Laws regarding neighbors dogs in our yard!?

[ardwyad]

I have a problem with the property adjacent to mine. Their stupid mutt, Tuga, is continuously invading our yard. At first I didn't have a problem, but then he started 'playing' and romping through my newly planted garden, taking out several bean and sweet potato plants. I had to literally force him out of my yard by throwing sticks (PETA, don't bother), and tried to block his entry point with this years Christmas tree. However, he finds other ways in and constantly harasses my chickens (he actually killed one, but we have no proof except the trail of feathers we found leading to his trail).

Don't get me wrong, I love dogs and animals in general, and enjoy my other neighbor's Black Labs. But ole Tenacious Tuga is giving my dog conniption fits every time he romps through the yard, and he chases my poor 10 year old, anti-social cat. How do I get rid of this nuisance? I don't want to have to call any authorities, because I feel like the owners are so redneck that they would take out the 12 gauge to "defend their property rights".

PS- I am also annoyed by the constant "working on their cars"-- revving them up excruciatingly loud.

PPS- Don't call me a grumpy old man. I am 17.

[baigh]

Have you talked to the owners? If not, I would try doing that first and see if you get any response from that.

But you could also call animal control because most, if not all, states do have laws about keeping their dogs contained, either on a leash or in a fenced yard. If it roams freely, then it is free game to be reported to animal control.