[pookey]

My original post was 'locked' as it became a hunting pro/against debate.  So this is just an informative update on how the situation has been resolved.  Please do not post replies with any opinions of hunting.

The hunt are a recognised group and the hunt was 'organised' they belong to the scottshouse hunting group (about 5 members).  Legally it will be very difficult for us to prosecute as the hunt is in a foreign country, I am northern Ireland ans they are southern Ireland.

The dog warden is looking into matters for us and Matt is contacting the irish masters of the hunt.

the guy has just called up with 3 chickens in his car.  matt has been debating with him for 45 minutes (he acknowledged the fact he appreciated him admitting liability, but disgusted with whats happened).  To sum it all up - he was very applogetic and agreed with all our arguments.  He said the dogs arent trained to kill any animals - they trap and encircle hares for the huntsmen and he said only 2 hares have been killed in the whle season.  He has children and chickens and the dogs have never bothered either of them.  He also said the guy who was controlling the dogs was new and let them roam too far.  Matt told him that his dogs will be executed if they come here again when children or pets are out (we couldnt actually do it but he doesnt know that) and we will seek legal action if they return.  He accepts that and has agreed to notify us on the Saturday if they are hunting in the vicinity on the Sunday.  He has brought 3 welsummer chickens with him and Matt accepted them because he felt the guy totally admitted it was disgusting and unacceptable and we cant proceed legally (without fronting up money and covering costs ourselves)

My son does understand what has happened and said - frankie is sad because the bad doggies eat the chickens.   This was very upsetting to hear and I feel very upset that I cant stop these hunters from being near my house as this could easily happen again.  I am going to have to keep the chickens in on sundays because as smiffy said - the dogs will be back again now theyve had victory here.

I will send a letter to the NI papers and to the irish masters of the hunt, parliment and any other organisations that are suggested.  Unless we have positive news from the dog warden - we are stuck with this resolution.

Thank you all for your replies.  I hope this post will help both hunters and chicken owners to avoid this happening again.

I am most intersted in the mentioned foxwatch - how does this work if you have your own dog and cats?  Does anyone have success with electric fencing with dogs or would a pack just jump it?

[muntjac]

search the forum for " fox watch " pookey and you wil get all the help there is  

[psipower]

For useful info on electric fences, try here - you don't have to buy from them! If you make the fence high enough, then the dogs won't be able to jump over!

But how would you deal with your gate/deliveries?

Could you alternately fence the chickens in to a large area?

My final solution (until it is proved not to work!) is a high electric fence around the property, with a foxwatch at the gate, but I dont think it does dogs.

[chickychick]

surely a foxwatch wouldnt deter excited dogs when hunting?  I would imagine they are pretty much deaf to everything outside.

I am really sorry this has happend to you by the way
think that post is ok?

[Aunt Sally]

FoxWatch only works on foxes, not dogs.  I have friends with dogs who are not affected by their foxwatch  :!:

[SMIFFY]

Pookey, can I suggest that if the dogs return before you sort out any fencing, have a hose pipe on stand-by, give them a quick splirt of cold water, they'll soon realise their not welcome, if you can't do that, a few buckets of cold water will do.
Good Luck mate

[pookey]

Pookey, can I suggest that if the dogs return before you sort out any fencing, have a hose pipe on stand-by, give them a quick splirt of cold water, they'll soon realise their not welcome, if you can't do that, a few buckets of cold water will do.
Good Luck mate

I didnt hear the dogs, when I opened the front door, they already had the chickens.  

I think I will just build a run for weekends, then they can stay freerange in the week.

I do have an area of our field fenced off for them but the wall isnt very high and the dogs still got in.

I will try and post some pictures of the 3 new girls tomorrow (Mr Sweaters, Mr Muggles and Gobbles), you should hear my 2 year old calling their names  its too sweet!

[Aunt Sally]

I will try and post some pictures of the 3 new girls tomorrow (Mr Sweaters, Mr Muggles and Gobbles)

 :? Aren't Sweaters and Muggles going to be gender confused  

[psipower]

:? Aren't Sweaters and Muggles going to be gender confused  

Well, on that note is 'Gobbles' going to be species confused or just bi-lingual?

[Aunt Sally]

   

[pookey]

FINAL UPDATE AND FANTASTIC NEWS....... Jessie the missing chicken (the one there was no trace of - no feathers or body etc) has turned up! After fending for herself for the best part of a week!  A friend recognised  her and brought her back, she was found accross the road in a neighbours garden!  She is back in the coup and geting on well with Frankie and the other 3.  I kept searching all our outbuildings and sheds incase she was hiding, I'd almost given up hope!  My husband kept saying - bless, your such an optimist but I think shes gone!

[Selkie]

OH POOKEY THAT'S FANTASTIC NEWS      

I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU!

[pookey]

I will try and post some pictures of the 3 new girls tomorrow (Mr Sweaters, Mr Muggles and Gobbles)

 :? Aren't Sweaters and Muggles going to be gender confused  

the names were selected by the 'family', they are from TV shows.

We wanted some light hearted names as my original girls were named after my grandparents.  Im not superstitious, I just thought a change would be good.

[Aunt Sally]

FINAL UPDATE AND FANTASTIC NEWS....... Jessie the missing chicken (the one there was no trace of - no feathers or body etc) has turned up! After fending for herself for the best part of a week!  

WONDERFUL news  :!:  

[Jellyhead]

Great News