His Invisible Fence Wire Wasn't Buried...

[NewNeighbors]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Ohio.

Hello, I recently purchased a property that has some ugly little trees/bushes/shrubs (I'm not sure what they technically are) along our fence line.
I decided to trim one down today because I do not want the rabbits that have been visiting it to make a nest and have my dog hurt them.

Anyways, there are vine type things growing along my neighbor's fence and they have spread out over to the bush I was trimming. I didn't realize at first because I started cutting on my side but when I was pulling the cut branches, I was also forcibly pulling the vines so they would break off and allow my branches to fall.

Once I was able to reach the fence line I eventually noticed that there was a yellow wire going along his fence and part of it was broken.

When the gentleman originally introduced himself he said he had an invisible fence; he did not say that it wasn't buried like a normal one.

I have not told my neighbor that I may have possibly broke his invisible fence because I'm not sure it was entirely my fault and it could have potentially been broken before I went out today... granted I know that's probably not the case.

If this becomes an issue; what are my options?
Thank you

 

[Zigner]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Ohio.

Hello, I recently purchased a property that has some ugly little trees/bushes/shrubs (I'm not sure what they technically are) along our fence line.
I decided to trim one down today because I do not want the rabbits that have been visiting it to make a nest and have my dog hurt them.

Anyways, there are vine type things growing along my neighbor's fence and they have spread out over to the bush I was trimming. I didn't realize at first because I started cutting on my side but when I was pulling the cut branches, I was also forcibly pulling the vines so they would break off and allow my branches to fall.

Once I was able to reach the fence line I eventually noticed that there was a yellow wire going along his fence and part of it was broken.

When the gentleman originally introduced himself he said he had an invisible fence; he did not say that it wasn't buried like a normal one.

I have not told my neighbor that I may have possibly broke his invisible fence because I'm not sure it was entirely my fault and it could have potentially been broken before I went out today... granted I know that's probably not the case.

If this becomes an issue; what are my options?
Thank you

You should offer to pay for the damage you caused...

ETA: I know I'm tired and grumpy...but this is really a no brainer. You're going to have a miserable life in the neighborhood if you couldn't even come to the same conclusion.

 

[NewNeighbors]

You're right, Zigner. I felt super guilty after writing up the post and decided to be honest and offer to pay for it.

Turns out his old neighbor let him spread a fence over into the other yard (My yard backs into 3 different yards) and he says that I broke the old fence. He was very grateful I was honest and said even if I broke it he had the tools to fix it.

Even if you were tired/grumpy it was the right answer!

Thank you for pushing me to do the right thing!

 

[Zigner]

You're right, Zigner. I felt super guilty after writing up the post and decided to be honest and offer to pay for it.

Turns out his old neighbor let him spread a fence over into the other yard (My yard backs into 3 different yards) and he says that I broke the old fence. He was very grateful I was honest and said even if I broke it he had the tools to fix it.

Even if you were tired/grumpy it was the right answer!

Thank you for pushing me to do the right thing!

I'm glad that worked out - and I predict a health, friendly relationship with your new neighbors