OT - Frustrated Today

GrannyG · #21 01/03/13, 08:10 PM

((Hugs)) Praying all goes well for you.....
Hope you have a list made of replacement fees for your lost livestock.....

Sherry in Iowa · #22 01/03/13, 09:17 PM

I'm sorry you have to go through this. My thoughts will be with you. Praying that you get a common sense judge to hear this.

harvestmoonfarm · #23 01/03/13, 09:28 PM

One advantage we have is that we live in a farming community. I'm hoping the judge will see right through the owner(s) and realize s/he has a habit of lying (I have many, many pages of proof).

aart · #24 01/04/13, 05:24 AM

May the Best of Luck . . . and Justice . . . rule your world on Tuesday.

Rockytopsis · #25 01/04/13, 05:32 AM

Huggs to you.
Nancy

houndlover · #26 01/04/13, 02:03 PM

If I read this right, you shot the dogs while catching them killing your chickens - here in Oregon, that would be just as much a legal reason to shoot them as if you'd caught them in the act of killing your goats. As for proving they killed the goats, yes, that may be harder, but you could also investigate whether anyone in your area has evidence that coyotes have been killing livestock. Not all coyotes are killers, just like dogs. I don't have aggressive coyotes in my area, and cringe when i find out people have been sport shooting them, fearing that the livestock killing kind will move in to the area! Dogs are way more likely to run and kill livestock - the proof is usually in the fact that they don't eat what they kill. When dogs do chew a carcass, they generally start at the anus and move forward, where a coyote will start at the chest area and move backwards.

Chief Cook · #27 01/04/13, 02:21 PM

Hope you get a judge from a rural background. I don't understand why people move to the country and then think it is ok to turn their dogs loose. Even way out here in the middle of no where, we have leash laws. And any dog that was in the act of killing livestock of any kind would get no sympathy around here. In fact most owners from town would be shocked at how much it was going to cost them for letting their pet dogs run at large. Good luck and let us know how this turns out. Sure makes you wish you had some video of their pets in action.

Pony · #28 01/04/13, 04:16 PM

I swan, some people don't have the brains God gave green celery...

Hoping and praying the best for you, Harvestmoon, and praying that the dog owners get a harsh lesson in reality.

farmmom · #29 01/04/13, 05:45 PM

Praying for you!!! I'm glad you got the dogs. I sure sounds like the owners might need "got" too! Hugs from SC.

Bay Mare · #30 01/04/13, 06:42 PM

Trish - I have been away from the board and missed all of this when it happened. I read your story (and the comments - geez - a real winner, eh?) and I am so sorry that you are having to go thru this over and over. Hopefully, you will soon have some closure and be able to move on.

Here's hoping the judge tosses her out of court on her ear!

Bay Mare · #31 01/04/13, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pony

I swan, some people don't have the brains God gave green celery...

I love it! Never heard that one

CarolT · #32 01/05/13, 10:58 AM

I don't know what all you have claimed, but I know the value is much above what you can claim in small claims. It shouldn't hurt to point out what your total losses are, but you know you can't request more than that limit. Here, all future offspring, products, etc can be claimed and it's double replacement cost for the livestock, I believe. Luckily, my doe survived and the neighbor paid her vet bill. If it's any consolation, she was in shock and not really feeling terror any more (according to the vet) when DHgot to the pasture and shot the dog just a couple of minutes into the attack. She was down and I thought she was dead when I arrived less than five minutes later. Poured Karo on her gums and rushed her in. Our wonderful vet spent almost 4 hours on her. She doesn't limp at all and you can barely see her scars and this was only a little over a year ago. Not many (if any) states allow a dog owner to recover _anything_ when a dog is on another person's property chasing livestock. And I am pretty sure most courts hold the owner liable for damage. Our thoughts will be with you. Stay calm and clear headed. She's going to do her own damage...

harvestmoonfarm · #33 01/05/13, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarolT

I don't know what all you have claimed, but I know the value is much above what you can claim in small claims. It shouldn't hurt to point out what your total losses are, but you know you can't request more than that limit. Here, all future offspring, products, etc can be claimed and it's double replacement cost for the livestock, I believe. Luckily, my doe survived and the neighbor paid her vet bill. If it's any consolation, she was in shock and not really feeling terror any more (according to the vet) when DHgot to the pasture and shot the dog just a couple of minutes into the attack. She was down and I thought she was dead when I arrived less than five minutes later. Poured Karo on her gums and rushed her in. Our wonderful vet spent almost 4 hours on her. She doesn't limp at all and you can barely see her scars and this was only a little over a year ago. Not many (if any) states allow a dog owner to recover _anything_ when a dog is on another person's property chasing livestock. And I am pretty sure most courts hold the owner liable for damage. Our thoughts will be with you. Stay calm and clear headed. She's going to do her own damage...

The max in small claims here in VA is $5000, and we're pretty close to that limit in our total for damages. Glad your goat has recovered

DaniR1968 · #34 01/05/13, 12:55 PM

Do they have home owner's insurance? If they do, it is my understanding the insurance will pay for your lose.

I am so sorry you are going through this and so sorry the dog owner's are such jerks. I am happy those dogs will never do this to someone else.

harvestmoonfarm · #35 01/05/13, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaniR1968

Do they have home owner's insurance? If they do, it is my understanding the insurance will pay for your lose.

I am so sorry you are going through this and so sorry the dog owner's are such jerks. I am happy those dogs will never do this to someone else.

I know that the husband's parents own the house, but I have no way of finding out who they have insurance with.

DaniR1968 · #36 01/05/13, 02:41 PM

I"m sorry. I don't know how to find out that information. Small claims court is usually not that expensive to file a claim and you get that back if you win.

If/when you win, you can then file the proper paperwork to get any income tax return or even attach wages. You have to do your research on how to go about it but it can be done.

nehimama · #37 01/05/13, 04:25 PM

I'm so sorry for the pain & horror you & your goats have suffered. ((HUGS))

sandc · #38 01/08/13, 01:15 AM

my dogs are just like my son's. I am responsible for any stupid stuff they do.

CaliannG · #39 01/08/13, 03:07 AM

Sending warm wishes your way for tomorrow, harvestmoon.

Minelson · #40 01/08/13, 07:13 AM

ok...here is your pep talk. Chin up, shoulders straight. Keep it simple and stick to the facts. If you get emotional that is ok and expected by everyone including the judge. If you need to ask for a moment to gather your thoughts then do it. Do not feel rushed. Talk slowly. There is no hurry! This is your time to tell your side and take all the time you need. If you ever get a thought that you can't do this then just think about ALL of us here cheering you on and supporting you. We are holding you up along with Barbie and Bramble! Remember to breathe and take deep breaths. Put a rubber band or something on your wrist to help you remember that. Please let us know what happens. I will be thinking about you all day.
((((hugs and strength)))))