laurmurf Posted October 10, 2008 Share Posted October 10, 2008 I was met off the bus tonight by my distraught daughter; a dog ran into our garden and attacked the girls who were free ranging at the time - with the family at home and the children (and cats) in the garden too! The dog grabbed two of the girls and scattered the rest. Apparently the woman 'walking' this lead-less dog called from our gate "silly dog leave those chickens alone' while my husband and children screamed at her and the dog. She was apparently indifferent to the whole event and disappeared fairly quickly. Our Meg looks plucked and badly scratched, traumatized and I'm fearful the shock will be too much for her. Dot was last seen in the dog's mouth as he ran off down the field, we can't find her (or the dog and it's owner) anywhere. Pip and Bea went missing but we managed to eventually get them back after lots of hunting around before it got dark. I was prepared for foxes and the risks of nature to my girls and did the best to mitigate any risks - i was not at all prepared for stupidity, carelessness and casual cruelty from a neighbour. We're going to get out as soon as it's light to look for our Dot, in case she survived. We'll do whatever Meg needs to recover if she makes it through the shock; but I also intend to find this woman and her dog. What I need from all of you - aside from sympathy for my and my lovely children and chooks - is advice on what i can do, legally, to her when I find her. Is it criminal damage?is it neglectful dog ownership? Can I call a dog warden? I can't undo the damage, but can i 'damage' her back in any way?! I am distraught, but I want revenge too; my blood is boiling and i need to take action. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joojoo Posted October 10, 2008 Share Posted October 10, 2008 OMG I'm not surprised you are so upset. What a horrible thing to happen. I'd be out for blood from that woman if it was me I'm really not at all certain on what the law is, but I would hope that it would be in your favour. If she couldn't control the dog then it should have been on a lead. I hope you find Dot safe and well in the morning and that your other girls, puss cats and children are none the worse for their fright. Best Wishes xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 11, 2008 Share Posted October 11, 2008 I would be so upset and angry!!!! How awful!!!! I thought it was illegal to let dogs off their leads in public places anyway? I'm not sure though. I wouldn't have let the woman go but I s'pose in all the chaos, "Ooops, word censored!"ody thought to stop her. I would write a letter to your local paper or get them to run a story explaining how upsetting this has been, maybe shame her into coming forward or for someone else to name and shame her? If you want legal advice I'd suggest speaking to the police and maybe citizens advice if you don't get anywhere with the police as, if you find her, you might be able to prosecute her privately. I'd be patrolling the area, watching out for her if it was me! I hope you find her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted October 11, 2008 Share Posted October 11, 2008 Oh poor you, and your poor girls and family - what an awful thing to happen! I think the law is on your side if the dog got onto your property, but not entirely sure. I do know it is not always straightforward I do hope you find Dot and that your other girls are al OK. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted October 11, 2008 Share Posted October 11, 2008 If she walks her dog around your area, someone will know who she is so ask around. She will probably take a different route for a while. I'd certainly report the matter to the police and ask advice at the CAB, or even your solicitor. I'd be presenting her will a vet's bill, plus be demanding the cost of any replacement chickens. How upsetting for you and your family. I'm really sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnnieP Posted October 11, 2008 Share Posted October 11, 2008 How sad. Its really shocking when something like this happens. I cannot believe it when people just run away from their actions, rather than facing up to what they have done. So cowardly. I do hope your chooks are all found well. I think I would report the incident to the police. Who is to say this dog hasn't done it before? Even if this is a first, if given the opportunity, it will certainly do it again, so it is worth getting it down on record. Fingers crossed for good news for you today regarding your missing chicken. By the way, if you do see the woman and her dog again, take care how you approach the matter... I am sure I do not need to point out the dangers... xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted October 11, 2008 Share Posted October 11, 2008 That's terrible . What an awful shock for you all . Can't believe that horrible woman just walked off - what kind of dog was it? I agree, ask around (especially other dog owners) someone will know who she is. Definitely report it too. I hope your girls are OK and that you find poor little Dot . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clootie Posted October 11, 2008 Share Posted October 11, 2008 How dreadful for you and especially awful for your kids to witness something so violent. The dog should not have been off the lead in the first place. I agree with everyone else, she must be a known face if she walks her dog near you. A local shop might be worth a visit and mention the breed of dog, colour etc. It shouldn't take you long to track her down. One word of advice though, I'm sure you want to strangle this woman when you get hold of her but don't get too heated when you do approach her - you want this to go your way and understandable as it would be for you to get emotional and lose it a bit, you don't want to run the risk of her accusing you of intimidating behaviour as people tend to become very defensive when they're in the wrong !! I'm not sure I could take my own advice if it happened to me though !! Also, make sure you take someone with you as a witness - don't go alone. Having said all that she's probably mortified and in hiding !! Good luck !! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
urbanchick Posted October 11, 2008 Share Posted October 11, 2008 That's terrible! I really hope your chickens are ok and Dot turns up. I would do a house to house nearby to find out who she is. She shouldn't be walking with it off the lead especially if she can't control it. Definitely tell the police as this dog could have attacked one of your children. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seagazer Posted October 11, 2008 Share Posted October 11, 2008 How awful for you all. I hope you find Dot. I'm not sure what the law is either. I have to say a couple of people round here walk with their dogs off the lead, I always worry what would happen if the dog sees something and makes a run for it. I hope your other girls aren't too traumatised and that you find this horrible woman. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chooklady Posted October 11, 2008 Share Posted October 11, 2008 I'm so sorry to hear what has happened to you, your family and your chooks. Have a talk to the police, be calm and find out exactly where you stand with the law on dogs etc. I would never walk my dog along a road, through houses etc without his lead on, it is completely irresponsible, apart from the risk to other people's pet's they could always cause accidents by running out in the road and the same goes for people who walk their dogs on flexi leads along a road, they are equally as dangerous. I really hope you find your missing hen, good luck and let us know how you get on. Best wishes Nicola Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MedusA Posted October 11, 2008 Share Posted October 11, 2008 Poor you and your girls. I would definitely support all of the excellent advice already posted. The police would be the first call to make, then the vet as Meg will need treatment and antibiotics. This woman and her dog can't be allowed to just get away with it. Her dog is obviously not under control and could pose a danger to other people or livestock too. I do hope this story ends well. Please keep us updated. *hugs* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smanners Posted October 11, 2008 Share Posted October 11, 2008 I'm so sorry to hear about your terrible trauma. My friend had a similar experience when her neighbours Rottweiler got into her garden and killed her beautiful Cream Legbar.The neighbour in this case was deeply sorry and instantly offered to pay any costs of replacement and made the fencing very secure to prevent it happening again. Like you the family were very traumatised and angry. The saddest thing was that my friends daughter ( unbeknown to her mum) took one of the dead chickens feathers in her lunch box the next day to school I do hope you find the lady if only to make her understand how distressing it is to lose your pet in this way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Henhathnofury Posted October 11, 2008 Share Posted October 11, 2008 Yes, it is illegal for someone to allow their dog to enter someone's property - so you have reason to contact the police. Farmers are allowed to shoot dogs who worry their animals. This is an utterly dreadful thing to happen and I would recommend making a complaint - then taking measures, such as a Foxwatch (I think that affects dogs too) I hope too that you get your girl back and the other recovers but this feckless woman needs to know that she cannot do this. Sorry that this has happened to you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paola Posted October 11, 2008 Share Posted October 11, 2008 I am so sorry laurmurf Your poor family and girls I am speechless I would report it to the police. How is everybody this morning? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ruth1 Posted October 11, 2008 Share Posted October 11, 2008 God how awful your poor things I hope you find Dot, please keep us updated I agree call the police and ask for their advice, it might be worth a call to your local dog warden to as the dog came onto your property and do not approach the woman on your own. Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lydia Posted October 11, 2008 Share Posted October 11, 2008 How terrible for you, I'm so sorry. I found this from the Dogs Trust which may be useful http://www.dogstrust.org.uk/information/factsheets/doglaw/presentlaw/. In particular it says: "• Road Traffic Act 1988 This makes it an offence to have a dog on a designated road without the dog being held on a lead." It also mentions what someone else said about farmers having the right to shoot dogs who worry their animals. How you stand on this I'm not sure. However, the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 says: "Section 3 applies to all dogs, making it a criminal offence to allow a dog to be dangerously out of control in a public place. This includes instances where there is fear that an injury might occur. Owners found guilty under either section of the Act could have their dog destroyed, face the possibility of six months in prison and/or a fine not exceeding level 5 (at present up to £5,000)." It surely could be argued that this dog was out of control in a public place. I really hope you've found Dot and that the others are ok. Please keep us updated. All the best. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A chickychickychick-ENN!! Posted October 11, 2008 Share Posted October 11, 2008 I'd notify the council, the police via their local number not 999 and maybe call DEFRA to check the laws and then confront the neighbour. Good luck, you have everyone's sympathy, and let us know how it goes. Anna x ps: it may also be worth contacting the RSPCA for advice: http://www.rspca.org.uk/servlet/Satellite?pagename=RSPCA/Utility/Contact they may take a long time to answer though. DEFRA are probably hotter on the law. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laurmurf Posted October 11, 2008 Author Share Posted October 11, 2008 We're all in floods - but of absolute delight! Meg not only made it through the night but seems amazingly bright, she's eating well, she's bossing the other girls around and she's laid a lovely egg. We'll keep an eye on her legs and bathe and dry them again tonight but there's no swelling and she's not limping (amazing!) AND... Darlingest ED and i have been searching all morning and she found our Dot alive and well! we trained them to come when we shake a tin or mixed corn so ED has been out all morning shaking, looking and listening and eventually she heard a little bok and Darling Dot came out from inside a hedgerow to eat corn out of her hand! She was happy to be picked up brought home and examined and declared fit and well A very happy ending and a lucky escape! I would like to thank you all for the lovely messages of sympathy and support and the wise guidance on the action we might take next. I will remain composed and serve the dish cold. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smanners Posted October 11, 2008 Share Posted October 11, 2008 Fantastic news ,so glad for you all! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom123 Posted October 11, 2008 Share Posted October 11, 2008 YEYYYY! I'm so happy for you Glad shes back and well Tom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
half dozen Posted October 11, 2008 Share Posted October 11, 2008 a fantastic end to a dreadful,tearful story.So very pleased for you that all is well and Dot is safe and well,back with her family x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted October 11, 2008 Share Posted October 11, 2008 Am so pleased for you. Fingers crossed for the girls. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigmommasally Posted October 11, 2008 Share Posted October 11, 2008 What great news, so pleased for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
urbanchick Posted October 11, 2008 Share Posted October 11, 2008 So pleased for you that there's a happy ending Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
