These idiots are trying to say I harmed their livestock!?

Question

My neighbors have lots of livestock running loose in a pasture that runs along my property. They actually only put up a fence 3/4 of the way around the pasture and were using the fence that I had put up on my property as a boundary on that fourth side. I have livestock myself and I also have an electric fence that goes all the way around my pasture. My animals learned quickly not to lean on the fence but his doesnt get it and keep getting shocked. I have touched the fence myself and I know that it isnt that bad. One of his goats was found on the fence line last week and it was dead. He claims that it was my fault that it died because of the electric fence. I was doing him a favor by letting him use part of my fence as a border so he didnt have to pay to have his own fence put all the way around his property. And the fence is on MY property. In fact is is more than 10 feet inside of my property line which means that he is also using not just my fence but part of my land. What do you think of the situation. I dont think I am responsible because he knew long before he ever got any livestock that I had an electric fence and we even discussed it again when he asked about using my fence.

Answer 1

your neighbor is just being a douchebag. you did nothing wrong. i wouldnt even worry about it. theres no legal retaliation he could get. but i'd keep a close eye on him now that you know he is capable of this kind of behavior.

Answer 2

If he was so worried about the electric fence then he should have done something about it, if he can put a fence round 3/4 of the field then why not the 4th part.  My mum kept goats and I know that they are very tough.  An animal can sense the danger from the static and noise of an electric fence and I'm pretty sure it wouldn't launch itself at it.  Sounds to me like it was just his excuse for his poor animal keeping.  I agree with getting someone to check the fence as protection for yourself. Ask him if he has had a autopsy on the goat and welcome him to provide you with the outcome.  He sounds possibly like he could be a trouble maker and you should maybe look into the rules and regulations of electric fences as well as anything else he may try and accuse you of.  Get the upper hand then relax. Good luck.    

Answer 3

If he knew you had an electric fence and did nothing to protect his animals he is more at fault then you.

Answer 4

If you ask me he is just being an @ss. You were nice enough to let him use your fence then he is gonna do you like that? Its not right. You didnt do anything wrong and I wouldnt worry about it. Its his problem. I have neighbors like that and I feel for you.

Answer 5

If he makes a big issue, demand that the animal be autopsied if it's body is still available. I have electric fence myself and it will not harm an animal. In some states there is a fence law. In Wisconsin: In the case of two abutting properties, No matter who owns the animals, both party's are responsible for half the cost of the fence. Move your fence to your property line. The owner cannot make an issue of this because he knowingly allowed HIS animals onto YOUR property.You need to consult someone and make sure that your fence is operating properly. (Just to cover yourself) If your fence is operating properly then you have no liability, it is the owners job to be responsible for the care and safety of his animals.  

Answer 6

YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT! IF HE KNEW FROM THE BEGINNING THAT YOU HAD AN ELECTRIC FENCE, WHY WASNT HE WORRIED ABOUT IT THEN? I'LL TELL YOU WHY...BECAUSE HES CHEAP! HE KNEW IT WOULD COST HIM MORE IN FENCING MATERIALS THAN IT WOULD TO REPLACE A $40 GOAT.

Answer 7

it is his fault if the goat died cuz he SHOULD have his own fence up so his livestock dont go running everywhere. wat if they got hit by a car or suttin? thats not the drivers fault that they were loose. and plus they were loose on YOUR property its ur property u can put wat u want on it.  he shud just get a fence....

Answer 8

I agree. He is an idiot. If he has a problem tell him to run a fence along his property line.