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

[orangetree]

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

I like MillyRs suggestion of putting up notices saying how many chickens have been killed/maimed - its what they do in regard to sheep. I think if it was me I'd also put up a picture of one of the victims, again copying what sheep farmers do.

Rollmops said: "I would hate to see one sprinting towards me or my children, hapless owner squealing, "Heel, Misty, heel!"
If the dog is properly trained and controlled by its owner then by all means, let if off the lead. However, if the said canine couldn't care less about the owners commands and chases all things moving at will, then no, it should not be off lead. Ever. End of. "

Absolutely!! I am not afraid of dogs but neither am I amused when a strange dog jumps up at me or runs up to investigate my sandwiches when we are eating a packed lunch.

We walk in the country most weekends and this happens quite alot. One can almost guarantee that while we are fending this animal off our food some owner will be helplessly calling it's name while pretending that he/she expects it to respond. It is quite obvious they do not have any control and are embarassed to admit it so go through this charade of calling the dog, which continues to ignore them!

On Boxing Day we went for a walk along a path near us popular with dog walkers. One large dog came bounding up at my elderly MIL and if I had not been standing right behind her to steady her I am sure she would have been knocked over.

Quite simply I agree with OP. YANB in the least little bit U. Dogs should be on a lead unless the owner is absolutely in control (not just pretending to be) and they most certainly should not be allowed on anyones private property.

You don't need to be prepared to shoot the trespassing dogs, just put up a large sign saying that you will.

YANBU
I would stick up a large sign a few yards after the sign asking dogs to be kept on a leash , warning that any dogs who find their way in with the chickens will be shot.
I like the idea of having a little note at the bottom of the sign saying "5 chickens have been killed this year by unruly dogs"

YANBU
Lots of people are totally missing the point that a public footpath is just that - a path
If the footpath runs through a big open field, the public don't have any right to use the entire field. They have to stick to the path
The owners have no more 'right' to let the dog run on the land next to the path than they would to let a dog run in someone elses garden next to a pavement
Can you put some signs up pointing out that walkers must stick to the public footpath and dogs must be kept on the lead or under control at all times and not allowed to roam through the whole field?
I am also at people who think this is somehow your fault for not pre-empting the selfish behaviour of others and locking up your chickens?
Also, can't dogs that worry wildlife be shot by the farmer?
Maybe threaten that to the next person who knocks on your door to tell you

Put up a sign "Trespassing Dogs Will Be Shot"

We have one to stop the same thing happening - walkers dogs used to chase our horses. We aren't near a footpath but the lanes around us are popular walking routes.

People put their dogs on a lead when they see the sign.. The last one that didn't got a shock to see OH marching towards field containing her precious pooch (that was chasing our Shetland pony) with a big GSD and a shotgun. He didn't shoot the dog but gave the stupid woman a fright.

You are perfectly within your rights to shoot a dog that is worrying your livestock (chickens) on your property (garden).

Am very about all the posters that think the OP should be locking up/moving her chickens or going to the expense of putting up various fences to make a sort of chicken stalag...

What sort of reasoning is that ?