Before making an accusation, please ensure that the dog did indeed attack your chickens. We used to raise chickens and many of our chickens were bare-butted, not because of a dog, but because of kids that thought it was a kick to hear the chickens screech as their tail feathers were being plucked.

Hmm, well this particular dog has been running wild in our yard for years as I mentioned and I've witnessed first hand the dog trying to catch and eat our chickens all during those 'visits'. When I saw the dog again running around our yard barking and the chickens missing again this time, it was more than a safe bet to assume the dog bit the chicken's butt. Other neighbors have seen this dog chasing our chickens and trying to bite them too over the years so it's not an unwarranted "accusation". And never had we found random kids in our yard chasing the chickens (nor would our kids ever think to do such a cruel thing - they love their pets). And as a matter of fact, our other neighbors (not the dog's owner) keep a helpful eye on our flock when we're not around so your suggestion is very unlikely to have happen in our situation.

Anyone who has read any of your blogs would realize it's ridiculous to think of your kids plucking their pets feathers "for kicks". Honestly, it seems to me as if Randi didn't really read this blog but is jumping on the defensive. I honestly just don't understand why people have such a hard time with even the concept of keeping their dog in their own yard. My boyfriend has been dealing with a neighbor dog coming onto his property for years, getting into their trash and just being a general nuisance. The owner continues to let the dog run around and never answers the door when they try to confront him. It's not the dogs fault, he's just being a dog. It's the owner's responsibility to make sure not only that his pet is not bothering other people but also to keep it safe. What's to keep the dog from wandering into traffic? It's like letting a toddler walk around unattended.
I've been reading your blogs for a while, Wendy, and this is the first time I've commented. This subject happens to be a 'pet' peeve of mine. And I'm glad you're only missing a few chicken feathers, not chickens. Keep up the good blogging!

Thanks Dawn :-)