Saturday, December 11, 2010

When dogs kill chickens-know the law



Notice to dog owners and chickeneers. With more uncontrolled dogs breaking into yards and killing chickens in Boise, it is important to review the law in Idaho. If a loose dog enters your property and harrasses or kills your chickens, under law you can kill the dog on the spot with no repercussions (OK, your karma would totally suck). The owner of said dog would be liable for damages and forced to replace the value of any livestock or poultry lost. It's not a pretty picture for anyone.


Sadly, in a few local cases, dog owners have exhibited no remorse for damage caused by their uncontrolled dogs, and have in fact verbally assaulted the poultry owners. It is imperative that poultry owners file complaints immediately with Animal Control. Like paper training a puppy, reckless dog owners must face timely, proportionate consequences in order to raise awareness of the law.


Please note that this doesn't apply if your chickens are running loose in the 'hood. Free range can quickly become fair game.

See the Idaho statute here: