Nuisance animals

March 27, 2006 8:24 AM

What do I do about neighborhood pets in our yard?

I have three separate, but equal problems with neighborhood animals.

1. Dogs. We live in a residential neighborhood. Most of our neighbors have invisible fences for their dogs. We have a very nice neighbor couple who love their large Lab to death. However, they feel it's unfair to fence their dog or put an electronic collar on him. Their answer? Let him run free in the vacant lot next to our house (the vacant lot next to their house won't do, for some reason). He doesn't stay in the vacant lot, but tends to drink from our birdbath & use our yard (and bird feeders) as his toilet. It's disgusting. Sometimes, he has friends with him.

2. Cats. There is a little cat that roams the neighborhood. It has taken to parking itself on our patio and eating the birds from our bird feeder. I don't know whether or not this cat has a home. I'm a cat lover, but we keep our cats indoors, and I expect others to do the same. I'm sick of finding cardinal & woodpecker feathers in our yard.

3. We have woods behind our house, in which a pack of coyotes and at least one (is there ever only 1?) porcupine live. Any animal is at risk. The coyotes keep the deer herd in check, they roam the neighborhood, even during the day, and don't seem to fear much, including me. A cat would be a snack, and even the Lab, not much of a challenge.

If I confront the neighbors about their "darling" dog, that will be the end of our relationship.

If I knew the cat were wild, then I would live-trap it, have it spayed, get its shots, & attempt to find it a home. I strongly suspect, though, that the cat is "owned." It looks plump and relatively happy. It's cautious of me, but doesn't seem terrified of people.

What should I do?

posted by clarkstonian to pets & animals (41 comments total)

The most approachable issue is #1, obviously. If you can't reason with your neighbors about their dog's nasty habit of eliminating on your property without adversely affecting your congenial relationship, then they have issues. If they're really so nice, then they'd at least come over and pick up after their dog -- daily.
posted by pmbuko at 8:35 AM on March 27, 2006

Options:

1. Call animal control anonymously or have someone else call to complain about the cat, and or dog if you're worried about offending your irresponsible neighbors.

2. If the dog is on your property and you don't like it for whatever reason, just try talking to them about it first. You shouldn't have to defend your point of view. I like dogs, but they're actually pretty disgusting.

3. Get pepper spray and spray it liberally around the boundaries of your property. Birds have a poor sense of smell so it should not bother them, but it will keep dogs and cats at bay. Squirt guns also work well for cats.
posted by letterneversent at 8:35 AM on March 27, 2006

When I was a kid we used to take a bb gun to scare aware stray cats, but this was on my uncles ranch.
posted by blueplasticfish at 8:39 AM on March 27, 2006

You said you're in a residential area. All cities have ordinances against unleashed pets, and calling Animal Control about a loose dog will usually get someone to show up. It may sound cruel, but obviously the owners are not responsible, and the dog may become territorial about its vacant lot, chase someone, or get hit out in the street. Barring that you can try (1) a polite, constructive anonymous letter, or (2) find the owner of the vacant lot and see if they care or not. I don't think the cat is a big deal unless it's not spayed... though if it's causing trouble, leash laws still apply and you're well within your rights to find it a new home.

Other than that... there's the old adage "good fences make good neighbors".
posted by rolypolyman at 8:40 AM on March 27, 2006

I like that: "Good fences make good neighbors". That's true with a lot of things. Boundaries in the physical and metaphorical sense help prevent invasive behavior.
posted by letterneversent at 8:43 AM on March 27, 2006

I'd heard it "Tall fences make good neighbors" but the sentiment still stands.

Your neighbors with the Lab are being jerks with their dog. Dogs running free are a danger to the dog and the people around them. Its incredibly irresponsible of them and their dog is likely going to get hit by a car eventually or otherwise seriously harmed because they didn't want to fence it in.

The cat: Don't feed it, don't pet it, don't give it any reason to think that you want it around. Use pepper spray on the border and on any place the cat likes to sit. It'll get the idea, hopefully.

The wild animals: It isn't their fault that encrouching construction is pinching their habitat. You should be able to call animal control and register the issue though I'm not sure what they can or will do.

But a fence will solve two of the three problems right off the bat and a little diligence will send the cat off to another spot to prey.
posted by fenriq at 8:51 AM on March 27, 2006

Given #3, I'd lean to the fence option if it is in your financial means to do so. Woods are also known to attract a human element that you don't necessarily want on your property too.

If the fence isn't possible - I'd speak politely with the neighbors once, then call animal control on the next offense.

I've also seen motion activated lawn sprinklers at the hardware store - something like that might train the neighborhood dogs and cats to avoid your yard.
posted by COD at 8:52 AM on March 27, 2006

Having other folk's pets in your yard is just part of life. Animals have a poor grasp of the concept of private property. It is not realistic to think you can keep animals off your property to the degree you seem to want. That said:

1. You need to talk with the dog's owner. Be friendly and non-confrontational: "I just love your dog! What kind is he? Oh by the way, we do have this one problem..." Folks are pretty irrational about their pets. But if they are going to let the dog run, you will have to either 1) dog proof your yard, with either pepper spray, a motion activated sprinkler, or a fence, or 2) call the authorities. Option 2 will be interpreted as a declaration of war by your neighbors. A long-running grudge with neighbors will have a much worse impact on the quality of your life that will a little dog poop.

2. In most communities, the social rule of thumb is that cats roam free but dogs are supposed to be confined. Some cat owners, and I am one of them, feel it is inhumane to keep a cat indoors. Put the bird feeder up higher, put a motion-activated sprinkler nearby, and blast the kitty with a squirt gun when you see it, and it should disappear.

3. The coyotes--what are you complaining about? Sounds like the perfect answer to your problem. Seriously, they are not your problem.

Good luck!
posted by LarryC at 8:54 AM on March 27, 2006

However, they feel it's unfair to fence their dog or put an electronic collar on him.

If they actually cared about the health or safety of their dog they would put him in a fenced yard. Making sure your dog doesn't run out in traffic isn't limiting him, it's protecting him.

Put an anonymous note in their mailbox. If that doesn't work then speak directly to them. If that doesn't work, then call animal control.
posted by bshort at 8:55 AM on March 27, 2006

Two choices:

Put up a fence if your HOA and City bylaws allow. This won't keep out the cat or deer but a 6' smooth fence will deter dogs and coyotes.

Or repeated calls to animal control. This is slower but often best method overall. People who allow their pets to roam other's property are by definition not responsible.
posted by Mitheral at 8:59 AM on March 27, 2006

[Sideways rant. The line 'good fences make good neighbours' was SCARCASTIC. Good fences make bad neighbours, because you never meet them.

Robert Frost's Mending Fences is the poem from which the quote is taken, and I've never met anyone who, upon reading the poem, does not agree that this common mistake is in fact a mistake.]

The best answer here is communication. Talk to your neighbours. Let them know the dog's poop annoys you, and that you're worried it might get killed.

Put a note on the cat and see who calls back. If it doesn't have a collar and you don't want to attach one for the note, take a picture of it and put up some signs asking people to get in touch with you. If no one does then perhaps you should capture it for its own good.*

Shooting and yelling and making enemies should not even enter into this. You should be able to sort tihs all out with plain simple communication.

*We did this with a cat that basically lived in your girls university dorm, because we were worried it was a stray. It wasn't. The owners called us back on day and it worked wonderfully. The University was happy to have a number to call if the cat was hurt or making as ass of itself (during a wedding, for example) and the owners were happy to know just where the cat spent all those nights sleeping over.
posted by tiamat at 9:01 AM on March 27, 2006

"Some cat owners, and I am one of them, feel it is inhumane to keep a cat indoors."

Why?

It might be more inhumane (to every other creature) to let a cat run free where it can eat small wildlife and songbirds, spread or contract feline leukemia, etc.
posted by letterneversent at 9:02 AM on March 27, 2006

I think it's clear from the poem, that "good fences make good neighbors" is not derived from the poem. It's merely referencing it.
posted by letterneversent at 9:05 AM on March 27, 2006

LarryC writes "In most communities, the social rule of thumb is that cats roam free"

Right up until they start defecating in gardens and preying on pond fish. After which they might just never come home.
posted by Mitheral at 9:06 AM on March 27, 2006

If the cat has a collar with a tag, call the owners. If not, live trap it and turn it over to Animal Control.

Since you know who owns the lab, speak to them. They are doing no one, not even the dog, a favor by letting him run. If your polite request to keep the dog from your property is ignored, call Animal Control. Seriously, would they like it if a member of your family was invading their space and pooping on their lawn?
posted by onhazier at 9:20 AM on March 27, 2006

Some cat owners, and I am one of them, feel it is inhumane to keep a cat indoors.
and
In most communities, the social rule of thumb is that cats roam free
Utter nonsense. Cats are domesticated and bred to be indoor pets. I don't know where you guys live, but the "social rule" here is "keep your pets to yourselves".

Introduce the coyotes to the cat. Problem solved. Honestly, owners who let their pets roam the countryside like this are being irresponsible and inhumane. They have to know something bad is eventually going to happen to dear little fluffy or rover.
Barring the coyote solution, calling animal control (or the president of your neighborhood association, if you have one) is a good solution.
posted by Thorzdad at 9:27 AM on March 27, 2006

Only irresponsible pet owners let them run free in a suburban area, whether it's a cat or a dog or a boa constrictor. Call Animal Control. Call anonymously, if you're uncomfortable with confrontation. Keep calling until someone shows up. Call every time the animal is out.

In my experience, talking to the owners will get you exactly nowhere. Some people respond to the power of a badge, however.

An idea for dealing with the cat's owners (if known) is to make a big deal of Kitty being susceptible to avian flu by eating the wild birds.
posted by SuperSquirrel at 9:29 AM on March 27, 2006

I think it depends on where you live. When I lived more in the country, dogs were kept up and cats were let loose. Now I live in an urban setting and every one is kept up.

My cats happen to have no intrest what so ever in going outside.
posted by stormygrey at 9:43 AM on March 27, 2006

for the dog, i think a civil discussion would be best, but that assumes it actually work. if they don't agree, then you're screwed: as soon as you or anyone else calls to report the violation, the neighbors will assume it was you, and you'll have a new enemy.

i think the best approach would be to write an anonymous letter to them, trying to make it sound as friendly as possible, and strongly suggest that their dog should have some boundaries for its own protection. mention the coyotes and porcupines; both are bad news for dogs. close with a reminder about local leash/fence laws and warning that the authorities may be contacted if the dog continues to roam free. but do everything you can to make the letter sound as polite and non-threatening as possible.

this approach gives the neighbor some warning so they're not faced with a stiff fine, but if they don't cooperate, leaves you free to contact the authorities later without fear of retaliation.
posted by el-gregorio at 9:48 AM on March 27, 2006

I had asked a similar question to your #1 here that you might find interesting. It ended up that my wife found the dog in question in our yard again one morning and took it to Animal Control just like we would any stray. We left our phone number with instructions to have them call us before it came to euthanization if he wasn't adopted out. They called us twice to update us and let us know that there were people who were in the process of adopting him. I feel like this ended best for all involved.
posted by iurodivii at 9:56 AM on March 27, 2006

All of your posts are interesting and helpful. The fence is not allowed by code, so not an option.

I think I will have to talk to the dog owners; they will not respond well, because they believe they have the right to allow their dog to do this - they actually walk him down, they don't just turn him loose. We have 2 cats; if they ever got out by accident, and the dog attacked them, it would get very ugly, very quickly.

The cat doesn't have a collar. I have thought of taking a picture, if I can get close enough, even through the window, & posting it. So far, no luck. I'll have to post it in several neighborhoods, though, because I have seen it roaming about a mile radius. If I could get close to it, I would bell it. Not being friends with it won't work; it doesn't seem to care, one way or another. It's an opportunist. If you open the door, it runs away. The second you chase it away, it's back. I couldn't harm an animal, but if I could, this cat would be toast - and its owner (if it has one) would be toastier.

As for moving the feeders. I'm also feedering pheasants, who have come to rely on me. They have to be ground fed. They are one of the pleasures have having bought this particular property. Not sure why I should have to sacrifice because of someone else, anyway.

The coyotes would be the quick and dirty answer to my problems, but I hate to see an animal punished for the irresponsibility of its owner.
posted by clarkstonian at 9:59 AM on March 27, 2006

I had the same problem as your #1 when I lived in a previous home. My neighbor had a very LARGE dog that, for some reason, really liked eliminating in our yard. We attempted to solve the problem by asking our neighbor in a friendly way to please keep his dog out of our yard, explaining that he was leaving a mess every day, sometimes twice per day (and those messes were HUGE). He was very nice, and promised to keep his dog away. He didn't. The dog kept leaving poop in the yard.

I got mad, collected about three days worth of mess with a shovel, and left it on his front stoop directly in front of the door.

The dog never made another mess in my yard.
posted by Flakypastry at 10:01 AM on March 27, 2006

It's possible the cat has been chipped even if it's not currently wearing a collar. A vet or shelter will scan for a chip for free, if you can catch it.

Can you adopt Kitty yourself (if the rest of your feline crew will be ok with that) and set it up with a nice perch in a window where it can watch but not eat the birds? Obviously you'd want to make a good faith effort to find the owners first.
posted by SuperSquirrel at 10:08 AM on March 27, 2006

Another thought - do the owners of the Lab know about the HUGE FEROCIOUS DOG-EATING COYOTES roaming free in the neighborhood, threatening children and small cars and our American way of life???? Maybe they need a little wake-up call from a well-meaning [if a bit prone to exaggeration] neighbor such as yourself...
posted by SuperSquirrel at 10:13 AM on March 27, 2006

Following up on SuperSquirrel's suggestion about the coyotes, you could also point out that there have been incidents of deer killing dogs. If you frame it purely out of concern for the well-being of their pet, I think you are on safe ground.
posted by ambrosia at 10:26 AM on March 27, 2006

Regarding the dog: I wouldn't talk to the neighbors first. If they are thoughtless enough to let the dog roam free now, they are unlikely to change their behavior based on your complaint--they may make a half hearted effort for a bit, but they will probably fall back onto their old habits. Letting any dog roam at large is majorly irresponsible, and the fact that they seem to think it's OK indicates that their views are pretty lax.

If you talk to the neighbors first, and the situation is not corrected, then taking the next step--calling the authorities--is a lot harder. The people will know it was you that called--and then will probably resent you for it. If you call right away, they won't know who called.
posted by lester at 10:34 AM on March 27, 2006

I second SuperSquirrel's suggestion of establishing if the cat has a microchip/owner.

A shelter or animal rescue organisation may also be able to lend you a humane cat-trap which would make getting hold of your feline visitor alot less fraught.
posted by Arqa at 10:38 AM on March 27, 2006

1.) Call the ASPCA about a stray dog anonymously. *Then* when you see them come around, phone your neighbor all panicky and say you're worried that the dog catcher might mistake their as a stray since it roams the neighborhood. Blame the anonymous tip on the oldest person on the block (assuming its not you or the neighbor).

2.) No collar = ASPCA. If that isn't your style, you could try something more immediately gratifying, but less permanent....(it's really amazing how much water a super soaker holds). Also, if you were to somehow get a significant amount of honey or other harmless viscose substance on the cat's fur....I'm sure the owner would think twice about letting the cat out again.

3.) Animal control and/ or a fence.
posted by Smarson at 10:42 AM on March 27, 2006

1. Cayenne pepper, spread liberally around the base of whatever the Lab marks. (This does not harm birds.) It usually blows away after a few days, but not before the dog gets a snootful and decides avoiding your place is a better option.

2. Water gun...but covert firing. If the cat knows it's you, it will be there anytime you aren't. If not your style, then use a humane trap and put a jingly bell collar around its neck.

3. The coyotes? If their presence is general knowledge to everyone who lives in the vicinity...well, the Lab's owners are neglecting their dog. If you're unwilling to confront them, then animal control is your only resort. (Or, in the same vein as SuperSquirrel, attach a note "I WAS ALMOST EATEN BY A COYOTE TODAY!" to the Lab's collar.)
posted by cdadog at 10:54 AM on March 27, 2006

Just remember that it's not the animals' fault that their owners are inconsiderate dummies. Getting honey all over a cat is sick and weird and cruel. Shooting an animal with a BB gun is criminal. Call animal control. I'm sure after picking their pet up from the pound a few times they'll get the message, or it'll be adopted by a better family.
posted by Optimus Chyme at 11:20 AM on March 27, 2006

Have-A-Heart trap for the cat. Drop it off at the pound. Call animal control on the dog.

As a current owner of dogs and former owner of a cat, I understand your problems. My front yard is the latrine for the neighborhood. I can't work in my flower beds of lawn without picking up dog and cat crap. Some of the dog crap is from owners who walk their dogs past my house, but some is from wandering dogs. I don't mind it in the backyard, because that crap came from food I bought.

Despite what anyone says, cats are not meant to be outdoors. I personally wouldn't have any problems with feral animals being killed, but since the cat may be someone's pet (give it the benefit of the doubt) trap it and make it go away.

When we got our newest dog a few years back, the two pups took to running away (usually by eating a hole in the fence). Thankfully, each time they were picked up by animal control. It ain't cheap springing two of them from the puppy clink. Right now, if they get picked up by AC again, it will be much harder for us to get them back again. Them's the rules. The pups hated the pound and we hated the price, so we backed up our fences with an invisible fence.

You are not required to overlook people inconveniencing you by disobeying the law in order to be a good neighbor. Let them pay to get their animals out, then they can decide how they want to deal with the issue. You don't even have to talk to them about it.
posted by Seamus at 11:53 AM on March 27, 2006

I think LarryC's advice is best. Have a non-confrontational chat with your neighbor. I don't understand everyone's penchant for taking anonymous action, whether it be leaving a note or calling the pound or what have you. If your neighbor finds out, which seems likely, you've just made an enemy out of your neighbor. A chat might have made a friend instead. Fighting inconsiderate behavior with rude behavior will probably just cause more trouble. Have the decency to go talk to them in person. I know it's hard for some to believe, but some people don't necessarily know how annoying you find dog doo-doo to be. After all, those birds and hundreds or thousands of animals are crapping in your yard too. Anyhoo, my main advice is don't call the authorities without first talking to your neighbor and giving them a chance to remedy the situation. Think how you'd feel if say, your mom came to visit you, she parked her car in front of the neighbor's house accidentally blocking their driveway, and instead of knocking on your door and politely asked for the car to be moved, they called and had the car towed. Is that really the relationship you want with your neighbors?
posted by iconjack at 12:18 PM on March 27, 2006

I don't understand everyone's penchant for taking anonymous action

Maybe I've just had bad luck, but whenever I've talked to a neighbor about a problem, be it noise or animals, nothing gets resolved. I always approach them as non-confrontationaly as possible trying to establish good relations, but 99% of the time the behavior continues after apologetic assurances that it won't. When I go back after the behavior continues they get annoyed that I'm complaining. By taking anonymous action, you at least have a chance of maintaining a civil relationship with them because they don't know it was you that took official action, but the problem is more likely to be solved.

As far as keeping cat outdoors as a more humane option, the average lifespan of an outdoor cat is 4 years, versus 14 for indoor cats. They may not be having as much of a rip-roaring good time, but indoor cats aren't exposed to the danger of other animals, people, and diseases that outdoor cats are.
posted by Kimberly at 12:41 PM on March 27, 2006

"Some cat owners, and I am one of them, feel it is inhumane to keep a cat indoors."

I speak from experience when I say that a cat living outdoors in close proximity to coyotes will soon be an ex-cat. And there's nothing responsible about leaving a cat to roam free; the owners are basically introducing a non-native predator into the environment. /rant
posted by maryh at 1:01 PM on March 27, 2006

I'm not sure how big your garden is and thus, whether or not this is practicable, but when I was growing up my border collie was always getting into the neighbours' garden and digging it up. We ended up spreading some stuff called 'Get off my garden' around - a sort of citrus-scented gel crystal stuff (sorry, can't explain it any better) and it worked a treat. The dog hated it and stopped heading over there. I'm sure you could find something similar at a pet shop, which should deal with the Lab.
posted by different at 1:29 PM on March 27, 2006

This was my first question posted. Thank you all for your thoughtful answers. The dog was in the yard again today, and the cat caught another bird, so I'm going to have to take action. If I take the cat to the shelter, it will be a no-kill. Whether I notify Animal Control anonymously or not, they'll know who did it - ours is the only owned property the dog ever "visits." You've all made it clear that I can't let it go.

I wish people would be responsible pet owners. Please don't let your pets roam. The people forced to deal with your inconsideration shouldn't end up being the baddies.
posted by clarkstonian at 7:28 PM on March 27, 2006

Don't expect the owners to do anything, they like things the way they are. A lot of good suggestions here, what would i do?
First that cat, live trap it. Then put a bell collar on it with a note to the owner about how worried you are that the hungry coyotes will eat it (as SuperSquirrel suggested). Then perhaps a supersoaker, however in the long run perhaps a section of water sprinkler/drip sprayers controlled from your kitchen window. That way you can blast it remotely, good sport for you and the family. This same setup can be used with the next cat that will show up (dear fluffy is missing, lets get another one or two)

As for the dog... stinky crystals and motion detector sprayers are good as suggested above. However this may not be a good long term solution and you have to maintain this barrier.
I have a much more disgusting idea. I used to share a yard and the new housemate who did not clean up after her huge dogs, turds everywhere owner didn't care. However her lovely dogs who gave her sloppy kisses, started eating each others turds. After that she picked up every day till she moved.
So do you think if the bad owners "they actually walk him down, they don't just turn him loose" started seeing fideo eating his own gifts in your yard would it stop?
I'm thinking a little gravy/tuna flavor in a used but clean spray bottle and you could make treats out of these offerings.
Gross yes, but low cost perhaps effective and requires no contact with the offending owners.
posted by blink_left at 8:07 PM on March 27, 2006

1. Tell the neighbours that the dog is shitting in your yard and they need to keep it out. Failing that Animal Control. If you live in a rural area where they are useless, catch the dog every time it comes in and drop it to the pound yourself.

2. Trap the cat and find it a new home. There is nothing inhumane about keeping a cat indoors, especially when there are coyotes and loose dogs around. That cat is going to come to a bad end.

3. Coyotes don't live in packs, and they are extremely unlikely to take on a lab. I doubt they're having much of an effect on your deer population either. Coyotes live in family groups after they reproduce but the pups leave when they are old enough and the pair holds the territory. They are small, typically under 35lbs and mainly eat small mammals or carrion. Their jaws are not generally strong enough to bite through the skin of a large animal unless it's dead and rotting and they can get at the belly.
posted by fshgrl at 8:32 PM on March 27, 2006

I would talk to the neighbors using a worried approach. Make up a horror story of your/your friend's/your relative's dog getting killed when it was roaming free even though it was the most well-behaved street-and-car-aware dog ever. If that doesn't work, I agree with calling animal control. It's unlikely the neighbors will confront you about it, and if they do, you could deny it or tell them you couldn't live with yourself if the dog got killed when you knew it was out there roaming. Call every time it's out. To me the safety issue trumps neighborly relations.
posted by kmel at 8:37 PM on March 27, 2006

The dog owners should be a lot more worried about offending you. The longer it goes on, the more they think it's okay, and the angrier you get. Go to them and express your genuine concerns about their dog's safety, with your desire to have a clean yard as a secondary concern. Be really positive, i.e., "I'm worried that Fido will get eaten by coyotes, hit by a car, etc, and, of course, we enjoy having a clean yard. We'd really appreciate it if you could keep him in your yard. "

Domestic cats have had a termendous effect on the songbird population. Call Animal Control and see if they have any humane traps.
posted by theora55 at 7:47 AM on March 28, 2006

You are not alone! I have no pets, and I feed birds. There are no fewer than *seven* cats that poop in my yard, sleep on my patio furniture, spray all over the property, and kill plenty of birds. I've tried talking to neighbors, but they will not cooperate. I also tried spraying water, but fighting seven different cats is impossible. It's a very daunting situation.

I hope you find a solution you can live with, for your sake and the birds'.
posted by shifafa at 9:06 PM on March 28, 2006