[vent]
So I let my dogs out into the backyard today to do their business/run off some energy. Shortly thereafter, I hear my dogs raising a ruckus, so I head out to quiet them down. Then I hear my neighbor screaming bloody murder. I get out there and they've cornered my cat and are busy roughing him up. My dogs see me and immediately stop, so the cat makes a break for it and gets over the fence and around the house. My neighbor is telling me they're trying to kill the cat. I just shake my head at her, whap my male on the nose (he started it; he always starts it) and shoo the troublemaker and two of the noisier ones back into the house.
An hour later, an animal control official is at the front door of my house. So now I've got several hundred dollars in fines unless I license my dogs for not much less than what the fines are worth. After getting me to sign the paperwork, the lady informs me that they were responding to a call that my dogs had killed a cat in my yard... (The cat is fine; he's covered in dog slobber and extremely offended, but unharmed. He also knows that they won't chase him if he doesn't run.)
Of course, my neighbor left her house shortly after making the call, so I have no one to go thank for my new financial situation. So here I am complaining about it online to a group of people that have nothing to do with the situation. I hate people that take a situation and blow it out of proportion when it has nothing to do with them, regardless of the consequences for others. This is not turning out to be a good day. [/vent]
Pffft.
Cat People.
There's no reasoning with them.
Engage in suburban guerrilla warfare.
No, if I do that, I'll only make the situation worse. I'd rather give her a good passive-agressive explanation of how much she "helped." If I were to engage in warfare, I'd have to take her out in one fell swoop...which would likely involve an anonymous call to CPS about her abusing her kids. She doesn't want that kind of trouble, I don't want that kind of guilt later, and I'm pretty sure my cat leaves her presents in her flower garden, so there's that to take solace in.
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Did you show the animal control officer the very much alive cat that your dogs supposedly killed? As for your neighbour she is beneath contempt just keep this in mind if she ever needs any help from you and make it clear that you will not help her out in any way shape or form.
Also might want to put in a new fence as well so she cant see your cat to complain.
I explained the situation to the officer. She told me that even if the cat had been killed, it wouldn't have been anything she had to take action on since the cat entered my yard...if one of my dogs killed a cat off the property it would have been different.
Still, since I have to have my animals licensed by law, and they now know there are unlicensed animals on the premises, I have to shell out money either way or lose my pets.
The real b*tch of it is that she called animal control after the situation had already been resolved. Had she left me to handle things, I wouldn't have to worry about this.
As for the fence, it borders our properties and it's already wooden and six feet tall. Unfortanately, I don't think I can put up one much taller under the building codes here.
Hmm...I wonder if her dogs are licensed?
RPG Superstar 2011 Top 32
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I explained the situation to the officer. She told me that even if the cat had been killed, it wouldn't have been anything she had to take action on since the cat entered my yard...if one of my dogs killed a cat off the property it would have been different.
Still, since I have to have my animals licensed by law, and they now know there are unlicensed animals on the premises, I have to shell out money either way or lose my pets.
The real b*tch of it is that she called animal control after the situation had already been resolved. Had she left me to handle things, I wouldn't have to worry about this.
Here are the steps you should follow to peacefully resolve the matter:
1) Purchase narcotics.
2) Break into neighbor's home while she is at work and place narcotics on coffee table.
3) Call Police and inform them that your neighbor is dealing said narcotics from home.
4) Provide neighbor's place of business to kind officers so she will be arrested at work.
5) Visit neighbor in jail during visiting hours and laugh. Be sure to point at her while you laugh, because pointing while laughing makes it that much more meaningful.
6) Enjoy.
:D
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Sorry, no sympathy.
You need to get your pets under license.
At first I was thinking that you mistyped the OP, that it was your neighbor's cat that got attacked in your yard. So, at first I was considerably less sympathetic (and since I'm not sympathetic at all, now ... ).
Just to be sure, you're not being fined, right (it was YOUR pets in YOUR yard!), you just have a warning that says you HAVE to pay to get your dogs licensed? Hopefully you have 90 days or so . . . ?
-W. E. Ray
When I was a kid, someobdy's "wonderful dogs that would never hurt another living creature" invaded my property and killed my favorite kitten. I was devastated, and I wanted those dogs killed, but since we lived in the county, nothing happened to them. I have a dog now, and a couple of cats, but the dog only goes outside on a leash. It's the responsibility of the pet owner to keep their animals from running amok.
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I would allow it to go to court. A very simple question to your neighbor would be appropriate. "What was your pet doing trespassing on my property?"
Or if you want, have animal control fine your neighbor for his cat trespassing and attacking your dogs.
No matter what, his cat should never have been on your property.
I believe the dog owner was also the cat owner, if I am understanding the OP correctly. He was cited for not having his animals licensed and if he gets them licensed, as he should have already done before this, then he won't have to pay the fine. The only reason the neighbor is the "bad guy" is because they called animal control for no real reason, except maybe thinking that the dogs were a danger to the area due to seeing how they behaved toward the cat.
I'm the first person to mention the flaming bag of dog poop on the porch? To what is the world coming (rephrased for you grammar types)?
Honestly, the only way to deal with this is wait until she comes home, go over to her place, and to her face kindly tell her to mind her own (d_ _ _) business in the future. Drop a few hints about her paying for the licensing. I’ve had to do it a few times, and nothing shuts meddlesome neighbors up like a personal confrontation. Apparently, they simply aren’t prepared for someone to not skulk around, leave notes, or anonymously make phone calls. Scares the hell out of them.
Oh, and seriously, people license pets? C’mon…
I wonder what the fine would be for the old ladies with 80 cats?
Sorry, no sympathy.
You need to get your pets under license.
At first I was thinking that you mistyped the OP, that it was your neighbor's cat that got attacked in your yard. So, at first I was considerably less sympathetic (and since I'm not sympathetic at all, now ... ).
Just to be sure, you're not being fined, right (it was YOUR pets in YOUR yard!), you just have a warning that says you HAVE to pay to get your dogs licensed? Hopefully you have 90 days or so . . . ?
-W. E. Ray
My dogs are vaccinated, fixed, have had rabies shots, and are microchipped in case of loss. They wear tags with their names and my phone number on them. Other than providing the county with more of my money on an annual basis, why do I need to license my pets?
Even if it was her cat, I would not be fined if my dogs had killed it, as it was in my yard. However, I am facing multiple fines for having unlicensed dogs on the premises. I have been given only 30 days to do so.
Your sympathy is unneccesary. I was simply needing a place to vent, and have done so.
When I was a kid, someobdy's "wonderful dogs that would never hurt another living creature" invaded my property and killed my favorite kitten. I was devastated, and I wanted those dogs killed, but since we lived in the county, nothing happened to them. I have a dog now, and a couple of cats, but the dog only goes outside on a leash. It's the responsibility of the pet owner to keep their animals from running amok.
You have my sympathies for your kitten. My dogs are terriers, bred to hunt small, furry creatures, and I have no doubt that a running kitten could very well bring those hunting instincts to the surface with disastrous results for a kitten. Anyone who thinks that their dog is incapable of doing damage to another living thing is fooling themselves.
Now in my situation, the cat has been my household pet for two years. He knows the dogs and they know him. If he hadn't run, they would not have given chase. In fact, he was back in the house eating like nothing had happened just a few hours later. I checked him out. His fur is a bit matted from dog drool, but he doesn't have a mark on him and showed no signs of pain when I rubbed him down to get him cleaned up.
There are strays in my neighborhood, however, that would fare much worse if they happened to intrude in the yard when my dogs were in it.
Honestly, the only way to deal with this is wait until she comes home, go over to her place, and to her face kindly tell her to mind her own (d_ _ _) business in the future. Drop a few hints about her paying for the licensing. I’ve had to do it a few times, and nothing shuts meddlesome neighbors up like a personal confrontation. Apparently, they simply aren’t prepared for someone to not skulk around, leave notes, or anonymously make phone calls. Scares the hell out of them.
I'll wait until tommorrow, when I've had time to sleep on it. Then I'll keep an eye out for her when she comes out to the backyard. We can have a nice heart-to-heart over the fence; since she seems to feel comfortable sticking her nose over, I'll feel free to do the same.
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My dogs are vaccinated, fixed, have had rabies shots, and are microchipped in case of loss. They wear tags with their names and my phone number on them. Other than providing the county with more of my money on an annual basis, why do I need to license my pets?
A serious question; why do you need to license your pets? What does this do? Why does the local government require it?
I don't believe it is required to license your pets here where I live, so I'm genuinely curious.
License your dogs!?
Your dogs can drive!?
Holy s~!~! What breed? How do they reach the pedals?
Ever read Go Dogs Go! Awesome book, must have checked it out 25 times when I was in elementry school. So yes, dogs and drive cars, trucks, and about anything else.
Get your neighbor spade, she'll calm down afterwards.
You have my sympathies for your kitten. My dogs are terriers, bred to hunt small, furry creatures, and I have no doubt that a running kitten could very well bring those hunting instincts to the surface with disastrous results for a kitten. Anyone who thinks that their dog is incapable of doing damage to another living thing is fooling themselves.Now in my situation, the cat has been my household pet for two years. He knows the dogs and they know him. If he hadn't run, they would not have given chase. In fact, he was back in the house eating like nothing had happened just a few hours later. I checked him out. His fur is a bit matted from dog drool, but he doesn't have a mark on him and showed no signs of pain when I rubbed him down to get him cleaned up.
There are strays in my neighborhood, however, that would fare much worse if they happened to intrude in the yard when my dogs were in it.
I misunderstood the bit about this also being your cat and the whole thing taking place on your property. I suspect that they neighbors could be held legally accountable for reporting an incident on your property that wasn't noise or violence related. Isn't invasion of privacy illegal?
Isn't invasion of privacy illegal?
Not really. Personal privacy barely holds up under the law, supported by weak torts regarding “intrusion of solitude.” It’s unlikely he could be considered to have a “reasonable expectation of privacy” in his back yard.
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A serious question; why do you need to license your pets? What does this do? Why does the local government require it?I don't believe it is required to license your pets here where I live, so I'm genuinely curious.
This is what I was wondering? What state do you live in that has such a law?
Edit: Nevermind, I see your profile says the state of Washington. That explains it.
Also, I second the call for the old "flaming bag of poop" trick.
Director of Narrative
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My dogs are vaccinated, fixed, have had rabies shots, and are microchipped in case of loss. They wear tags with their names and my phone number on them. Other than providing the county with more of my money on an annual basis, why do I need to license my pets?A serious question; why do you need to license your pets? What does this do? Why does the local government require it?
I don't believe it is required to license your pets here where I live, so I'm genuinely curious.
Actually, I am curious too. I know I cracked a joke about dogs driving cars, but I am genuinely curious. Many other posters here seemed to have very strong opinions about this whole licensing thing, but to me this seems like just one more way to have the government firmly lodged up your very private ass. At first I didn't get why you have to license your pets, now I don't get why people are so fond of licensing.
Contributor
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Where I live we are required to have a license for any dog that we own, which we do. I believe that it is a holdover from the olden days when there were lots of dangerous strays, and people let their dogs roam the streets. The license helped to differentiate between strays and non-strays, and helped fund the dog pound. It's also a tracking system in case your dog gets into trouble.
Fortunately, where I live, the license is $20 per year, and you get $10 off if your dog is neutered and $10 off for something else... I want to say vaccinated, but vaccinations are required by law, so it's probably microchipped. Since my dog qualifies on all three counts, the license is free for me regardless.
I got my dog when I lived in NZ and I remember asking about dog licenses, and getting responses about dogs driving cars. I also remember that people were equally appalled that I neutered my dog and that I didn't cut his tail off.
Apparently, this is a city municipal law, stated as follows:
Section 10.24.010 License Required
No person may own, harbor or keep any dog or cat over the age of six months unless the dog or cat has a current license.
A “dog” shall include any domestic dog (member of the canis lupus familiaris family) or wolf hybrid which is a cross between a wolf and a domestic dog.
The license is a class IID license as provided in chapter 4.04 SMC, the license officer being the city manager or his designee.
The license must be renewed each and every year on or before the date of expiration.
All licenses expire on the last day of the twelfth calendar month following the date of issue, except that the initial license expires on the last day of the eleventh month after issue.
Written proof of current rabies inoculation from a licensed veterinarian is required.
Date Passed: Monday, June 4, 2007
Effective Date: Wednesday, July 11, 2007
So the answer to the "why" question is because the law says so, and now the law knows about my dogs, thanks to my meddling neighbor.
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This sounds like one of those property rights versus public nuisance arguments that always happens in any neighborhood.
In this instance, I side with you. The neighbor needed to mind her own business.
I think licensing pets has gotten a bit extreme, but I guess the bureaucrats in charge are just trying to prevent those situations where you find a crazy cat-lady with 200 un-fixed animals roaming all over, or some freak with a pupp-mill inside his garage with 5 years worth of fecal matter on the floor.
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RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32
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Make sure you don't tell her about the liscencing though when you confront her.
Just say that because of her you now have a bunch of fines to pay for absolutely no reason because your cat is fine and alive **cue holding up the cat** and that they actually do that all the time and funnily enough the cat is still alive and living because it's been none of her g0ddamn business!
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How did she know your dogs weren't licensed? I mean she called to report your unlicensed dogs but how does she know you don't have a receipt somewhere?
I swear this is why I hate people in general.
Your pets were doing something in your yard that violated no laws (except for being unlicensed, which she had no real way of knowing) and your neighbor decided to not only stick her nose in but to try get you punished legally. I would make her life a hell. Everytime she steps outside to enjoy her yard I would start mowing. I'd install a motion detecting light for the backyard with a super powerful light and have it 'slightly' hit her house when lit at night. Steal a parking spot from time to time. Give her the ol' "Tonya Harding" treatment one dark night....make sure to wear a mask....
As long as your pets stay in your yard people got no right to b!!~$.
Actually, I am curious too. I know I cracked a joke about dogs driving cars, but I am genuinely curious. Many other posters here seemed to have very strong opinions about this whole licensing thing, but to me this seems like just one more way to have the government firmly lodged up your very private ass. At first I didn't get why you have to license your pets, now I don't get why people are so fond of licensing.
It is not that many people are "so fond of licensing", it is that they believe that if there is a law, you should attempt to follow it. Complaining because you are being forced to follow the law is then seen as whining. Now seeing how the law was just passed last year, I could understand if someone didn't know about it, but if they knew and just said, "Screw that, I'm not giving them any more money!" that is another issue.
And frankly, how are you sure it was your neighbor that called? From what you said, your dogs were being loud, it might have been someone else in the area that called in a noise complaint.
Even if it was your neighbor, I don't think acting like a d!ck about getting busted for not having a license is going to help the situation. It is not your neighbor's fault you didn't have your animals licensed. I would instead say to the neighbor, that you appreciate that they were worried about your cat but as you told them before it is fine (show it to her if you want). And that you would hope that she trusts you enough to take your word for it in the future.
I would not mention the citations, that only makes you look more guilty and makes her feel justified for calling in the first place. But I would rather put up with someone like this that also called the cops when my house was getting robbed than to have neighbors that hide in their houses and ignore the little kid that is being beaten half to death by his parent.
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My dogs are vaccinated, fixed, have had rabies shots, and are microchipped in case of loss. They wear tags with their names and my phone number on them. Other than providing the county with more of my money on an annual basis, why do I need to license my pets?
Holy cow, that is ridiculous.
Sorry, I had you peged as one of those people that didn't even know they put microchips in pets. I was going to put in my earlier post that a benefit of the licensing is the chip in case the dogs get out. But you sound like you have everything you need except pet insurance, which is really only terribly important depending on the breed.
Sucks to live in your county, huh?
-W. E. Ray
Poor kitty!
And frankly, how are you sure it was your neighbor that called? From what you said, your dogs were being loud, it might have been someone else in the area that called in a noise complaint.
Even if it was your neighbor, I don't think acting like a d!ck about getting busted for not having a license is going to help the situation. It is not your neighbor's fault you didn't have your animals licensed. I would instead say to the neighbor, that you appreciate that they were worried about your cat but as you told them before it is fine (show it to her if you want). And that you would hope that she trusts you enough to take your word for it in the future.
I would not mention the citations, that only makes you look more guilty and makes her feel justified for calling in the first place. But I would rather put up with someone like this that also called the cops when my house was getting robbed than to have neighbors that hide in their houses and ignore the little kid that is being beaten half to death by his parent.
I know it was her from simple reasoning. The A.C. officer told me they received a call about a cat being killed by my dogs. The first thing she screamed at me when I walked out the back door was "They're killing that cat!" My yard three houses that have a view of it, and only one of them had anyone in it in a position to see what was going on, and that was her with her head stuck over the fence.
I'll figure out what I want to say to her when I see her. I'm all for maintaining neighborly relations, but I'm still miffed.
Wait... neither the dogs, nor the cat, ever entered the neighbor's yard? Is that correct? Because, ya know, if your dogs were chasing your cat in her yard, I'm surprised she didn't just up and blast them all with a shotgun. And been perfectly justified in so doing. But if the whole event was confined to your yard... then she seriously needs a hard slap in the head.
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I have my own case of meddling neighbors. Two five year olds next door always come runnung into my yard. I'm okay with this, but then they begin to consume large amounts of sweets, and dump the remains on the ground. I went over and talked to the mom, who denies allowing them to do this. I showed her the candy wrappers. She still denies it. [vent]At this point I wanted to hit that b##*# so hard[/vent]... But I refrained. Now, the kids have practically moved into my yard. My once pleasant grass is now dirt. My soccer net now contains multiple holes. And those stupid kids get off the hook every damn time.
I have my own case of meddling neighbors. Two five year olds next door always come runnung into my yard. I'm okay with this, but then they begin to consume large amounts of sweets, and dump the remains on the ground. I went over and talked to the mom, who denies allowing them to do this. I showed her the candy wrappers. She still denies it. [vent]At this point I wanted to hit that b*!~& so hard[/vent]... But I refrained. Now, the kids have practically moved into my yard. My once pleasant grass is now dirt. My soccer net now contains multiple holes. And those stupid kids get off the hook every damn time.
LOL I work in the fence industry, I hear these stories all the time. People get fences for 3 reasons: Kids, dogs and neighbors. I would suggest getting one, even a simple post and rail job. Even a low one denotes that you don't want people crossing that line. Fences have a magical ability to dissuade 'casual' trespassers from coming on your property, even if they could easily vault it. Something about going over another person's fence gives people the impression that they are breaking a rule and/or trespassing.
