Lillie was attacked.(Kle1986)

Around here if a dog harasses livestock then they are as good as dead. I am not sure on the laws everywhere but I am pretty sure if you have livestock of any sort and these dogs bother it you can legally shoot the dogs if they are on your property. My advice? Get livestock. Heh okay easier said then done.

kle1986

Lillie was so scared to death she wouldnt get up off the ground. I had to pick her up. She has bite wounds to her legs and a nipple almost ripped off.

Poor Lillie!!  I am sure that her body will heal long before her mind does.

kle1986

I grabbed a BB gun and started popping pellets into the other dog's butt.

Good for you!!  I'm glad you had the BB gun ready.  Too bad it isn't legal to aim a few shots at the owners since they are the real problem. 

Sue them in small claims court for double Lillie's purchase price.  double the vet bill, etc.  to the monetary limit of the law.  Have them attach a lien to their property if they dont pay.  I would also considered saving up for fencing a part of the yard as a place for the dogs to be out and protected when you are not with them.

 I would also ambush the dogs with water air horns, hoses and maybe firecrackers when my own dogs were safely away in the house getting nice meaty bones to chew on for distraction.  Some pepper spray might be worth considering as well.

kle1986

So what the heck am I supposed to do if the law wont even do anything?

Are tasers legal in your area? 

You could take them to small claims court for the vet bills.  That might generate a court order to keep the dogs confined.  If you can get several neighbors to join you in the suit, you might get better results.  Not enforcing a court order might get the AC or police in big trouble. 

A less legal method would be to trap one of the dogs, muzzle or tranquilize it, and shave "bad dog" into its fur.  That wouldn't change the situation, but might make you feel better.    

Of course, once you trap a dog, it could be taken to a distant shelter, but then you could get into legal trouble.  Besides the owners would just replace the dogs and the trouble would start all over.

Nothing else I can think of doesn't involve hurting the dog, but if this continues someone is going to wind up doing that.  What is going to happen if a child is holding a kitten? 

For the poop problem would you consider a "Scarecrow" Motion-Activated Sprinkler when you are not outside?  ($60 from Amazon.com)  Of course, turning it off and on would be a pain.  You might not have to use it for long if the dogs learn to avoid it.

http://www.amazon.com/Contech-Electronics-Scarecrow-Motion-Activated-CRO101/dp/B000071NUS/

ETA:  WHen installing use Teflon tape for good seals.  Arrange things so you can turn off the water before approaching the unit or you will get sprayed.

That is outrageous and I completely feel your anger and pain. The Lillies and Kota s of the world are just beautiful souls here to love and make folks happy.

It is like seeing Kate Hudson get slammed by a cage fighter !  Since you obviously have the same back A**ward neighbors and AC that I do let me suggest the following.

Write a letter , make sure it is not inflamatory do not use well deserved statements like loaded gun or killer dogs.... instead try the following

Dear Sir,,

I live in the little house XXdoors down from your property. When I moved into this home I made every effort to make it a safe and pleasant place for my family , child and pets. I have several well behaved pets and a lovely young show dog who are not allowed to roam. I clean up after my animals to prevent waste from attracting flies and other vermin. I take every step to assure my pets are not simply healthy and well trained. But controlled and contained to prevent them from becoming a problem to my neighbors.

Unfortunately this week we had an incident involving one of your dogs.  (INSERT A PHOTO OF THE DOG IN YOUR YARD and ONE AT HIS HOUSE) While I have tried to remain a good neighbor and not create a problem when your dogs run loose and mess in my yard where my child plays and I garden I will no longer be able to turn a blind eye after the attack by YOUR dog(s)    (give description, as detailed as possible again with photos if possible) on my purebred show dog.  ( Photos of Lillie stacking and post attack photos)  YOUR dog came into my yard and while trying to kill a small cat settled for attacking my  dog and much loved family pet.   Thankfully I was able with the help of another pet to drive off your unleashed, uncontrolled animal.

Enclosed please find a copy of the vet bill .  I am submitting copies of this letter to the Sheriff Department, Animal Control and Local Paper and Television Stations.  I expect compensation for the bills and damages caused by your animal.  I also expect that you will begin to control your animal immediately. Should you ignore this attempt at collecting for the damages caused by your neglect I will begin action to recoup the veterinary cost through small claims court and if need be bring a civil action against you for creating a dangerous nuisence and  improperly caring for  and containing of  your dog (s).  Should your animal(s) continue to trespass on my property I will arrange for the humane trapping of it/them  and have the proper authorities remove it/them,  creating further cost to you in recovery and projected fines for allowing your animal to run at large. While I hate that these actions are deemed necessary, I will not stand back allowing a valuable dog to be damaged and potentially ruined . And more importantly after speaking with neighbors and learning of your animal's bite history it is apparent that  my child and  guests at my home are now at risk any time your dogs are allowed to run uncontrolled . Future animal waste left in my yard by your dogs will be reported to the town council ,ac and any other department with authority to insure your managing and caring for your pets in a way that does not infringe upon my legal right to safely and comfortably enjoy my home and yard.

With copies of this letter on file with the correct agencies and publications your animal will either be corrected and controlled and  my vet bills paid in full in a timely fashion or upon any future incident a law suit will be pressed in a higher court for criminal negligence.

I would have  preferred  an amicable resolution to this problem,  however seeing your dogs continue to run free indicates your unwillingness to exert a responsible level of care for them.

Sincerely....

 Sometimes all it takes is a blanket effort, an undeniable paper trail that will alert authorities they are both on notice and one the hook is this escalates into a child or human being bitten or , another pet being injured or killed .  Small things like the mention of the animal waste left uncorrected gives leverage to any official body looking for a way to correct a situation that may start out as a pain, but is potentially dangerous. Once a paper trail begins, insurance agencies, rental companies even landlords are not happy to continue the presence of animals who are fighting and running free.

Please keep all of us posted.... and give Lillie lots of hugs and nose bumps from Kota who is still seeing a behaviorist in hopes he will not become DA after his attack.

If nothing else this may assure you , that you are in the right to have right to  the normal and resonable enjoyment of your home and yard.

Bonita of Bwana

Wow, Bonita, what a calm rational letter!  I'd never be able to be that coherent!  Well said!

If that doesn't work and cops and AC won't do anything, ask your neighbors if they'd be willing to testify in a criminal case, contact your county attorney's office and find out if you can swear out a complaint to a magistrate.  Research the laws in your state about roaming dogs and dog attacks because they likely won't want to help you, but these days, most states do have statutes about dog attacks and even if AC doesn't want to pursue the case, if a warrant is sworn to a magistrate, the case must be heard, even if the CAs roll their eyes and think it's a big pain.  Take LOTS of pictures, get all your documents together about Lillie's cost, show potential, etc. and all of the vet bills.  Photograph the dogs EVERY SINGLE TIME they're in your yard and document the date.

Good luck, that totally sucks.  Roaming dogs are the reason I carry a hiking stick with the protective end cover REMOVED.  I've never had to use it, but if a loose dog with no owner around is attacking my dog, all bets are off.   

This is how ridicules the law is here. My friend,the one who's parents own the dogs, had to call the police on her dad Sunday. She had a couple friends over the night before that stayed the night. Well her dad came up there and told her that "the trash" needed to leave. The he proceeded to tell her guy friend to leave now. Everyone went outside(kids were still asleep) where the dad took a gun out and pointed it at her guy friend!! They exchanged a few words and the dad shot the guy's tire. Well my friend's husband was at his parents for a few minutes and came home when she called him. They called the law. The law talked the guy out of pressing charges if the dad agreed to go out that minute and buy a new tire. That is our law here. They wouldnt even do anything about the dad pointing the gun at the guy's face.

The vet said Lillie will be fine. Just sore for a couple days. Got to keep the bites cleaned and medicated so they dont get infected.

Lillie wasnt afraid of dogs until now. I tried to take her for her morning walk and when we went past a house that had a dog she just fell down on the ground curled up in a ball.  I got her up after a few seconds and we continued on our walk. What do I do to get her back to her old self? She wouldnt even go running ahead or anything with Cheyanne like she usually does. She just stayed by my side with her head down and tail between her legs.

The kitten is fine. The dogs didnt get him. Once they were on Lillie they forgot about him.Plus Cheyanne was on them in 2 seconds fighting them off Lillie.

We was gonna put up a fence with the money everyone got from the government but we had to fix cars instead. So the fence will have to wait till we file taxes again.

I have been calling the dogs owners but they wont answer. I walked up there too but they wouldnt come out. I dont know why. I dont think they know their dogs beat up Lillie. 

janet_rose

For the poop problem would you consider a "Scarecrow" Motion-Activated Sprinkler when you are not outside?  ($60 from Amazon.com)  Of course, turning it off and on would be a pain.  You might not have to use it for long if the dogs learn to avoid it.

http://www.amazon.com/Contech-Electronics-Scarecrow-Motion-Activated-CRO101/dp/B000071NUS/

ETA:  WHen installing use Teflon tape for good seals.  Arrange things so you can turn off the water before approaching the unit or you will get sprayed.

I will be ordering that!!! Whoohoo I get a discount too. JJ works at Amazon. 

Hehe I can already see Samantha getting sprayed. 

Oh wow, i'm so sorry! I am glad Lillie wasn't hurt badly. I have no better advice than you've already been given. Good luck! 

That is terrible. It makes my blood boil. And even scarier that the owner has a temper and a gun. Wow. I am so so sorry you have to deal with this.

Small claims court (and a sprinkler!) may be the only way to go as the police in your area are USELESS.

The other option I might consider is not strictly a legal one. I am normally not one to go around the law, but law enforcement is not doing its job and you and your family are in serious danger. What happens if Samantha is the one who gets ripped open? I am a mama bear about my child.

Tranqulized meat, a long car ride, and a high kill shelter. And not a word to anyone, as your neighbor is as scary as his dogs. Ick. I hate that I even think that's a reasonable option. Your police and AC are so useless I could scream.
 

I know this won't make a difference for your friend's friend but people should know that the cops do not decide what gets filed and what doesn't.  Even if they try to pressure you out of pressing charges, most states have a magistrate system where you appear on your own and swear out a complaint.  At a minimum, the dad should be charged with brandishing a weapon and destruction of property.  Here in VA, a conviction on brandishing means NO MORE GUNS FOR YOU BUDDY!     Geez, what a bunch of friggin' losers!!!

I know you can't afford a conventional fence, but I wonder what an electric fence would cost?  The kind they use for livestock and horses.  Maybe you could train your dogs not to go near it (a couple little zaps would teach them quickly too, I'm sure) and then you could turn it on when your dogs are out and the other dogs couldn't get to them.  Might be a solution if it's not too expensive.

Good luck, sorry you have to deal with this! 

kle1986

I have been calling the dogs owners but they wont answer. I walked up there too but they wouldnt come out. I dont know why. I dont think they know their dogs beat up Lillie. 

I would NOT bet they "don't know..... My gut says they do and are hoping if you are ignored you will eventually drop it and move along like everyone else has had to do...

TAKE PICTURES TODAY.... CLose up, every bite, puncture, scrape.....   Photograph these dogs everytime they wander into your year. Call the cops EVERYTIME they come into your yard.

Your budget sounds like mine.... I want to do this buuuuut the dang car, fridge,  dog ate something,  lightening hit the house, etc, etc, etc

WE...You and I are not the folks with money to spend paying for the bad acts of others. They owe you for every dime you have to spend on Lillie's care.  I don't care if you got off eay and it was only $20.00  surely You have more important things to spend that $20,00 on than an ignorant neighbor??

REGISTERED  CERTIFIED LETTERS..... if not picked up then PAY for them to be served a SUMMONS.  Any of your friends can do it, or off duty deputies  You do not want to wait until a Person , a child a visitor is hurt, maybe trying to scoop up one of the sray kittens these dogs like to hurt... then YOU are part of the neglectful pattern. Their attny can then say  YOU knew there was a danger and did NOTHING.  

PLease , please, please take the precautions to establish a paper trail NOW, one that verifies YOU have protested and notified all of the correct people ....this keeps your home owners or renter's insurance  from being Tapped to pay for the injuries , pain and suffering that a meter man will hit you with !!  Believe me Insurance companies, landlords and rental agents DO NOT want to deal with court cases that were prevetable.

  make sure YOU are on the right side of a law suite because you thought ahead and DOCUMENTED everything... I am sure Charles Manson's family would like to say , "Gee we knew he was weird with no respect for authority, and he was such a leader...who knew ??"

Bonita of Bwana