Tasers, sprays. . .dangerous dog deterrent?

[vacation1]

One of the frustrating things about aggressive dogs is that while the law is quite strong (in word, if not always in actions of individual members of the legal system) when it comes to dog attacks on humans or livestock, it’s very weak when it comes to dog attacks on other dogs. This is a nightmare for dog owners because if a dog attacks you and your leashed dog, the chances are good he/she will go after your dog first - it’s smaller, less intimidating, and usually closer - which will muddy the question of whether Cujo is a danger to humans.

In short, I think it’s dangerous to assume that the law would be on your side if you hurt or killed this dog in self-defense. Don’t get me wrong, I’d rather face possible cruelty charges if the only alternative was standing by while my dog was killed - but I’d rather avoid the situation altogether. If you think the mess is due to move on soon, do what someone else said and relocate for walks. Sucks, I know - I did it for several years in a similar situation. On the bright side, I did discover several great new places to walk the dog!

[Trakehner]

Shoot the dog.
Poison the dog.
Walk away.

If the dog has gone after people, he should be killed ASAP.

[mildot]

[QUOTE=threedogpack;6030410]
you have at it mildot. I’m not going to get arrested (even if found not guilty) over a dog when there are easier ways to solve it.[/QUOTE]
I’m not going to get arrested after shooting it either.

The news files are chock full of people who shoot other people or animals in self defense and spend not one day in jail. They are usually the ones who know their state’s firearm and self defense laws and follow them.

[mildot]

[QUOTE=vacation1;6030452]
I think it’s dangerous to assume that the law would be on your side if you hurt or killed this dog in self-defense.[/QUOTE]

You’re right. It’s dangerous to assume. That’s why I read what my state law says on the subject.

[cowboymom]

[QUOTE=Mara;6030404]
Got the property owner’s name off the tax records and composed a rather lengthy letter explaining what happened yesterday and what liabilities he may face if the dog escapes again and bites someone. It’s going off via certified mail tomorrow.

We went a few blocks over and had a nice long walk. Doggies were thrilled - a car ride AND a new place to explore.[/QUOTE]

I hope that works for you-is your name on it? I just haven’t seen a lot of results from being the neighbor that speaks up about a problem dog. :no: I’d keep your name off of it if you can. Get all the other neighbors to sign too if you can.

IME problem dog owners usually just get mad and/or ignore anyone who complains to them directly. I hope your case is different!

[mildot]

[QUOTE=Trakehner;6030479]
Shoot the dog.
Poison the dog.
Walk away.

If the dog has gone after people, he should be killed ASAP.[/QUOTE]
It could be that simple. But some people just want to over-complicate and over-think everything

[threedogpack]

[QUOTE=mildot;6030501]
I’m not going to get arrested after shooting it either.

The news files are chock full of people who shoot other people or animals in self defense and spend not one day in jail. They are usually the ones who know their state’s firearm and self defense laws and follow them.[/QUOTE]

As I said mildot, you have at it. I said arrested, not taken to jail.

[mildot]

[QUOTE=threedogpack;6030514]
As I said mildot, you have at it. I said arrested, not taken to jail.[/QUOTE]

I won’t get arrested either.

You probably live in Mass or some other place where they frown on “self help” LOL…:lol:

[threedogpack]

[QUOTE=mildot;6030516]
I won’t get arrested either.

You probably live in Mass or some other place where they frown on “self help” LOL…:lol:[/QUOTE]

[mildot]

[QUOTE=threedogpack;6030523]
:)[/QUOTE]

Your name isn’t Martha Coakely, is it? :lol: :lol: :lol:

You make the mistake of assuming the rest of the country functions like your corner of it. It doesn’t.

[threedogpack]

[QUOTE=mildot;6030537]
Your name isn’t Martha Coakely, is it? :lol: :lol: :lol:

You make the mistake of assuming the rest of the country functions like your corner of it. It doesn’t.[/QUOTE]

nope, not Martha and you seem good at making assumptions yourself mildot.

[Mara]

[QUOTE=cowboymom;6030503]
I hope that works for you-is your name on it? I just haven’t seen a lot of results from being the neighbor that speaks up about a problem dog. :no: I’d keep your name off of it if you can. Get all the other neighbors to sign too if you can.

IME problem dog owners usually just get mad and/or ignore anyone who complains to them directly. I hope your case is different![/QUOTE]

The dog owner is a renter. The property owners live out of state, according to the tax records. I’m trying to appeal to their common sense - i.e., they do not want to be sued if their renter’s dog bites someone.

Good idea to get other witnesses to sign, though.

[cowboymom]

OK then you do have a good leg to stand on then! Hopefully it all settles down for you soon! Be careful!

[FrenchFrytheEqHorse]

In a lot of places, once you’ve fed a dog for a certain number of days/weeks, it’s considered yours. I’m assuming that this applies just so people can’t claim “oh, that dog is a stray” or “oh, that dog belongs to my friend” when it gets out and attacks someone. If I were you, I would find out if your town has a law like this, then make sure your neighbor understands that as the dog’s caretaker, he is the one that’s liable for keeping it contained.

FWIW- Same thing often applies to horse-keepers. If it’s your fencing that allowed the horses to get out, it’s your lawsuit to settle. Part of taking on the liability of caring for animals that belong to other people… that’s part of why getting proper insurance for things like boarding facilities is so expensive, dog or otherwise…