Dogs Harrassing my Horses

[Pecos]

My apologies for not searching for this topic. I only have a data plan and it is SLOW.

Neighbor has three Australian Cattle Dogs that run loose. They do not act very socialized and have shown aggression towards me multiple times when I’m checking the mailbox. I’m not the only neighbor who has had this issue with these dogs.

These dogs are coming into my pasture and barn and harassing my horses. Both horses are retirees and have free access in and out of their stalls.

The neighbors do not care that dogs behave this way and despite having dog proof fencing around their entire propert (5 acres), allow the dogs to run loose. Yes, a polite conversation took place about the issues.

Considered getting a donkey until I saw these dogs turn and chase the donkeys (3) behind my place. Donkeys were defending their cows.

I plan on adding a couple of low strands of electric fencing to discourage these dogs. Any other suggestions?

[Palm_Beach]

Call Animal Control. And if the dogs are harassing your livestock, you can probably shoot them, although I am not an advocate of this.

[Highflyer]

Call animal control.

[Pecos]

Animal control is handled by the Sherrif’s Department. I wish we did have a County Animal Control.

Not a fan of shooting at the dogs either.

[Guilherme]

Call AC. That’s your tax dollars at work.

In TN if a dog is actively harassing livestock then you may shoot it. If it isn’t and you do you’re subject to being charged with animal cruelty and vandalism.

Ditto if a dog is actively threatening you or another.

If you can trap the dogs on your property you can call AC to come and collect them. That means the owner will have to pony up up to $100 (ea.; around here) to get the dog(s) back.

The breed involved was bred to herd, IIRC. What you’re likely seeing is the natural behavior of that breed. Shame on the owners for keeping a dog like that without something upon which to exercise its instincts.

Work through the authorities as much as you can. Save “capital punishment” for the extreme case of intervention NOW to prevent immediate injury to the stock.

G.

[jdobbs64]

You can’t do much about an unemployed cattle dog. They work, it’s what they do.

Electric fence likely will not have any effect- they’ll zoom right through it and with all that hair, never feel a thing. Now it MIGHT work, worth a try.

A havahart trap to capture, then take to the pound. “No, I haven’t seen your dog running around.”

[clanter]

a good lead mare should take care of her herd, at least ours did… one short kick of her left rear hit the dog in the forehead killing it… first and last dog we ever had in the pasture

[Pecos]

Thank you for the replies.

Trapping may be an option.

I wish my mare was more aggressive but she is not at all. That is part of what has me worried and her age. She is 28. In great shape, but at 28 I just wanted her to enjoy her pension.

[Pecos]

Ironically a different neighbor also has an Australian Cattle Dog. He has never been a problem at all and is welcomed here when the neighbor visits.

Responsible owners really do make a difference.

[js]

Is there a breed rescue that can take them, if yes trap them and turn them over to the rescue or turn them into your local animal shelter.

[RxCate]

I saw you said AC was the local sherriff, but you didn’t say you’d tried them - have you?

[BEARCAT]

Take videos first if you can.

[Where_sMyWhite]

Videos yes.

Talk to your sheriff’s office to find out what your options are.

I know SSS isn’t popular but legal in many states.

Turning the animals over to a humane society (if you have one) might also be an option (if you can catch them).

Feral dogs (which IMO these sound close to) can be very dangerous and often kill for fun.

[jdobbs64]

you know, I’m a decent shot but my top pasture is situated such that I risk shooting into a neighborhood or out over a huge clear cut …and into another neighborhood. SSS isn’t always feasible.

[Quelah]

[QUOTE=Pecos;9024823]
Animal control is handled by the Sherrif’s Department. [/QUOTE]

So call the Sheriff’s department. Tell them the dogs are running loose off their property and behaving aggressively towards you and your horses.

[DQ_Foxhunter]

BB gun !
I had to do this at another farm I lived at.
Just yell at the dogs and shoot , then the next time when you yell they should run away.
You could also try a paint gun.
Heelers are smart enough it should only take once

[Garnet_Z]

That sucks. Some people just don’t care about their dogs. I was riding with a couple of other people and we encountered someone walking a dog, and the dog proceeded to bark at and try to chase our horses. One of the horses kicked out at the dog and that rider asked the dog owner to use a leash. There was no leash.

Even though her dog nearly got kicked in the head by a horse, I still see this lady waking her dog (off leash) on the trails that horses use (and there are signs noting that there are horses in the area). The stupid thing is that here are other places she can walk her dog that the horse riders don’t frequent.

Anyway, you shouldn’t have to put up with aggressive dogs. If animal control can’t/won’t do anything, I second the suggestion of catching them and taking them to a shelter. The catch there is that you’d need to get some pretty big “hav a hart” traps and they may be tricky to catch. Some pest control places rent them.

You could also carry an air horn when you check your mail. Those work well to scare away nuisance animals (in my experience, they can even be effective on black bears).

[Garnet_Z]

That sucks. Some people just don’t care about their dogs. I was riding with a couple of other people and we encountered someone walking a dog, and the dog proceeded to bark at and try to chase our horses. One of the horses kicked out at the dog and that rider asked the dog owner to use a leash. There was no leash.

Even though her dog nearly got kicked in the head by a horse, I still see this lady waking her dog (off leash) on the trails that horses use (and there are signs noting that there are horses in the area). The stupid thing is that here are other places she can walk her dog that the horse riders don’t frequent.

Anyway, you shouldn’t have to put up with aggressive dogs. If animal control can’t/won’t do anything, I second the suggestion of catching them and taking them to a shelter. The catch there is that you’d need to get some pretty big “hav a hart” traps and they may be tricky to catch. Some pest control places rent them.

You could also carry an air horn when you check your mail. Those work well to scare away nuisance animals (in my experience, they can even be effective on black bears).

[avjudge]

I know SSS isn’t popular but legal in many states.

If it’s legal, you just need S – the -SS is for when it’s illegal.

[2DogsFarm]

Supersoaker loaded with ammonia?
I agree it ls a shame to punish the dogs for the owner’s lack of control, but if my horses’ safety was at stake I’d be practicing hitting moving targets…
With ammonia you don’t actually have to score a hit, just get close & the fumes should be discouraging to a dog’s sensitive nose.

Also agree you need to contact the Sheriff’s dept when the dogs are on your property & video if possible so even if dogs go home before LEO arrives you have evidence.