[Jacob-list] Dog Problems in Michigan

[MView16 at aol.com]

Hi,

In Upstate NY where I live, the law is quite clear about dealing with loose 
dogs who harass livestock.  The dogs can be destroyed by the owner of the 
livestock, and the owner of the dog is required to pay damages to the owner 
of the livestock if injury or loss has occurred.  I was paid $100 by an owner 
of a dog who repeatedly chased my ewes, causing one ewe to abort.  I had 
warned the owner and called the town office several times, so my position was 
quite clear.  I hate to kill dogs, I must say, so I try to do everything I 
can to avoid that situation.  I have used llamas, a donkey, and knockdown 
powerful electric fences...all solutions that have created their own 
problems.  

My area is still quite rural, so there is real respect for the farmer.  With 
encroaching summer homes and a determined back-to-nature movement, I am sure 
that respect will suffer.  At this point, however, the law is on my side!

Jeanne Massey