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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to think that dog walkers should keep their dogs on a lead.

157 replies

orangetree · 09/01/2010 15:09

Don't get me wrong. I love dogs. But I live on a farm, a footpath runs past the back of the house. Since November, 4 of my chickens have been killed or maimed by people who think that they can let their dogs run free simply because they are walking in the countryside. Again this afternoon a lady knocked on the door saying oops sorry but she thought the hen was only stunned. It will probably die. GRRRR

OP posts:
Mutt · 09/01/2010 15:10

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

LuckySalem · 09/01/2010 15:14

If it is a public walkway then they are allowed to let their dogs offlead.

You need to fence your chickens in on YOUR property away from the public walkway and if an offlead dog goes into YOUR property you have more to say to them.

Other than that try speaking to the council about having a notice put up that insists dogs are kept on lead at your property.

Original poster
orangetree · 09/01/2010 15:15

No they are not fenced in. They are, however free to run in my garden which has a fence around it. they are also sometimes in a field with a fence around it. i would not EVER walk on someone elses property without permission so what makes dog owners think they have a right to allow their dogs to go through my fence and murder my chickens? The chickens are NOT on the footpath, the dogs are generally 50 to 100 yards away from their owners.

OP posts:
OracleInaCoracle · 09/01/2010 15:17

sorry but you need to fence your chickens in more securely. dogs need a lot of exercise, achieved by walking and running. if it is a public footpath then the owners have every right to let their dogs off the lead.

Original poster
orangetree · 09/01/2010 15:18

Luckysalem, there are signs up. They are ignored. The chickens are on MY property, away from the footpath. My point is that dog owners should be responsible for the actions of their own animals. How would it be if this was a domestic rabbit, or guinea pig.

OP posts:
StarlightMcKenzie · 09/01/2010 15:19

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

bronze · 09/01/2010 15:19

yes they are allowed off their leads but they are to be under control at all times. Attacking livestock is not under control

violethill · 09/01/2010 15:21

Dog owners are totally irresponsible if they allow their dogs to get onto YOUR property. Take photos. Get names. Report them.

LuckySalem · 09/01/2010 15:21

if they're on your property then id be making more of a fuss to be honest, perhaps write to your local councellor?

Original poster
orangetree · 09/01/2010 15:22

Of course dogs need exercise. I have 3 of my own. But I don't allow them to run willy nilly onto other peoples property when there are clearly signs up to ask dogs to be on a lead. And the countryside code asks that dogs are kept under close supervision. Where there are livestock about this means on a lead.

OP posts:
LuckySalem · 09/01/2010 15:23

Personally I only let my dog off the lead where there is no distractions - means no dogs/livestock/people etc cos I'm teaching her her recall at the moment and I would be HORRIFIED if my dog ever did anything like that.

You need to start reporting them if they are ignoring signs etc. Ask dog warden to come to your house for a while to watch the comings and goings.

Mutt · 09/01/2010 15:24

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

EdgarAllenSnow · 09/01/2010 15:25

um - i'm guessing your fence can't be that secure if dogs can get in that esily.

there should be a better fence anyway - if every dog on this planet was on a lead, that won't stop a fox...

OracleInaCoracle · 09/01/2010 15:27

ah, in that case YANBU (xpost). if you cant trust your dog off a leador keep them off other peoples property then you shouldnt have one! not the same but i have a simillar rant about cats. i dont let my dog sh*t in someone elses garden, why is it ok for cats?

BitOfFun · 09/01/2010 15:28

Get a better fence if you're that bothered about the chickens- a dog will naturally chase them, it's instinct, so if they can get in, they will. You can't expect dogwalkers to leash their dogs on the off-chance they'll pass a house with an inadequate fence and roaming chickens. YABU.

violethill · 09/01/2010 15:30

I agree with your point about foxes EdgarAllen - it's the householders responsibility to secure their property as far as possible against unwanted wild animals.

But a dog is different - the onus is with the owner to prevent it from getting onto someone's property, not the responsibility of the householder.

The OP could have a 6 inch high ornamental wall round her property if she liked - it still wouldn't give dog owners an excuse for letting their dogs onto it, any more than a person could just step over.

midori1999 · 09/01/2010 15:31

I agree YABU to expect all dogs to be kept ona lead. It is not however, unreasonable to expect dogs to be kept under control.

If these people's dogs were going onto a farmers property and chasing his sheep, the farmer would be well within his rights to shoot them, I am not sure what the law regarding private poultry, although I am sure no reasonable person would want to shoot a dog anyway.

I would be appaled beyond all belief if my dog did somethign liek this, and in fact, it just wouldn;t happen. They all have an excellent recall and that includes from live game, poultry and livestock. If people cannot recall their dogs then yes, the dog should be on a lead.

If you catch these people, I would ask for their name and address and tell them you want financial compensation for the damage their dog has done, whilst straying onto your property. I know that's not really th epoint, but at least it willmake them responsible for their dog's actions.

Original poster
orangetree · 09/01/2010 15:32

Edgar allensnow - obviously I shut my chickens up all night but I have lost more hens to dogs than foxes!

OP posts:
BitOfFun · 09/01/2010 15:34

You could have an ornamental fence if you like, but you'd have no chickens left. You need to be practical, rather than officious.

onagar · 09/01/2010 15:34

You are not allowed to let a dog off the lead if you can't control it. You are required to keep them under control and the lead is just one method of doing so.

If they kill chickens they are a danger to everyone.

It's perfectly natural for dogs to hunt and kill small living things like chickens and toddlers. That's why if you want a dog you have to have it under control.

OracleInaCoracle · 09/01/2010 15:37

"It's perfectly natural for dogs to hunt and kill small living things like chickens and toddlers" ummm no! I have had two dogs since ds was born, one from a pup and neither of them have ever shown any aggression toward him. what a ridiculous statement!

EdgarAllenSnow · 09/01/2010 15:37

coming to think of it, how the devil do you know this isn't being done by foxes/cats?

except when the owner apologises, of course (and yes, large cats can kill chickens...)

violethill · 09/01/2010 15:39

BOF - it is the dog owner's responsibility. You may not like that, you may prefer it to be everybody else's responsibility to build fences and walls to keep pet dogs out, but it isn't!

Wild animals are a different matter. They don't belong to someone.

I agree that if I kept chickens I would probably not want a 6 inch fence! But the point I am making (and the OP) is that it is dog owners' responsibility to keep THEIR pet under control, not the responsibility of anyone else to keep it off their property.

BitOfFun · 09/01/2010 15:39

There is a limit to how far you can control some breeds though, like terriers, for example. It is their instinct, and no amount of training will get rid of that. They may be generally obedient, but it's like asking a toddler not to eat a sweetie you've left on the table. Put your sweeties in high cupboard, and keep your chickens protected by decent fencing.

Original poster
orangetree · 09/01/2010 15:40

Edgar allen snow - because I SEE them!!!

OP posts:
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