neighbor's dog jumps my fence

Posted in: Bay Crest Park
I have lived here for 3 years now, and have been happy here. I generally like my neighbors and there have been no problems, with one exception. One neighbor has two large dogs (pit bull and rotweiller) who, while they are nice dogs for the most part, have repeatedly jumped over my fence into my backyard. I have cats that access my fenced yard through a cat door.
The first time his dog jumped the fence (that I knew of) was almost two years ago. One of my cats was attacked while I was at work. I came home to find a bleeding cat and muddy dog prints all around my pool. After a trip to the vet, I went to my neighbor and explained the situation in hopes we could work out a solution. He told me then that he would build a fence to keep the dogs in his yard. Nearly two years have passed and still no fence. It seems that he chose to keep the dogs inside all the time instead.
Oddly enough, that same cat who I had for 12 years suddenly dissapeared one day last November and, despite a thorough search with flyers and all, was never seen or heard from. It may be coincidence, or so I said to myself, and I let it go.
In the time in between, I have seen dog prints in my yard on a few occasions, but never any dog. I left the subject alone, not wanting to jump to conclusions or get into ''a thing'' with this neighbor. But just today, I was out doing some yard work and hanging out with my remaining cat, when one of his dogs jumped the fence right in front of me - it seemed he was trying to get to the neighbors yard behind my house to get at a dachsund that lives there. My neighbor came out and pulled the dog back over the fence.
When I was done with my work (and had cooled off a bit - I wasn't too happy with the situation), I went to the neighbors house and asked if we could talk about the dogs. I pointed out that this had happenned several times before, to which he responded that he didn't remember. I asked him again to find a way to keep his dogs in his yard and told him that I was uncomfortable with having them in my yard. He again promissed to build the fence within a month. I left feeling like I had once again been blown off.
My question to this forum (sorry I've been so longwinded) is simple: any advice? There have been other small problems with this same person, but nothing worth noting here. He seems unresponsive to reason, and I frankly believe he thinks that I'll just go away and forget about this whole thing.
I think I've been patient, but my patience is wearing thin.
For the sake of not mentioning names, I will remain anonymous.
Any advice would be helpful.
Thank you.

By frustrated on stolls ave
  • Stock
  • jackpeel
  • Respected Neighbor
  • USA
  • 18 Posts
  • Respect-O-Meter: Respected Neighbor
Fence Jumping Dogs

Dear Frustrated on Stolls.

First, call Animal Services at 744-5660 and ask them what you should do.

Another avenue would be to take your neighbor to Mediation. He and you would sit down together with an arbitrator and see if you can work out a solution. The number to call is 272-5642.

If that doesn't work, try Small Claims Court. You could put up a fence yourself and claim for reimbursement from your neighbor since he is the one causing the problem.

But first, I would write a letter to this neighbor explaining what steps you are prepared to take should there be another incident. Send it certified, return receipt requested, so you have proof that he got your letter. That will let him know that you are serious about the matter. Next step would be up to him.
  • Stock
  • jackpeel
  • Respected Neighbor
  • USA
  • 18 Posts
  • Respect-O-Meter: Respected Neighbor
Fence Jumping Dogs

Dear Frustrated on Stolls.

First, call Animal Services at 744-5660 and ask them what you should do.

Another avenue would be to take your neighbor to Mediation. He and you would sit down together with an arbitrator and see if you can work out a solution. The number to call is 272-5642.

If that doesn't work, try Small Claims Court. You could put up a fence yourself and claim for reimbursement from your neighbor since he is the one causing the problem.

But first, I would write a letter to this neighbor explaining what steps you are prepared to take should there be another incident. Send it certified, return receipt requested, so you have proof that he got your letter. That will let him know that you are serious about the matter. Next step would be up to him.
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