A new neighbor threatened to shoot our dog or have their Pitbulls attack and kill our dog If he came on their property

Question

Our dog sometimes runs off but typically goes to a neighbors house to play with their dog and our dog has never bitten or attacked anyone if  he feels threatened then he will just bark and growl If he dose run off the neighbors return him or call us well we have several new neighbors and one of them stopped by this evening to inform us that another new Neighbor threaten to shoot our dog or have their 2 pitbulls attack and kill our dog, I am worried because if their pits now have our dog’s scent if they get out will they come to our house and try to go after my dog plus we have a 2 year old son, is there anything we can do

Mark Oakley · Answer

There's no excuse for the neighbor's threats, but you did not hear them, another neighbor did, so let's not jump to extreme conclusions.  The fact remains, it was you who committed a legal violation by allowing your dog to run loose off leash in the neighborhood.  Accident or not, that's your responsibility.  Get a fence for your yard, use a tie-down, or walk your dog on a leash.  Pretty straight forward, all within your control, and it keeps you and your dog within the law.  If the pit bull owner makes a direct credible threat of harm to you or your family, you can go down to the District Court Commissioner and file a petition for a peace order.  People who own aggressive dogs and use them to make threats of physical violence against others or others' pets often have personal problems, like low self-esteem and antisocial behavior, but it could also be just a lot of bragging talk to sound tough.  Live your life, follow the law, and don't be afraid.

Q: A new neighbor threatened to shoot our dog or have their Pitbulls attack and kill our dog If he came on their property