Dealing with neighborhood bully

benzbaron wrote: If a vicious animal comes around and you have the ability and knowledge to humanly dispense of it, go at it. An end is an end, what makes a dogs life any more important than a rat's which is much less threatening?

Because rats hide and avoid people, so you can't kill them directly. You have to use an indirect means (poison or traps) to get rid of them. If you can confront the dog directly, that is more effective, humane, and less likely to go awry (no chance another animal or kid will get poisoned by mistake).

Salanis wrote:

benzbaron wrote: If a vicious animal comes around and you have the ability and knowledge to humanly dispense of it, go at it. An end is an end, what makes a dogs life any more important than a rat's which is much less threatening?

Because rats hide and avoid people, so you can't kill them directly. You have to use an indirect means (poison or traps) to get rid of them. If you can confront the dog directly, that is more effective, humane, and less likely to go awry (no chance another animal or kid will get poisoned by mistake).

I know what you guys are saying, but I have to agree with Benzbaron as well. I can't shoot a gun in my neighborhood. If I did, there'd be a mess in court and no doubt reprocussions from the losers who own said dog. I shoot the dog, they slash tires or whatever. Poisoning removes that possibility.
But, (even though I mentioned anti-freeze) I dont like the idea of a slow death either. If it were me, I guess I'd either go with bear mace, or a long handle axe. Screw a baseball bat. I don't want the dog to BE ABLE to come back another day. I also bear the scars of a dog-gone-wrong (physical scars) and there's no way I want even a chance of my kids getting mauled. Anytime I'm outside I'd make sure I have a long-handled weapon with something sharp at the end, with some weight.

But yeah, call animal control AND the cops and record dates and times of calls and instances to help you in court.

Use the right poison and the dog will be dead before it finishes licking the bowl.

I like the idea of bear mace... can you put it into paintballs?

http://www.pepperball.com/personal/

Not sure if they fit standard sized paintball guns, though

JoeyM wrote: http://www.pepperball.com/personal/ Not sure if they fit standard sized paintball guns, though

WANT

Man... You know, if I were in my garage minding my own bidness, and some dog is standing in the doorway of my garage on my driveway growling at me, the only real question would be whether it gets hit with a 357 Mag or a 308 Win depending on whether it's still standing there growling by the time I turn around from my gun cabinet. I'll take the heat for discharging a firearm inside the city limits.

Prolly the 357, thinking about it.

All this reinforces why I just spent my entire Sunday repairing the dog run fence from where a tree fell on it.

I read my city ordinances today. I live in a "city" of a couple thousand that is very rural and is essentially just farms and houses. I learned a few nice to know items. Firstly, there is a leash law and it is a misdemeanor punishable by fines up to $1000 to have a dog or cat running loose. Secondly, agressive dogs are allowed to by humanely put to death. Doesn't even matter if they are on your property or not. Alternatively, they can be apprehend and turned over to the pound. Also, it is perfectly legal to discharge firearms on ones property. There are rules, but they basically allow me to do whatever I want as long as the bullets stay on my property and do not come close to any structures. Maybe it is time I get a gun other than an old Red Rider range model air rifle with a compass in the stock and a thing which tells time.

On a better note, I have not seen any of these dogs in my yard since the one got hit with a rock. I think that particular dog may live on the other side of the river and now that it warmed up for a few days it may not be able to cross since there is open water in the river again. The river runs along my back property line.

Frangible bullets are what you want to use if the rounds have to stay on your property.

curtis73 wrote: Two words: Paintball Gun That worked really well when we lived in L.A. and the crack whores started fighting with the homeless crazies on the street. Lay a few dark red paint balls on their thigh and chest from an unlit third-story window and they think they're dead. They start running and screaming like... well... crack whores and homeless crazies. I actually saw a mugshot on TV of a cracked-out lady that I had shot the night before and she still had my red paint all over her boob.

I'm laughing hard at this stuff. I want you to start a new topic and discuss this please. Story time! Story time! Story time!!

stroker wrote: Man... You know, if I were in my garage minding my own bidness, and some dog is standing in the doorway of my garage on my driveway growling at me, the only real question would be whether it gets hit with a 357 Mag or a 308 Win

Not that I haven't considered shooting the car a few times - but it is a rare occasion indeed where I'm under my car with a loaded 308 Win. AND a .357 at the same time where there would be a second or two of decision-making before dispatching a would-be aggressor.

I think a pellet gun would be about the perfect thing for this situation. The Red Rider BB gun is ideal. Stings like a bitch and will let them know they're not welcome. If they continue to be aggressive, a larger caliber is in order. I have dogs wander up on my property all the time, usually they're friendly. I walk out and yell at them to go home (don't need any more). If they refuse, a .22 revolver fired into the ground scares them off. I don't want to shoot someone's pet. I also agree finding the owners is paramount and discussing your concerns with them is step 1. Step 2 is BB gun. Step 3 is animal control. Step 4 is... You know... Boom.

DrBoost wrote: I'd call the authorities, then anytime I'm in the garage there'd be an open pan with coolant in it, "because I'm servicing my coolant system". When the dog comes by I'd simply leave to go to a safe place. If the dog drinks the anti-freeze after chasing my out of my garage then..... I'm a dog lover, but in a situation like this, I'm going to kill the dog before it hurts someone. This way is less likely to get you in hot water then shooting it.

HEY BOOST, YOURE A FU_KING DICK!!!. END OF STORY. MAYBE THE DOG SHOULD BE PUT DOWN, BUT THIS IS THE BIGGEST PIECE OF ASS-HOLERY THATS EVER GRACED THIS FINE FORUM. HAVE YOU EVER SEEN THE ULCERS THAT DEVELOP IN A GLYCOL POISONED ANIMALS MOUTH? HAVE YOU EVER SEEN AN EMACIATED AND DYING ANIMAL WHO CANNOT EAT BECAUSE THEIR MOUTH AND THROAT ARE SWOLLEN BEYOND REPAIR?

You are a heartless bastard, and Id force feed you some of that antifreeze if I were within arms length of you right now. Euthanizing a problem dog is already a tough decision to make, poisoning one and leaving it to a horrifically painful and pitiful death is another thing altogether. Im not a fan of internet tough guys, but seriously, youve just sent me right over the edge...

benzbaron wrote: Seriously I'd go psychological operations and poison the damn dog. Let the owner watch their "beloved" pet die and maybe they'll learn a lesson. Maybe an anonymous note sent to them to rub it in and a warning that any dog who threatens the neighborhood will be dealt with in a similar fashion. If you shoot a dog there will be many questions you'll end up talking to the authorities etc. Feed the damn dog some poison and let it work out.

Same thing with you benzdouche, You Fuc_ing SUCK . I'll feed you some poison you ass...

While I'm not as angry as this guy ^, I think that poison is a terrible solution, especially ethylene glycol. Please use a more humane poison, if you insist on being a coward about this. Also, remember that you have no control over what you do end up poisoning. You could end up taking out your own dogs, cats, or even children that are playing puppy and eating dog food or whatever you poison.

I think the OP has a good plan stated by this point: document, then act accordingly. If there's an emergency, well.... you do what you gotta.

Poison isn't exact, and has hazards that could come back to haunt someone. It's not a viable option.

M80 or Quarter stick for 1st step, Ax handle for 2nd step and firearm for last resort. Actually, an overly-dramatized call to the Animal Control Or Police (filled with exaggerations and/or lies) would be the FIRST step.

I'm LOL-ing right now picturing a quarter-stick exploding two feet from the dog.

Actually, now I'm LOL-ing about blasting him with upholstery glue. Oh this could go on forever

Animal Control is the answer. Killing or poisoning a dog that has only barked at you is not acceptable. Killing your neighbors dog is a great way to start a Hatfield / McCoy type relationship with those that live around you.

Or worse.....your kid could drink that shiny sweet green fluid you put out for the dog.

My dog is an escape artist. He occasionally jumps the fence, or otherwise gets out of my yard. He is known to bark, but isn't vicious, and has never snapped, or bit anyone. Although I try to keep him contained, he does occasionally get loose. Should he be killed? I'd have a big problem with that. If some sick bastard poisoned him.......that sicko had better hope I never found him. Jail time would be worth it.

Call the cops, or animal control. There are people who get paid to deal with the problem you are experiencing. Killing your neighbor's family pet is a great way to insure further violence on you and your family.

Call animal control. They will take the dogs away, or make it clear to the owner that this is not acceptable behavior.

Some of the suggestions here are truly absurd. I hope there's a lot of trolling going on here, because the idea that it's okay to poison a dog is totally absurd.

Don't do anything that's going to come back on you as premeditated. Most places have laws against "the intent to harm or destroy personal property."

Don't do anything that is going to come back on you as animal cruelty. Poison is cruel. Bludgeoning something to death is bordering on cruelty as you could certainly end the threat and stop before you kill the dog.

If and when the dog is going to attack you, shoot it. Otherwise call the authorities and have it removed from your property. A little bit of sense and a basic knowledge of dogs will almost certainly allow you to avoid a situation in which you actually need to kill the animal.

MG Bryan wrote: Some of the suggestions here are truly absurd. I hope there's a lot of trolling going on here, because the idea that it's okay to poison a dog is totally absurd. If and when the dog is going to attack you, shoot it. Otherwise call the authorities and have it removed from your property. A little bit of sense and a basic knowledge of dogs will almost certainly allow you to avoid a situation in which you actually need to kill the animal.

Honestly, painless methods are obviously the best choices. Sure there's always a situation that will call for escalating force and when it comes you must act but I agree that unless absolutely unavoidable violence is needed, it is best to use ones head.

4cylndrfury wrote:

DrBoost wrote: I'd call the authorities, then anytime I'm in the garage there'd be an open pan with coolant in it, "because I'm servicing my coolant system". When the dog comes by I'd simply leave to go to a safe place. If the dog drinks the anti-freeze after chasing my out of my garage then..... I'm a dog lover, but in a situation like this, I'm going to kill the dog before it hurts someone. This way is less likely to get you in hot water then shooting it.

HEY BOOST, YOURE A FU_KING DICK!!!. END OF STORY. MAYBE THE DOG SHOULD BE PUT DOWN, BUT THIS IS THE BIGGEST PIECE OF ASS-HOLERY THATS EVER GRACED THIS FINE FORUM. HAVE YOU EVER SEEN THE ULCERS THAT DEVELOP IN A GLYCOL POISONED ANIMALS MOUTH? HAVE YOU EVER SEEN AN EMACIATED AND DYING ANIMAL WHO CANNOT EAT BECAUSE THEIR MOUTH AND THROAT ARE SWOLLEN BEYOND REPAIR? You are a heartless bastard, and Id force feed you some of that antifreeze if I were within arms length of you right now. Euthanizing a problem dog is already a tough decision to make, poisoning one and leaving it to a horrifically painful and pitiful death is another thing altogether. Im not a fan of internet tough guys, but seriously, youve just sent me right over the edge...

Relax man. I think you should get to know me before you wip out your cyber-cock.
I mentioned that because, at the time I did have some coolant in my garage (open container, top of mind at the moment) and someone mentioned being confronted by a dog in his garage. If I'm in my garage (again, open coolant at the time) and a dog confronted me in my garage I'm going to get out of there (I can safely do that with my layout if the dog is in the garage door opening). If the dog drinks the poisen, so be it! My sugestion to set it out or something like that, was partially in jest.
No, I've never seen the effects of anti-freeze poisoning. Have you ever WATCHED as a little kid, about 3 was mauled by 2 dogs? Have you every been there, beating one of the dogs with a shovel while it is shaking said 3-year old boy like a rag doll? Have you every been bitten by the othe dog while you tried to save the little boy? Have you had to live with the after-effect of such a mauling? Have you ever laid awake at night wishing someone (animal control, cops, owners, somebody) had done something so that little boy wouldn't have to explain his scarred face for the rest of his life?
Would I set poison out to kill a problem dog? No. I dont' have a gun, 'cept a break-barrel air-rifle, so shooting isn't an option. If a dog was on my property and acting in a threatening manner I would call the animal cops the first time. The second time I'd step it up a notch. I would incapacitate the dog with anything on hand without hesitation. I have kids, my neighbors have kids and I put them above a dog or a dog owner.
I make no apologies for that.

MG Bryan wrote: If and when the dog is going to attack you, shoot it. Otherwise call the authorities and have it removed from your property. A little bit of sense and a basic knowledge of dogs will almost certainly allow you to avoid a situation in which you actually need to kill the animal.

What about if you don't have a gun? I'm going to use a shovel, rake, axe, stick, or anything else to incapacitate a dog that is on my property and posing a threat to me or mine. Would I run in the house and get some rat-poison? No. If I could run in the house and call animal control, I would. I also have NEVER seen animal control do anything in my lifetime so calling them once is just a formality.

Joe, and others. What if you called animal control and nothing is ever done? That's been my experience. I've NEVER seen an animal control officer despite dog-fighting rings, maulings, dogs running loose and the like. I'm also not going to gamble on the "my dog has never bit anyone" crap. My akita was a great dog, never showed any aggression to humans. If I was irresponsible to allow her out of the yard (escape artist holds no water in my book, be a responsible owner or dont own one) and she was barking at someone on their property and they took a bat to her, I'd be crushed, but I'd understand.

I think it's time to lock this thread as some are going off the deep end here and attacking folks here and using profanity.

DrBoost wrote:

MG Bryan wrote: If and when the dog is going to attack you, shoot it. Otherwise call the authorities and have it removed from your property. A little bit of sense and a basic knowledge of dogs will almost certainly allow you to avoid a situation in which you actually need to kill the animal.

What about if you don't have a gun? I'm going to use a shovel, rake, axe, stick, or anything else to incapacitate a dog that is on my property and posing a threat to me or mine. Would I run in the house and get some rat-poison? No. If I could run in the house and call animal control, I would. I also have NEVER seen animal control do anything in my lifetime so calling them once is just a formality.

For what it's worth, I'm not judging anyone based on their responses here. Fact is you're better off sticking whatever object you can grab in the dog's mouth than trying to beat it. Also, don't run, don't turn your back, don't try to appear intimidating. Be prepared to handle the worst, but try to avoid it.

Like anything else the effectiveness of the authorities in depends on where you are. That said, they are usually effective in my area.