Neighbor criminal responsibility for nuisance dog?

[MrHaht]

A neighbor's dog repeatedly comes onto property and acts in menacing way towards land owners dog's and even people. This is a rural area, no leash laws, no laws against letting your dog run free. However, this dog (1) has previously killed another neighbor's puppy, (2) acts in a threatening manner when it comes onto one's property, (3) comes onto property daily. The nuisance dog's owner has been asked to control the dog, but continues to allow it to run free onto other land owners property. Land owner does not feel safe on her own property. Doesn't feel as if her dogs are safe. County deputy advises that only option is for the land owner to shoot the dog. Given that the dog owner is aware of dog's behavior, has been asked by neighbor to control the dog, and takes no action to control dog, is there any criminal sanction that can be applied to dog owner? If not, what are the other options, short of taking the deputy's advice?

 

[jharris352]

If the dog bites someone there may be criminal liability. Until something happens there may be nothing to do.

I'm from rural North Carolina. If this happened in the country there neighbors would go talk to the owner and if nothing happened the dog would get shot and disappear. No one would ever know what happened, the dog would just disappear.

I'm all for it.

 

[MrHaht]

Since the dog has attacked and killed the dog of another neighbor, and at least a third neighbor has also complained to this lady about the dog, is there a possibility that public nuisance laws could be applied?

 

[mightymoose]

Your local law enforcement may not have much they can do, but try contacting animal control, SPCA, or your county code enforcement. There may be a county nuisance ordinance that they can enforce.
You might also have an option by obtaining a restraining order that compels the owner to keep the dog off the property.
I don't think anyone should shoot the dog... if you dothen the owner might end up trying to sue you over it. Unless it is actually attacking someone and is menacing at the time it is shot, that could get you in trouble.