Am I Liable?

[Tom Slick]

I have the same situation. The cats, raccoons, and skunks stopped visiting my backyard once my dog claimed it as his own.

I got my dog from the pound. He was there because he had killed the neighbor's cat at his previous owner's house and they couldn't handle it. Isn't that what dogs do?

[dkerfoot]

Even if you were liable (which you wouldn't be), you'd likely owe the replacement cost for a cat. Unless it is pretty special, that is not likely to break the bank.

On the other hand, a good neighbor will do what he can to prevent his neighbor's beloved pets from being killed. I'd talk to your neighbor and explain your concern and ask if they have any suggestions for keeping the cat out of your yard.

[phi1l]

The only way you would be liable to get nailed is if your dogs enticed the cat to enter, by dressing up as giant mice or masquerading as brand new fabric furniture.

or if you were to create an "attractive nuisance" , say, by growing cat nip, putting up a bird feeder or building a sand box

[annunaki]

"The only way you would be liable to get nailed is if your dogs enticed the cat to enter, by dressing up as giant mice or masquerading as brand new fabric furniture."

That would be Encatment

[TB Roye]

My Killer dogs and their buddies. Charlie(black) and Louise Tortis shell) the dogs, Lola (black) Rose (brown) Bruce the big guy. That is the only piece of funiture they are allowed to get on. It not unusuall to have both cat and 2 dogs up there. Bruce has is pillow by the fireplace. They treed a neighbors cat who was trying to get in the shop this afternoon.

Tom

[cabinetman]

My Killer dogs and their buddies. Charlie(black) and Louise Tortis shell) the dogs, Lola (black) Rose (brown) Bruce the big guy. That is the only piece of funiture they are allowed to get on. It not unusuall to have both cat and 2 dogs up there. Bruce has is pillow by the fireplace. They treed a neighbors cat who was trying to get in the shop this afternoon.

Tom

Cute pictures Tom. Our dogs get along fine with our cats. They've been wapped a few times and know what claws feel like. But, outside with other cats, anything goes.
.

[Bruce Cohen]

Bruce the big guy.

Tom

Hey Tom,

Your dog Bruce naps in the same position as I do.

Bruce

[cork58]

Cats

Not in Alaska. We have a leash law state wide. Even for cats. Off the leash is what we call "BAIT". Used for trapping or Halibut fishing.

[dbhost]

The only way you would be liable to get nailed is if your dogs enticed the cat to enter, by dressing up as giant mice or masquerading as brand new fabric furniture.

I was thinking a brand new leather sofa. The scariest part is, I wasn't the only one with that thought... We both need therapy. Or more shop time.

FWIW, Trespassing cats don't have to worry about our Dog, they need to worry about our VERY territorial cat...

[cabinetman]

Hey Tom,

Your dog Bruce naps in the same position as I do.

Bruce

Bruce...don't you think info like that should be kept to only close family members?
.

[BrazosJake]

Actually, it's "liable".

Check with your local PD or Animal Control and share your concerns. Most municipalities have leash laws even for cats, so if they're wandering into your yard, technically your neighbor is in violation.

[Gator95]

Think a quick chat with the neighbor to establish that you care, and ask if the current situation is acceptable, would cover you.

[natausch]

Like Gator95 said, much easier to have a friendly discussion with your neighbors before anything happens. They're not going to be able to prevent their cats from entering your yard, but will likely be more understanding if something does happen.

[Dutchman46]

Those dogs remind me of ours,(except for breed) when my wife is gone

[Norm in Fujino]

I got my dog from the pound. He was there because he had killed the neighbor's cat at his previous owner's house and they couldn't handle it. Isn't that what dogs do?

I'm not a dog expert, so THWAGOS (Take This With a Grain...), but I think it depends on the breed, and probably equally important, on the attitudes and training of the owners. We have a 1/2 Labrador, 1/4 Husky, 1/4 Shiba that lives peacefully with our two cats, and while she will chase neighborhood cats if they're around our property, I don't believe she would ever do anything to one even if she caught it--unless I egged her on (which I never do). The other night I let her out to go pee and beside our house she cornered a small racoon dog that proceeded to arch its back and hiss like a cat. Sandy just wanted to get near enough to smell it, but I told her to stay back and she did. Dogs react sensitively to their owners' attitudes toward other animals, and if you tell your dog to "get it!" it will instinctively know what you want it to do. --That, at least is my hunch.