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Dog Problems

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LSchmid

Member
What is the name of your state? Wisconsin

I'm hoping someone can provide some assistance, or at least some direction, with this situation.

My brother and his wife live in the country, approximately 6 miles from town, and own approx. 3 acres of land. They have two rottweiler dogs and made the decision to move to the country for, among other reasons, to allow the rotts some room to run and to avoid any problems with neighbors, etc.. They have had a set of neighbors for the seven years they have lived there but have not had any problems. When they first moved in and boughts the rotts they immediately installed an electric fence and purchased the necessary collars, etc. for the dogs. When the male rott crossed the fence several years ago, they purchased the "stubborn dog" collar and since then he has not crossed the line.

Last summer a family purchased some hunting land right next to my brother's house and began logging it. They have been in and out of this land countless times over the last year. Approx. 1-1/2 months ago a problem started and has become increasingl BAD!!

The older individual who owns the land comes to the road (right next to my brother's property line) and agitates the male rott. He yells at the dog thereby causing the dog to bark and run up and down the yard. Keep in mind that there is the electric fence there and the dog is AT LEAST 4-5 feet from the property line. Approx. 1 month ago this person contacted the sheriff's department and complained that he was "terrified" of the dog. The deputy came out, my brother showed him the collar, etc. and that was the end of that, or so he thought.

Two weeks ago the same guy was outside again and this time my brother went outside with the intent of trying to work something out (having the guy honk the horn when he drives up so the dog would be taken into the house) but the guy began this rampage on my brother regarding the dog and how "terrified" he was, etc. This guy called the sherriff again and the deputy came out and this time my brother got a citation for "dog at large", even though the dog was on his own property.

Last Tuesday the guy came back and began a tirade on my sister-in-law (brother was not home). On Sunday he showed up again and this time he had a large stick that he was poking at the dog, causing him to become agitated. All the while this guy had someone there taping it. This time my brother called the sherriff but unbeknownst to him, the guy had already called. This time the sherriff came out and gave my brother TWO citations, one for "dog at large" and one for "vicious animal". Plus he informed my brother that if this guy feels threatened by the dog he has a right to shoot it, even though the dog doesn't leave his own property.

My brother already has his house up for sale but now there is real fear that this guy will do something to the dog. Is there anything my brother can do?
 


lealea1005

Senior Member
so, if your the latest incident was being taped, shouldn't the video show the man poking the dog with the stick?
 

LSchmid

Member
I doubt it. It was HIS friend that was taping it and by the time my brother noticed it, the guy stopped doing it.
 

lealea1005

Senior Member
is it possible to get their neighbors to write something stating they've never had a problem with the dog? also, maybe their vet records would show that they'e had the dog in for regular vaccinations and check ups and the vet never saw aggressive behavior while in the office around other people or animals.

your brother also may want to put his idea of honking before the man drives up in a letter via certified mail, so there's proof he offered a solution.

good luck
 

LSchmid

Member
They have already contacted their other neighbor who stated that they would write a letter for them to take to their court hearing. They have all the vet records showing their vaccinations, etc.

I like the idea about the certified letter but is there any legal ground they stand on? They are very scared that this guy will do something to their dog.
 

lealea1005

Senior Member
at least the letter would show that they made an attempt to solve things ( tell him to make sure he keeps a copy of the letter and the return receipt).....also may help to have family members say the dog isn't a problem with kids.

again...good luck
 

divgradcurl

Senior Member
If they are selling the property anyway, just keep the dogs well away from the property line, or even in the house -- it's a temporary situation, better than escalating the situation.
 

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