[jhein]

OK, so I'm going to make a statement to the people critical of my actions.

You all seem very concerned about the marauding, wild, dangerous animals that are constantly attacking my dogs and me but yet you show no concern for my innocent dogs, or me. Why is that?

How can you not recognize my right to peacefully exist on my property without being constantly attacked by these animals? WTF is wrong with you?

[VCho455]

In my previous life as a logger it was a common practice to shoot any dog that we saw running free in the woods. Dogs running loose in the woods will run wild animals to death just for the fun of it. It's disgusting to watch a pack of dogs run down a deer then leave it to die with it's guts hanging out. Rarely do these "pets" even eat any of the animals they bring down as their owner’s keep them well fed.

[jhein]

Quick update here. No more fence fights. The worst has been a couple times they've come within 10 feet or so, then they retreat. Huge improvement that I could totally live with. I haven't gotten the additional fence installed yet because when I ordered it I accidentally only got one unit (100") and I need 4 units. But, everything is so much better that it's a bit less urgent now. I'll still do it but the pressure is off and I've got no shortage of other tasks.

[Jonsie]

Glad it's working out for ya

[78w72]

At least you were another statistic like this poor lady....

https://www.foxnews.com/us/florida-w...harged-killing

[PAUL K]

What a PIA

[jhein]

Originally Posted by 78w72

At least you were another statistic like this poor lady....

https://www.foxnews.com/us/florida-w...harged-killing

That story is very sad but it makes some very important points. First, calling the authorities does not easily solve these kinds of problems. Next, how did these neighbors put up with this for so long? The dogs had already attacked at least two people. Next, I never leave my house unarmed. Next, why didn't anyone come out and shoot those dogs? Next her partner came out with a knife? Well, I guess "it's the thought that counts". Next, he was on the 911 call for 8 minutes for a dog mauling and no help came? The whole thing is messed up. The police and government will not protect you. If you don't take some responsibility for you're own self defense, you're just begging to be a victim.. Even if she just had some bear spray she may have survived. And what a horrible way to die with her partner standing there helpless. Very sad.

[johnta1]

It is Florida.

[jhein]

Originally Posted by johnta1

It is Florida.

Why, what's up with FL? This looks like it was maybe not in the in the greatest of neighborhoods, but bad areas exist in every state, I think?

Edit: well, sure enough, FL is number 2 behind CA for the most dogs bites and fatal dog attacks. But it looks like those are total numbers, not per capita so may be misleading.

[78w72]

Originally Posted by 78w72

At least you were another statistic like this poor lady....

https://www.foxnews.com/us/florida-w...harged-killing

Typo... supposed to be "weren't....

[jhein]

Originally Posted by 78w72

Typo... supposed to be "weren't....

That's what I figured.

[hurryinhoosier62]

Originally Posted by jhein

No, no, not like that. I used a CO2 powered launcher. It's like a paintball gun. Similar to a Byrna launcher. It's .68 caliber and it can launch solid nylon, pepper or other rounds at around 350fps.

The reason I resorted to this is because these two dogs (both bullmastiffs), relentlessly harass me and my dogs. The female is very aggressive and once broke into my property and had a scuffle with my female who chased her away. Then, before I could get my fence fixed, she came in and charged me. I sprayed her with pepper spray and she ran. Since those events, they became much more aggressive. I fixed the damage to my fence so they can't get in anymore (for now). But, they still charge up to the fence nearly every time we're out there.. Not only is it very annoying, but it's dangerous. Even though they can't get in, "fence fighting" is still dangerous. My dogs are Rottweilers and they don't have a fight or flight response, it's just strictly the fight part. My male got a laceration to the inside of his lip once already.

Initially, I started using bear spray. That worked temporarily the first time I sprayed the female. But after that, they became very cagey. They stay back out of range when I'm at the fence.

So all that has led to the air pistol. This morning I hit them each in the side of the chest, one round each with solid nylon balls. Neither of them yelped but they both turned and ran when hit. Normally after I try to spray them, they come back after a couple minutes. This time they stayed away, so we'll see. The next level will be be pepper rounds. If that doesn't work, then I'm considering installing another line of fence 20-30 feet back from my fence line and would run about 400 feet long. That would not be on my property. It's privately owned timber land. So that's probably illegal. Problems...

Is your state a range law state? If so, you can LEGALLY take these nuisance dogs with a firearm. One caveat: you have to contact the owner before putting the dogs down. My Uncle Bud carried a .30/30 in his truck for this purpose when he raised beef cattle. The first time he found the dog or dogs chasing his cattle he would take the dog or dogs home, then tell the owners what would happen if he found the dog or dogs in his pastures again; the second time he returned the collar from the dog or dogs. Here in Indiana it is perfectly LEGAL. I love dogs; Bud loved dogs, but he wasn’t going to lose thousands of dollars because he had neighbor or two who weren’t bright enough to keep their dogs on their property.

[jhein]

Originally Posted by hurryinhoosier62

Is your state a range law state? If so, you can LEGALLY take these nuisance dogs with a firearm. One caveat: you have to contact the owner before putting the dogs down. My Uncle Bud carried a .30/30 in his truck for this purpose when he raised beef cattle. The first time he found the dog or dogs chasing his cattle he would take the dog or dogs home, then tell the owners what would happen if he found the dog or dogs in his pastures again; the second time he returned the collar from the dog or dogs. Here in Indiana it is perfectly LEGAL. I love dogs; Bud loved dogs, but he wasn’t going to lose thousands of dollars because he had neighbor or two who weren’t bright enough to keep their dogs on their property.

In my state, if you have livestock that are being harassed or attacked by roaming dogs, it's legal to shoot them. However, here dogs are not considered livestock as they are in some other states. We do have chickens which are considered livestock here, but these dogs have not bothered the chickens.

Edit: while dogs are not considered livestock here, it is still legal to use lethal force on a dog to protect your dog if it is being attacked.

The good news is that the problem appears to be resolved. I can go many days now with no hint of them whatsoever whereas previously I was being harassed multiple times per day. And now, rarely, when they do approach they won't come up to the fence. They stay back and bark for a few seconds then run off.

Also, just so people know, my dogs are indoor dogs. They live in our house. They only go outside when I'm out there with them. We usually walk the property (6 acres) 4-5 times a day and they are always supervised. So I know everything that goes on out there.

[West Coast GTO]

Not trying to be John Rambo here BUT you have the right and responsibility to protect you and yours; that includes your dogs. Anything less is hoping " authorities" can get on site to help. If your neighbor doesn't care about their animals, then you shouldn't either.

Originally Posted by jhein

That story is very sad but it makes some very important points. First, calling the authorities does not easily solve these kinds of problems. Next, how did these neighbors put up with this for so long? The dogs had already attacked at least two people. Next, I never leave my house unarmed. Next, why didn't anyone come out and shoot those dogs? Next her partner came out with a knife? Well, I guess "it's the thought that counts". Next, he was on the 911 call for 8 minutes for a dog mauling and no help came? The whole thing is messed up. The police and government will not protect you. If you don't take some responsibility for you're own self defense, you're just begging to be a victim.. Even if she just had some bear spray she may have survived. And what a horrible way to die with her partner standing there helpless. Very sad.

[jhein]

Originally Posted by West Coast GTO

... you have the right and responsibility to protect you and yours...

That's what I believe. It's not just a right. It's a responsibility. Nobody else is going to do it for you. Just ask the woman who was killed by two dogs while people (including her partner) stood by and did nothing.

[johnta1]

Hmm .....
Maybe your neighbor reads these forums?

[jhein]

Originally Posted by johnta1

Hmm .....
Maybe your neighbor reads these forums?

LOL.

[nas t eh]

Originally Posted by johnta1

Hmm .....
Maybe your neighbor reads these forums?

He doesn’t sound smart enough to check in here.