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It seems odd to me that animal control expects you to corral or trap the dogs and then call them. I've had that happen with skunks, possums, and squirrels but not with dogs. They'll come patrol for dogs and if they see them out (unrestrained), will pick them up.

No matter what, this situation is bad. You are threatened by these dogs. If you call animal control and the dogs get picked up, your neighbors will likely react negatively. If you shoot them (or otherwise harm them), your neighbors will likely react negatively.

I agree with the advice to document the problem with calls to the HCSD and Animal Control every time there is a problem. While this situation is your problem, the solution does not rest solely on you. You have a limited ability to influence your neighbors to do the right thing. If they won't, Law Enforcement then has the responsibility to step in.

If the dogs are truly threatening you (and your family), I would be prepared to stop the threat. That said, make sure you're right about it. People are very emotionally attached to animals and the publicity won't be good even if you're in the right.

I don't agree with poisoning dogs (or other animals) with substances that injure or give a lingering death (such as anti-freeze). As it's been stated, it's the owners that are idiots, don't punish the dogs with cruelty.

Get yourself a reload able taser and several reloads for it. When the dogs go on your property or after the child shoot them with the taser. 1 or 2 times is all it will take for each dog and they will avoid your property and the child.

I've been advised that most dogs have a strong aversion to pepper spray. Just be careful not to contaminate yourself while applying the stuff to the dog.

EDITED TO ADD:

In addition to jbarn's worthwhile warning about Penal Code as relates to dogs, be sure to thoroughly read through Chapter 825 of the Health & Safety Code, specifically the definition of a "dangerous dog" and the duties of owners and rights of victims of a dangerous dog.

http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/D ... HS.822.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

A few notes:

Animal control will loan you live traps if you request.

Even in unincorporated Harris County you could be cited for discharging a firearm in a residential area (a homeowner in my subd shot a stray dog that was rumored to be aggressive and he was ticketed-don't know the disposition though)

Animal control is pretty low on the manpower totem pole in Harris County (I spent almost 20 years working for Harris County and dealt with AC frequently). If you can get the dogs into your backyard and secured they will come get.

A livestock hotshot will give you more reach than a taser.

You are either in Pct 1 or 2 depending on address. Contact the downtown office of your County Commissioner. They don't like it when residents are vocal about problems. http://www.hctx.net" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; Stray dogs menacing your niece is really bad pr and can get a lot of traction on social media and the news.

Tass

It's not the dog's fault, the dummies that own them are irresponsible. I am not going to shoot a dog unless it is actually attacking. Growling and snarling is often done out of fear not aggression, I agree document, document, document, pepper spray works wonders as does a stun gun, Taser, or cattle prod. A garden hose with a high pressure nozzle will change a dog's mind too. The best thing to do is retrain the owners they are probably the kind that if their dog was out and got run over they would want to sue the motorist. Hefty fines work quite well as owner retraining methods.

MoJo wrote:It's not the dog's fault, the dummies that own them are irresponsible. I am not going to shoot a dog unless it is actually attacking. Growling and snarling is often done out of fear not aggression, I agree document, document, document, pepper spray works wonders as does a stun gun, Taser, or cattle prod. A garden hose with a high pressure nozzle will change a dog's mind too. The best thing to do is retrain the owners they are probably the kind that if their dog was out and got run over they would want to sue the motorist. Hefty fines work quite well as owner retraining methods.

I had not thought of the garden hose...... Good idea! I will keep that one in my back pocket.

To the person who suggested poisoning the dogs with anti-freeze - - - little kids like the sweet taste of anti-freeze too, the ant-freeze manufacturers have added a bitter tasting substance to keep animals and kids from drinking enough to harm them. Unless you have some old stock on hand the AF won't work anymore. Thank God!

MoJo wrote:I am not going to shoot a dog unless it is actually attacking.:

If you wait until a dog is actually attacking a child, you have waited much too long. While pepper spray might work,
I would be concerned that it might not. Being in a yard with child, an angry aggressive peppery dog and my hand holding a spray canister doesn't fill me with confidence. If you honestly think the threat is real, protecting the child is all that matters. I would put the dog down.

A-R wrote:In addition to jbarn's worthwhile warning about Penal Code as relates to dogs, be sure to thoroughly read through Chapter 825 of the Health & Safety Code, specifically the definition of a "dangerous dog" and the duties of owners and rights of victims of a dangerous dog.

http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/D ... HS.822.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I have never seen a better reason to get a pet rabbit.

nightmare wrote:I have never seen a better reason to get a pet rabbit.

Don't be too sure about that:

http://youtu.be/xulXFB3-A3c" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Best scene starts around 4:00 above

If you have some citronella oil you might try squirting some to make a 'liquid' fence to repel the unwanted dog visitors. As Citronella is poisonous, you do not want to leave a puddle of it for either kids or dogs to get into. You might also be able to spritz a bit of it in the direction of the dogs when they come into the yard with the goal of conditioning them to stay away from your property.

OP said the owners disavowed ownership of the dogs when the authorities were involved. Doesn't that make them strays and instantly subject to animal control?

If they aren't strays, and the owners are getting uppity about protecting their dogs, then they're also admitting liability for the legal containment & aggressive behavior.

Video the dogs any time they are around - loose off leashes, barking, running around, being aggressive, etc. Obviously not at the expense of not protecting your family, but document it, and show it to LE every time you have to call them.

If they are renters, make the owner aware of the situation every single time it happens. They very well may be out of compliance with their lease, too.

You didn't mention if there was an HOA. If there is, they might actually be of assistance here.

OF

You can go on the Harris county apraisal district web site http://www.hcad.org/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; and get the name of the owner if these people rent. Put the property owner down as the responsible party if they won't give you contact info for the resident. You could also try having a law firm write a demand letter letting the owner know that the property they own has loose animals that are dangerous and that they as the owners can be held liable. If the landlords tell the tenants to keep the dogs contained then maybe they'll listen and if god forbid something does happen they owners can't pretend they didn't know their was a situation with the dogs. I live in cloverleaf and there are always loose dogs running around. You really can't ever have kids anyplace that isn't fenced in without having someone always watching.

Have you considered non-lethal 12 gauge ammo? There are cayenne pepper rounds, flash bang, and rubber balls. If it were me, I would not want to harm the dogs if at all possible. A cayenne round or rubber ball should send them scampering for good. If that doesn't do the trick, and thing turn south, have some buckshot ready to rack. Hopefully that won't happen. The owners are idiots.

To the people who are advocating shooting the dogs with live ammo or, less lethal ammo you have to remember every bullet less lethal or not comes with a law firm attached. An aggressive dog is not likely to stand still while you pick your shot to prevent collateral damage. So, I would think twice, then think again before employing ANY form of deadly force.

I keep my dogs in a fenced yard, but sometimes things happen. If it is my dog you shoot be prepared to present evidence why you shot my dog in both criminal and civil court.