[Jacob-list] Dog Problems in Michigan

[Kathryn Shirley]

I know of very few states that will allow you to kill your neighbors
dogs.  Even if they are on your property.  People have gotten too far
away from their roots and don't seem to realize that every animal killed
is an economic loss.  Every animal that is terrified and chased loses
condition and is an economic loss.

My viewpoint is this:  nature has checks and balances.  My check and
balance is a .38 and a shovel.  I do not go out to kill my neighbors
dogs but I do expect that they will be responsible owners and not allow
their dogs to roam.  I only go after dogs that are in the pastures
chasing the sheep and cows.  The horses are safe as Mike the draft horse
handily takes care of problem dogs. ( I can't put him in with the other
livestock as horned cows and horses are not a good mix).

All of the farmers around here have suffered terrible economic losses
and emotional traumas from wandering dogs.  I had to put a 15 year old
ewe carrying twins to sleep because my neighbors dogs were loose (again)
and climbed the fence.  They ate parts of her and left her lying there
minus ears, hamstrung and part of her haunches missing.  Her throat was
chewed up but not enough to kill her.

Most farmers have dogs of their own and will not shoot Aunt Myra's
ancient bassett hound.  They will shoot and bury the dog that chases
their livestock.

Kate Shirley, Humbug Farm

2512 at nethawk.com wrote:

> Does any one know in Michigan if there is a livestock protection law
> that allows the farm owner to destroy dogs that are attacking his
> sheep?  We got home after work and found 2 neighborhood dogs in our
> yard.  One growled at my husband and he threw a rock at him, they ran
> down the road.  An hour later they were back.  I just called the
> Sheriff office and the woman told me that we should have called
> earlier before Animal control closed at 5.  I asked her what I could
> do about it now and she said "nothing" because it is not life
> threatening.  I asked (dumb me) if they were going after our sheep if
> we could shoot them and she said "absolutely not, you would be charged
> with malicious destruction of property!"  I asked if the owners of the
> dogs would pay us $3000 to replace our flock and she said that is not
> her area.  Oh goody! what does everyone else do?  Shoot/Shovel and
> Shut up?One is a sharpai and one is a big yellow mix.Thanks for any
> suggestions, some people just can't have a crisis before 5 pm.Bonnie
> and Herb SuttenSheepy Thyme FarmEdmore
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