Do I have a right to shoot a dog if it attacking my chickens?

Question

Do I have a right to shoot a dog if it attacking my chickens? If the dogs enter my yard and chase my chickens down where their missing a lot of feathers and bleeding I have a right as a pet owner of chickens to protect them right? I used a bebe gun to shoot them away if you want to know and it wouldn't kill them, but I want to know if I have a right in shooting them to protect them.

Answer 1

You cannot kill them but create a better defence for the chickens.

Use a dog whistle which only they can hear when ever they are around or get them impounded.

Answer 2

I would say you may have to put the dog down, once it tasted blood, you will never have chickens left.  We had to put down our dog because it kept going after the neighbors calves.

Neighbor at work shot the dog across the street because it was chasing down his small sheep and killing them.

Answer 3

No its animal cruelty the dog doesnt know any better get a fence or somethin

Answer 4

The way to go about this with out getting in trouble is to first report it to the local sheriff or other local law enforcement or animal control, make sure they make a record of this and ask them what should be done.  Also make sure you have proof...yeah sad to say you may have to take pictures and such.  The other human method is a decent sized live trap.  This can be baited and will catch the chicken culprit and maybe a few wild one around your place.  The animal then can be taken to a shelter if it is a domestic dog or cat and be destroyed in a way that will keep the human society off your back.  If it is a wild animal like a coyote you can dispose of it yourself, because in my area coyote season is open year round.

Answer 5

You may want to check your local regs since they vary but *generally* a livestock owner has the right to shoot (and kill) any dog on their property and does not have the obligation to prove that the animal was actually harrassing the animals.

Of course, this does not prevent an angry neighbor from seeking retaliation for harming his beloved 'fifi' (who, of course, would never hurt a fly). Generally, most farmers adhere to the adage of shoot, shovel and shut up. This eliminates the problem permanently and avoids nasty neighborhood battles.  Your mileage may vary.