Alicia Loc: NYC

Looks like I'll be shopping for a gun. Yesterday, my neighbor and her daughter called me on the phone and requested I see them on my front porch. When I arrived, they were standing a bit of a distance (not within the length of one lunge) and advised me that one of their dogs had k**led my cat. It was in my own back yard. They apologized. I was left to pick up the corpse and place it in a box for disposal.

When they first moved in their dogs began attempting to break through the fence (it is rather old) and had cleared spaces large enough for them to squeeze through. I mentioned that they should report the fence to their landlord. They told me he was ill and I decided to wait for a short period of time. In the meantime, I covered the holes with tires and planting sheets from my side. I offered them some wire fencing I had laying around. Nothing was done and the dogs created more holes in our communal fence. After the death of the cat they accepted the fencing and sort of put it up on their side.

This afternoon I heard barking with big dog voices (my other neighbor has little dogs and I am used to their yapping sounds) but these came from large dogs. I decided to look out my back door and noted that they had one of my cats treed. I attempted to shoo them away and they began barking and lunging at me. Needless to say, I shut the door and called 911. The call was made about 2PM and it it now 4:30 and still no police. I did receive a call that advised me that someone was going to pick up the cat corpse. Still nothing.

I did go out the front door and knocked on the owners door telling them what had happened. They accused me of yelling and were quite upset that I would call 911. They then went into their backyard and retrieved their dogs.

Yesterday, while looking for a box to place my MonCher in for burial, I noticed that "things" had been moved around in the outside shed including one large animal carrier. Although I can't be sure, I noted there was something in the carrier which was half off the shelf. I believe it is another of my cats who ran into the shed for protection and, in his hysteria, knocked over some boxes including the carrier. I plan to use the person who comes to pick up MonCher's corpse to move things so as to look in the carrier. I am almost convinced that its contents contain the other cat who has been missing for three days. I'll find out soon.

OK. I'm looking for some type of shooting implement. I don't want to have an actual gun around the house and wonder if anyone can give me advice on an air weapon (preferably hand-held). that is capable of handling these dogs. I am not concerned if it is necessary to k**l them. Aside from my cats, I don't appreciate my life threatened by neighbors dogs. The daughter did, with some p***e, state that one of their dogs would easily be able to jump the six-foot fence between the properties. I'm sure my little Daisy BB rifle will not be sufficient.

Hemiman Loc: Communist California

Sorry too hear about your cats,I hope the other one has just run off and not in the shed as you think it may be.

Boo_Boo Loc: Jellystone

I am sorry to hear of your problems. I too own cats; or more correct they own me (and a few other critters) and it is heartbreaking to loose one. I have found the fire engine hose (I attached pix) works real good on invading animals. Turn it full blast onto the dogs when they appear in your yard and every time they appear. If you can keep your cats inside for a week or so, fix up your fence using hot peppers, barbwire, scorpion stick sheets, and alum. None will cause permanent harm to the dogs, but will make them think twice before they enter your yard. And one last diversion, electrify the fence... dampen the ground around the fence and turn it on..... a good shock or two is a harsh lesson but not lethal. And if the neighbors complain to you, tell them that cities and even in the burbs, there are leash laws that require the owner of dogs to have total control of their animals outside (which includes their yard) their homes at ALL times. And let them know, the same law does not apply to cats anyplace in the USA. And about them catnapping, I suggest you call the police and have them check the property. It is your right and responsibility to your cat to ensure its safety and being caged is not safe! I pray that you do not loose another furry baby!

AuntiE Loc: 45th Least Free State

Go to a local gun store. Tell them you do not want a "gun" but ask what is available you can use. Gun store owners, usually, keep up with other types of things for protection.

Are tasers legal for private ownership in Texas?

I have something else in mind; however, have to do a little research.

Research complete. Check out Amazon or Walmart.com and buy yourself a Super Soaker Water gun. Buy some cayenne pepper, mix with water in the Super Soaker Water gun and aim for the dog's eyes or nose. After a couple of shots of such, they may never come on your property again.

In point of fact, those who wish not to own a gun could utilize this as a home safety measure. Keep it loaded, with pepper water, and at the ready.

wuzblynd Loc: thomson georgia

Cabelas has a pepper spray that will turn a charging grizzly bear. I have dangerous dogs, and I can testify, it only takes once!

Alicia Loc: NYC

**********
Thanks, AuntiE. I will check out the Soaker water gun. It sounds perfect. I did speak with police who told me all I can do when the dogs lunge at me upon opening my door is to go inside. In the meantime, my cat is up the tree - and you know how cats can become hysterical and might do something stupid. I don't need to lose another.

I have lost cats in the past through street crossing but this time, rather than just feeling depressed, after coming in the house, I began to sob. I feel such anger and loss.

I was told by the police that I was not even allowed to keep a pointed pole (I had it in mind to sharpen the end of my rake). I'll also check into a pepper spray. I don't understand why we are able to protect ourselves from humans but not from dogs. Someone once told me about keeping wasp spray as it is further reaching. Looks as if I'll take to keeping one at each door.

I plan to carry this further by visiting Animal Control and seeing what they can do about it. I have found that, not all, but some dog owners take p***e in destructive tendencies (so long as it is not destroying their own belongings). I think my neighbors were ridiculous by telling me that their dogs would not harm anyone. I've already had proof. I have had dogs but, even though mine were protective (by showing their teeth and growling) none of them would attack.

AuntiE Loc: 45th Least Free State

You may need to use carry the soaker when on your front porch.



They perceive dogs are man's best friend. Such is not true with owners like your neighbor's.



Nix the idea of wasp spray. It could be considered a poison and bring trouble from Animal Control stick with pepper spray and the cayenne pepper water.



By visiting and talking with Animal Control you have a record of trying to utilize appropriate methods of dealing with the issue. Hopefully, if anything else occurs, it will be in your favor by your taking this action.



Those type people are bullies and use their dogs to do the bullying. :hunf: :thumbdown:

Alicia Loc: NYC

**************
One can tell who are the bullies - even among the females. The neighbor and her daughter, (at least I heard the younger one), rather than calling the dogs in, scream at them to obey. This is definitely a tip-off as to how the animals are being raised They are not trained; they are ordered! I also see no reason for a single-family home, in town, to feel the necessity to have three dogs. Evidently they have fears most people don't carry.

To add to that, until I came to their front door, they didn't know that their dogs were out back. Where did they think the barking came from?

archie bunker Loc: Texas

Alicia, I'm so sorry to hear about your cat! I think AuntiE probably has the right idea for you. One thing to add, though. If you boil the cayenne pepper in water for a minute, it works better.

Alicia Loc: NYC

***********
Thanks. I'll try that.

Alicia Loc: NYC

***************
Pennylynn, Thanks for your condolences but I think electrifying the fence is a bit too much. It is a 6-ft. wooden fence and the dogs have been scraping and chewing holes in it. It needs replacement but the property management just doesn't get around to doing it as well as the landlord of the property next door.

I plan to visit Animal Control and file a complaint. The police were quite informative and said they would include everything I told them in their report. I also plan to take photos of the existing fence. That should accomplish something. ;) :thumbup: :thumbup:

Coos Bay Tom Loc: coos bay oregon

I had a hole neighbors next to me for 8 years till they moved. They had 4 completely out of control dogs. They chased kids Cornered an old woman at her mail box k**led the neighborhood cats k**led chickens en mass. Took down a r****ded kid and tore him up and continually got away with it. One evening as I was lighting my BBQ I saw them on the street. A very oversize Golden retriever a large Australian shepard and a Basset hound mix. I went out in my drive way and yelled at them to get back in their yard. Those dogs looked at me like "Oh Yeah" Fuck you buddy and they charged me. I could not run or they would have hamstrung me. I had to stand my ground. I beat them with my fists and it did not hurt them. They circled me like I was an Elk. One would try to distract me while another lunged in for a bite. My wife was on the porch screaming the neighbors came out. Finally after a few minutes the neighbor kid called his dogs off.. The cop that came told me I could k**l the dogs if I was attacked. I put a sharp tined pitchfork by my gate with the intent of using it. I never got the chance because early the next morning they spirited the dogs out of the county. I did get their landlord to finally evict them.. I got the job of cleaning up the destroyed and filthy house they left behind but that is another story. You Can K**l the dogs.

Alicia Loc: NYC

**************
The police nixed my idea of sharpening the handle of my rake. I had no intention of coming after them but certainly did not appreciate them facing me just outside my back door. At the policeman's suggestion that I just shut the door and remain inside, I raised my voice and told them I would hold the pointed handle so it faced them.

Well, I guess this ends my attempt to make friendly neighbors. I will keep a lookout for my car as they were pretty mad that I called the police. Although they were in and their car was in the drive, they would not answer the door for the police.

I will discover a method to contact their landlord and explain the situation to him. He was aware that the fence needed replacing but I don't believe he came around to actually see the additional damage the dogs had done. I expect there will be a new fence there shortly but I am still concerned about the dog the neighbors assured me could jump the fence.

I've had dogs running through my back yard before but I could easily shoo them away. One even had dug a hole beneath another fence for an escape route. I considered this situation to be threatening. I'd like to have the dogs taken from those people as they are truly stupid, as well as lazy and no dog should be in their company. By the way, one of them is BIG pit bull and is still a puppy but larger than the full-grown dog that accompanied him.

S. Maturin

Regrets.

I have four 'working' cats for the barns & hangar (semi-feral, except for the big black male, Jake).. I would be furious if one of the neighbor's dogs- or any dog for that matter- k**led either of them.

We have roughly $200/cat invested, we have leash laws... there would be repercussions.

America Only Loc: From the right hand of God

You know I may really not like you at all...but..you do not deserve to have a neighbor abuse your animals nor make you feel like you are not safe in your own yard.

You may have to get really "tuff" and make your neighbor think you are far more dangerous then the dogs nor anyone they ever have known. DO IT! Why? They will be afraid of you and steer clear.

The bear spray is the best bet other than to buy a 20 gauge shot gun...now you could handle the 20 gauge it does not have much recoil. The bear spray is NOT like the dinky things you see most people have...it FLOODS the air with a large stream of spray...be careful you are not standing down wind....bad news if you are.

If all else fails, well keep us updated...we can always gang up on your local enforcement agency to get off their rear ends and do something for you.

Oh yea...not hard for me to PUBLICALLY say this...I am sincerely sorry for any harsh posts I have tossed at you. Any and all of them.