kill the dog. That's it. Dont wait. If you see it again near your coop, SHOOT it. there is no room in a community for a violent, killing animal. NOW its just your chickens Still horrible. Next it will be the kids, or an elder.

There's absolutely no pleasure in killing an animal but it HAS to be done to protect not just your livestock but all of the community. Ive had to shoot many many dogs and even cats because their owner refuses to control them! I would also sue the owner as soon as possible!

 

[Squidward]

Leash laws here state that any dog attacking livestock or people - except cats or dogs - may be summarily put down by the property owner. I carry at all times on my property and response time is short.

 

[Squidward]

We have pretty strong laws and my lawyer just sent him the letter. That is how I am going to handle it now because he does not keep them confined.
One last thing I thought of, and this is important:
I was on the phone with sheriff dispatch as we arrived home and I told her I was going down to the coop hoping for a survivor. She told me not to go and that when dogs are killing they can attack a human coming on the scene. The officers arrived shortly after.

I wouldn't go alone. Mr. Glock is always by my side.

 

[WhiskeyTheRedd]

thankfully laws where i live permit us to kill and or maim ANY predator, besides Eagles and state protected birds like endangered owls, we aren't allowed to use any kind of trap that isnt a cage. other than that the sheriff and animal control have actually told us to shoot the dogs on our property

 

[Squidward]

thankfully laws where i live permit us to kill and or maim ANY predator, besides Eagles and state protected birds like endangered owls, we aren't allowed to use any kind of trap that isnt a cage. other than that the sheriff and animal control have actually told us to shoot the dogs on our property

Pretty much the same here. Our leash laws state any animal attacking livestock, except dogs and cats, can be shot. I had a raccoon problem with my chickens a couple years ago and I would trap and shoot them. I've not seen a raccoon for some time now. Seems the message got out.

 

[fuzzi]

Pretty much the same here. Our leash laws state any animal attacking livestock, except dogs and cats, can be shot. I had a raccoon problem with my chickens a couple years ago and I would trap and shoot them. I've not seen a raccoon for some time now. Seems the message got out.

So, what can you do about cats and dogs attacking your livestock?