[chris3000]

the cost of fencing over my kids (and livestock) is a small price to pay :-)

[Lesley Silvester]

Absolutely but it still wouldn't hurt to get advice from the dog warden.

[Snapper]

Don't bother with electric chicken netting, we tried it our terrier got shocked, didn't like it and tore it to pieces.
We now use proper Electric Fencing for our pigs and once the dogs have been zapped they keep away from it. It's cheaper than post & rail and stock wire which doesn't stop a determined terrier/terrorist in our experience.
 Perhaps you could try some Electric Fencing along with your current fencing.
 HTH

[plumseverywhere]

Why do large scale farmers detest smallholders so much?

You happen to have a nasty one, my neighbour couldn't be nicer - we are very lucky. Despite only owning 5 sheep compared to his hundreds.  he still enquires how they are and offers me time and help.  Its a shame you got an ar$e as a neighbour 

[Berkshire Boy]

I'm afraid I'm in the shoot them camp, if your dog was worrying his sheep he would shoot it no question. If you spend a load on fencing they will dig under or jump over, if a dog wants to get in it will.

[Mammyshaz]

I'd be tempted to pop them in the back of the van and drive to the local police station next time they arrive. explain that you have caught these loose and out of control dogs straying on your farm. ( no owner with them then they are  strays).

Then if the owner collects them the police can warn him and if they are not collected hopefully they will be given a better home from the dog pound.

 Either way at least you don't need to approach him face to face to listen to insult and ignorance again.

[deepinthewoods]

i agree with bb, he needs to take resposibility for that dog. not you. i lost a few chooks to a dog earlier this year. i collared the dog, dragged it up the road and told the owner in no uncertain terms that if it did it again id shoot it. i havent got a gun, but he doesnt know that. since then hes been nice as pie, bringing wood over for me, and we actually get on really well. maybe standing up to your neighbour may well earn his respect.

[omnipeasant]

Initially as agut reaction I agree with Tizaala and Fowlman, but Jaykay's response is the sensible one. At least talk to the dog warden to know your rights. If my Jack Russel were killing somneone's hens and growling at their children I'd be horrified.

Are the offending creatures dogs or bitches? We once had a dog jump intl our goat compound. he got a nasty shock literally when he peed on the fence!!

[chrismahon]

My first reaction was just to shoot them because they won't change. But on reflection if they can get in so can Foxes, so better fencing would be the way to go for long term peace of mind. I'd put an electrified strand at the bottom as well.
 
I thought dangerous dogs had to be destroyed anyway?

[Moleskins]

Why do large scale farmers detest smallholders so much?

You happen to have a nasty one, my neighbour couldn't be nicer - we are very lucky. Despite only owning 5 sheep compared to his hundreds.  he still enquires how they are and offers me time and help.  Its a shame you got an ar$e as a neighbour 

I'm very lucky too, can't remember how we first met now but my farmer friend is great.
Counting my blessings now.

[Fleecewife]

We have good neighbours and one bad - but I wouldn't shoot his dogs     Another neighbours terrier was seen to be having great fun coming into our tup field and chasing the boys round and round, day after day.  We worked out how he was getting in (under a gate) and blocked up the gap.  Problem solved 
 
Tip top fencing is the answer to many problems and prevents many others.  It is less easy to keep the dog away from our free range poultry (he is a known killer), but as our fencing is designed to keep our terriers in, hopefully it will also keep that one out  .

[Penninehillbilly]

I was thinking electric fencing before I'd finished reading your first post, and it doesn't have to be large scale farmer who think they are better than 'hobby farmers'. Longtime part-time farmers forget they had to build up, and say the word 'hobby farmer' with disdain .
(but I would try and catch the dogs, take them to the RSPCA as strays, or if I couldn't catch them, spray them with something smelly 

[Fleecewife]

or if I couldn't catch them, spray them with something smelly 

Now that's a good idea     Something which really sticks and stinks.  Long dead crow is a good one    but difficult to spray.  Fox dung is wonderful too.......  (just thinking of what my dogs roll in which is impossible to get off)

[SallyintNorth]

Tip top fencing is the answer to many problems and prevents many others. 

As they say, "Good fencing makes for good neighbours."

[Fowgill Farm]

or if I couldn't catch them, spray them with something smelly 

Now that's a good idea     Something which really sticks and stinks.  Long dead crow is a good one    but difficult to spray.  Fox dung is wonderful too.......  (just thinking of what my dogs roll in which is impossible to get off)

...........or better still that cheap nasty scent your great aunt gertie sent you for xmas, my fave for stinkiness is calvin clines Obsession now that really hums! i was given it for xmas off OH's dad and i use it as kitchen bin freshner farmer boy will really notice that!
Mandy