Neighbors and their dogs

[Trombonus]

So, we got these new neighbors next door not too long ago and we've been having some trouble with them lately. Specifically it's their two Pit Bulls. We've had some pretty major issues with them since they've moved in, including the following:

- Broke through the fence and got into our back yard.
- They let the dogs loose outside at night, and they are constantly coming over to our house, either in the driveway or taking a dump in our front yard.
- A few weeks ago they were in our yard and rushed me snarling and barking. I was only a few feet away from our front door but far enough away that I would not have been able to run there without them attacking me.

Also, about a week ago I went out to my car (which is parked on the street since our garage holds my parents two cars and they need the driveway clear in order to exit the house), and someone had thrown a rock or something at the car, denting the door and severely cracking the front windshield. I honestly don't think that they did it, but my mom does. Here is where the problem comes in.

I don't know the whole story, but from what I can gather from my mom's hysterical comments she saw someone bent over by my car and decided to check out what was going on. She says she didn't know it was the next door neighbor at the time, but she went out to see what was going on. The guy said that he was trying to get his dogs back inside (again, letting them run around freely with no leash). Something happened from there where I imagine my mom accused him of something and he went into a fury, swearing profusely and calling my mom the most horrible things.

To make matters worse my dad and sister are backing the neighbor. So much for standing by your family right? I don't know what makes me sicker, what the neighbor did to my mom or my spineless dad not sticking up for his own damned family. He did nothing when the dogs came after me either. In fact he told me off for swearing. Seriously, if you had two vicious pit bulls charge you with their teeth bared what would you do? You're damn right I was swearing!

Anyways, what I'm wondering is what we can do about this in regards to the dogs. They shouldn't be allowed to roam free like that right? I can't leave my house without being terrified that those monsters will come after me again. The neighbors obviously have no regard for our safety. I really hope that it doesn't take someone from my family getting seriously injured...or worse...before they do something.

What can we do?

 

[Guest]

Call the police the next time the dogs are loose.

 

[Trombonus]

Call the police the next time the dogs are loose.

We've called the police before, and I don't think they did anything. As it is, it took them at least three or four hours to show up. I don't know what they did.

 

[rgraham666]

Call the police the next time the dogs are loose.

That should do it.

Sounds like the guy would be dumb enough to lip off at the cops.

 

[Guest]

We've called the police before, and I don't think they did anything. As it is, it took them at least three or four hours to show up. I don't know what they did.

Is there a specific Animal Control number you can call?

 

[Trombonus]

Is there a specific Animal Control number you can call?

I don't know, I really don't know what options I have. The problem is my dad refuses to do anything. He didn't even want us calling the cops when I was attacked before. Doesn't want to cause problems between us and the neighbors. Guess he'd rather wait for one of us to get severely maimed before he does anything.

 

[cloudy]

They'd probably stop in their tracks if you just stood firm and yelled "NO!" but if you're uncomfortable with that, fill a spray bottle with ammonia - if the dogs rush you again, hit 'em in the face with a full blast. They'll back off, promise.

Call animal control. Most cities have leash laws. Why does your dad have to call? You're an adult; you call.

Nothing you can do about your car with no proof.

And don't blame pitbulls in general. They're not human aggressive unless they've been taught that, and if you look up the stats, they attack people much less than some assume. All animals can sense fear, and if you're afraid of them, I guarantee you that they know it. Any dog would, not just a pitbull.

I own one. She's a sweet, happy, extremely friendly dog.

 

[SeaCat]

Shit Trom, do what I do.

Threaten to cook and eat the dogs. (It helps if you look like I do when you do this.)

As for Pops, he's been well schoold in the let things slide and life will go on school.

Cat

 

[_Lynn_]

And don't blame pitbulls in general. They're not human aggressive unless they've been taught that, and if you look up the stats, they attack people much less than some assume. All animals can sense fear, and if you're afraid of them, I guarantee you that they know it. Any dog would.

I was bit by a Collie when I was four. I don't remember being afraid of her at all and I didn't even touch her.
She got me in the face, though. So, yeah, it isn't one specific breed.

 

[DesertPirate]

Shit Trom, do what I do.

Threaten to cook and eat the dogs. (It helps if you look like I do when you do this.)

As for Pops, he's been well schoold in the let things slide and life will go on school.

Cat

I like your style, grill up some doggieQ
Might get the neighbors attention.

 

[cloudy]

I was bit by a Collie when I was four. I don't remember being afraid of her at all and I didn't even touch her.
She got me in the face, though. So, yeah, it isn't one specific breed.

Indeed. The breeds that inflict the most bites on people are the ones most aren't afraid of: pomeranians, dachsunds, etc. Little yappy dogs.

 

[Trombonus]

fill a spray bottle with ammonia - if the dogs rush you again, hit 'em in the face with a full blast. They'll back off, promise.

I would really rather not have it come to that. Was the scariest damn moment of my life. I still can't leave through the front door without being scared shitless.

Call animal control. Most cities have leash laws.

I'll be doing that for sure.

Nothing you can do about your car with no proof.

Oh I know, and I honestly don't think they had anything to do with it. I'm pretty sure it was neighborhood kids looking for a bit of mindless destruction. I just needed to mention it so that what happened today would make sense.

And don't blame pitbulls in general. They're not human aggressive unless they've been taught that, and if you look up the stats, they attack people much less than some assume. All animals can sense fear, and if you're afraid of them, I guarantee you that they know it. Any dog would.

I don't care what they are really, all I know is that they came rushing up to me out of nowhere with their teeth bared and snarling. I literally didn't see them until they were three feet away and had me pinned against the wall. Thank God I was in a state of shock at first because if I'd seen them coming I would have ran for it and most likely gotten maimed.

I've met my fair share of sweet Pit Bulls, and also other dogs that get bad reps. My uncle breeds Rottweilers, which are a lot bigger than I originally thought, and they are the sweetest animals ever.

I love animals...just not when they're five seconds away from ripping me to shreds.

 

[Trombonus]

Ok, got a little bit more information on the situation this morning.

Apparently the one who gave my mom the verbal tirade was not the dog owning neighbors but the other next door neighbor, but the dogs were still involved. This time the dogs went over to my other neighbor's house and attacked his wife. In a rage the guy chased the dogs away with a rock and tried to get them over to where they belonged when my mom came out and saw him on our property. things degenerated from there.

Why do I know this now? I said hello to the angry neighbor (not knowing what happened) then he told me everything (except the verbal tirade part). Then I mentioned it to mom and she got pissed and went on and on about what happened. I can be totally dumb sometimes, especially when half asleep, and this morning I was more than half asleep. >.<

Anyway, the point is that the neighbor called animal control and they came and told the owners that they had to keep the dogs in the back yard or they'd be fined. Time will tell if they heed that warning or continue to push their luck. I really hope that someone doesn't end up seriously hurt because of these people.

 

[Guest]

Trom, you must be vigilant.

Call Animal Control every damn time you see the dogs outside their fence.

Money talks, and if these people keep getting fined they'll either get rid of the dogs or make certain they are properly fenced or leashed.

 

[SweetWitch]

There are several things you can do to protect yourself and your property -- none of them pleasant.

First, any time you see the dogs out, call the police AND animal control. Call everyone you can think of. Get hold of your neighbors and have them call. The more complaints the better.

Second, doggy-proof your yard. It doesn't cost much and causes the animals no real harm, but they will find it painful enough to stay away. Get a big bottle or five of really hot sauce, habenero is best, and several large containers of cayenne and chili powder. The sauce will have a strong odor and the powder will get into their noses and mouths. Spread all over the yard and be obvious about it. Get a good layer of the stuff out there and keep reapplying after every rain. This will train the animals to stay away.

Just remember not to roll around in the yard and let your family know. It would be unpleasant for you, too.

Third, get a cannister of pepper spray and hook it to your keychain. Use it without hesitation. The dogs will survive and you won't be attacked. Warning: Don't spray into the wind. (I have a cousin who did. He never was too smart.)

For good measure, keep a fire extinguisher by the door. If someone should step out and get attacked, a well-aimed dowsing by an extinguisher will send the animals running. It scares them off well.

Good luck, Trom, and give your dad a smack up side his head for me. Tell him to wake up and smell the blood.