I was with the warden the day he initially placed a camera. The first time he pulled the card he/we discovered the dogs had come through within twenty minutes of placing it. That was probably the better part of a half mile from where the dogs should be. Things have quieted down quite a bit since then so we're in a holding pattern waiting to see what develops. He pulled his camera waiting on updates from me.

Good luck MrsFord on whatever direction you decide is best. I feel for your situation, all the stars aligned for you to get to trap at your house and because of some neighbors it all fell through. Keep pursuing your passion and something will work out.

Sounds to me like the neighbors need to be informed of the leash laws. I don't have much sympathy for folks who let their dogs roam.

I don’t have much sympathy for incidentals, especially ones without collars.

But in your situation, best just to find different land to trap on. If it was your OWN land I’d say go for it. Too many others would be unintentionally involved in your case. Got to pick your battles.

That’s crazy. Glad things have calmed down though. good luck

Thank you. I’ll find a place. Just not as convenient. Lol

I agree. Have to play nice with these neighbors for the sake of our landlord.

Yeah that’s my plan. If DNR gives the go ahead I’ll just go a bit behind our property and won’t say a darn thing.

Kids run, scream and chase each other while playing. Those behaviors kick in the prey drive of dogs. Unattended dogs, that can show up anytime are a huge danger for small children playing. Your neighbors loose German shepherds could maul or kill your children in seconds, even if you're outside with them. You should do what you need to, to stop the dogs from being a real serious threat to your children.

Keith

This! times a million. When family pets attack babies and small children it because they hear prey and instinct kicks in. Then the owners always say the dog has never acted aggressive before. I dont understand?? Listen to Keith on this one

I dont know your laws in Indiana. Are you renting all the property that the dwelling is on? Or did I miss that. If you are renting it all, is there anything in the lease about what you can and cannot do on the property? Might be an angle for you to defend your trapping rights. But I also know that you have a good relationship with your landlord. Just a thought.

I think you learned a valuable lesson on this. Since you originally had permission, it’s better to ask for forgiveness than permission from everyone else. Lay low and draw as little attention to yourself as possible.

A quick dog story. When I lived in Indiana I had a run in with a group of dogs. Only 2 of the 5 had collars, no name tags or id. First check I had 2 in canine sets and one in a 750 that was on a castor mound. I released all three. Next day had one in coon set and one in canine set. Released them as well. The other 3 were sitting across the creek watching those two that were caught. A Few days later we talked with a CO about the incident. We told him that we released them and he asked, why? He said with the leash law, as long as I’ve got permission on that property and those animals don’t belong there, I can do what I please with whatever I catch, especially since they weren’t tagged. I found out later that they belonged to a guy a 1/2 mile down the road. All the dogs were running around still unleashed in the yard

Thank you for replying. Definitely something to consider.

Yes we do rent the whole property but we are way in the country, not a city type lease. We love our landlord, she is like a grandma to our kids so I won’t ask her to approve something she is no longer comfortable with. Even if the neighbors are being ridiculous.
But on a positive note we back up to 180acre of managed forest and I have contacted the office and it sounds like I may be able to trap there as long as I get permission from the manager, and was told he does do this. So I’m waiting on a phone call from him. Should hear back within the hour. And nobody else needs to know.

Yes, a very valuable lesson in deed. Won’t make that mistake twice. Good to know about the dogs though. I may have found a solution to my problems though. Just waiting on a phone call. Might be able to trap the 180acres directly behind us. Fingers crossed. And nobody outside this forum will know about it.

foothold traps will not hurt dogs contrary to some non trappers beliefs! Ive caught my golden retriever and made him sit in it for 5 min to get the hint. 2 min after the reset he was back sniffing at the dirthole SMH. So IMO id just trap and release his dog if you catch it, I dont have rubber pads on mine and my dog never had a mark and didnt even limp afterwards.
Im sure yall have some sort of dog at large ordinance. you could always turn in their dogs when running loose if you wanted, but I'd understand if you didnt. but if they are not allowing you to use your property as you want it is somethign to think about

Yes, I had a similar situation. I went to see the person and asked if I could educate them, and I show them rubber jaw traps, which they did not know existed. I explained they only hold an animal and do not hurt their foot. Then it was OK.

Yeah I don’t think they know that about traps. I am hoping to be able trap the acreage behind our property. Just waiting on a call. Non of the neighbor will be aware of it and if I have issue with them back there I may try and find a way to call on them as long as they can deal with it without using my name. They will think it is out of retaliation. Don’t need/want the extra drama

I am hoping to be able to do this also. We shall see.

Simple solution to a roaming dog is finding a really stinky lure that causes a rolling effect. Rover tends to not roam much when he needs a bath every time he leaves the yard.