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AIBU?

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Original poster

Just had war with my next door neighbour.

321 replies

FataliePorkman · 07/04/2017 13:18

I posted a thread here last week about Neighbours dogs coming into my garden- shifting everywhere, harassing my two and digging up flower beds.

General consensus was to board up the hole in the fence between our own gardens- which I did do. I also posted a receipt from the garden last weekend from the plants I had brought that her dogs dug up just hours after I planted them with a note explaining that as they had damaged my garden, could she please drop the cash in to go and replace the plants.

Neighbour returned from holiday last night and nothing was said. Went out this morning with the DC and have come back to find the fence panel has been taken out- so a) they have entered my property without permission as it was nailed in from my side (yes I probably shouldn't leave the gate unlocked) and b) have damaged something else of mine. Dogs have been in the garden again as well as DD stood in a dog shit on the patio.

Anyway went and knocked on neighbours door and produced her with the receipt for the fence panel as well. She ranted and raved at me, spat in my face and slammed the door in my face.

She has now gone out and left her mutts dogs in the garden so no doubt we will get a visit again from them this afternoon.

OP posts:
SingingSilver · 07/04/2017 13:54

You have 2 options here and that's let her do what the fuck she likes or fight back

If you choose to be a doormat it means accepting that your garden belongs to her dogs for as long as she feels like it. On the other hand, it means no more escalation, and if you don't cope well with stress maybe you'd rather put up with that?

Or - call everyone - local police, dog warden, and her housing association/council. And make a nuisance diary with as many times and dates and incidents as you can remember. And get onto your local town FB group and ask for recommendations from fence companies.

CosyCoupe88 · 07/04/2017 13:54

Buy a sheep. If the dogs are worrying sheep I am.pretty sure you can shoot them (ok don't do that)

Report to police definitely and can you find out who she rents from? If an estate agent you can contact them to make a complaint? !

This is an awful situation

FruitCider · 07/04/2017 13:54

I agree! Ring the police re spitting on you and stealing your fence panel and ring the dog warden if the dogs are in your garden!

SingingSilver · 07/04/2017 13:56

And take pictures of the damage and the dogs on your phone as evidence. Every day they come in, take new photos. If your phone doesn't log times and dates maybe upload them to your computer to file by date?

Scabetty · 07/04/2017 13:56

Open your gate and chase them out. Let your dogs shit in her garden. Discuss fence panel. No joy? Call police. No joy? Nail gun her dogs to her front door.

LonginesPrime · 07/04/2017 13:58

Another vote for calling the police.

If you don't take action, it sends her the message that you'll put up with her terrible behaviour.

If she's already spitting at you and getting away with it, I dread to think what's next.

HurricaneHalle · 07/04/2017 13:59

Some people really are entitled scum aren't they? Does she not have her own back garden?

I think you need to report it otherwise it's only going to get worse anyway. Next time she'll be having a BBQ with all her mates/family in your garden.

I'd also be phoning the dog warden, your local councillor and the police. Keep a diary and take photos.

Lflossy88 · 07/04/2017 14:00

OP how old are your DC? Because I'm guessing if she's the type to spit in someone's face (bleh) she is the type to say something to them if they are outside in the garden by themselves or ,god forbid, her dogs bite one of them... Call the police and dog warden.

HecateAntaia · 07/04/2017 14:02

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Gazelda · 07/04/2017 14:05

You really need to call the police. Spotting is vile and an assault on you. And the damage to your property is criminal.

Original poster
FataliePorkman · 07/04/2017 14:06

Thank you everyone.

Have contacted 101 and someone will be out to take a statement within a couple of hours.

Does anyone know legalities of detaining someone else's dogs? I have a pen outside for my two and thinking about containing the little shits in there until I can contact the RSPCA or Dog warden.

OP posts:
MsJolly · 07/04/2017 14:09

Open your gate and let them escape from your garden...

Ratbagcatbag · 07/04/2017 14:10

If you open your gate and shoo them out then what? Can they get back on your garden? I'd do that (and I'm an animal lover!!)

DonaldTrumpsTrump · 07/04/2017 14:12

Agree with PP, keep your gate open when you're not in the garden so they run off. I love dogs and have two myself but would never have them impose on others like this, dirty cow she is.

EyeStye · 07/04/2017 14:15

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

LavenderDoll · 07/04/2017 14:15

Report to council dog wardens
Open your gate let them run off report them as roaming dogs
Report the spitting as an assault dirty scruff bag

KinkyAfro · 07/04/2017 14:19

Don't open your gate, just shove them back thru the fence and block the hole temporarily. The dogs might get run over, I wouldn't want that on my conscience and it's not the dogs fault

GotToGetMyFingerOut · 07/04/2017 14:19

Go open your gate. Every single time they come in. Put fence panel back up.

raspberrysuicide · 07/04/2017 14:19

Yes open your gate so they can run off x

FluffyWhiteTowels · 07/04/2017 14:20

I can't believe this. It's truly horrendous for your family.

Porpoiselife · 07/04/2017 14:21

Put them in the pen and call the dog warden. I wouldn't let them out the gate in case they cause an accident or something or worse and although it will be her fault, you'll still feel responsible.

SnicketyLemon · 07/04/2017 14:21

What a bitch! I'm not sure I could have kept my cool if someone spat in my face, so I think you deserve a gold star just for that.
I definitely think you should take photos and document every incident, even the small things will help build your case against her.

I know it's tempting to throw the dog shit back and other retaliations but you also have to remember that those things could go against you as far as the council or police are concerned.
But i don't think there's any laws about leaving your gate open Wink

Megatherium · 07/04/2017 14:22

Put a camera trained on your garden so you have evidence if they try to take down the boards blocking the hole again.

DoloresTheRunawayTrain · 07/04/2017 14:22

You have started something you now have to commit to.
You could build your own fence next to hers and report her for criminal damage uf she does a repeat of this performance.
As it is her responsibility to keep her dogs under control you could report it to the dog warden everytime they get into yours.
You could just leave your gate open so that they run off if they get in.
You could find out who her landlord is and report her to them stating her dogs are damaging his property and yours.
Report her for anti social behaviour to the council.
I suspect you are going to have to engage a few of these tactics but do not go round there yourself again.
If you wish to bring a civil case for the damages take it to court.
Keep a diary of times and dates of each incident. Get cctv. Things will get worse no matter what you do so gather all the evidence you can and involve all other parties. Also contact rspca and see what they advise.

mickeysminnie · 07/04/2017 14:22

Pick the dogs up and deposit them outside your house.
Can you contact the landlord and send them a bill for the panel and plants.