I have a problem with the neighbors through the adjoining fence. They daily wash their dog's urine and feces against the wooden fence, which then seeps under the fence and into my vegetable patch. It has died from the concentration of material and constant wetness. The timber has rotted out and despite at least five conversations and suggestions to rectify the matter, the owner refuses to put drainage in place to remedy the situation. In the heat, the flies and smell are bad. What avenues do I have to rectify this matter?
By Rebecca from Queensland, Australia
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Well, if they won't be good neighbors maybe you'll have to treat the situation like you would if you were dealing with a disrespectful child. Just dig your own drainage ditch and use the open pipe (don't know what it's called) so that the seepage stays as close to the fence as possible. You could dig down right under the fence and place the pipe actually under the fence so it doesn't touch the fence but doesn't come onto your property. You could use drainage ditch pipe. It has holes all along the pipe so liquid seeps into the ground. Or call the police.
I would certainly call the local health department or whatever similar governing body you might have in your town. Your neighbors are creating an unhealthy environment!
I would try to get some galvanized metal sheeting (corrugated), an dig out as deeply as you can behind your fence and use the sheeting as a barrier from as deep as it can go right up to (and above) the fence bottom. Put it in so that it is like a solid fence that runs down below the ground. By bringing it up beyond the bottom of the fence, you should be able to prevent the run-off from their hose. Back fill with your soil; adding some from elsewhere if you can.
Absolutely, call the officials, and call your SPCA or equivelant. As another poster here said, they are creating an unhealthful situation. I wholeheartedly believe in being good pet neighbors, such as picking up after your pets, not washing it into your neighbors yard. People that do not take proper care of and clean up after their pets should not be allowed to own pets!
Pat T
You could call your local police and talk with someone there about the situation and I would also call a lawyer and see what options you have. I also agree with calling the health department. The more "authoratative" voices you have to back you up the better to make sure that you dont overstep any boundaries in trying to rectify the situation. Good Luck with it!
Health Department, Health Department, Health Department! That is just downright nasty that your neighbors keep doing this and especially since I am sure you told them they are killing your vegetables!
Hi I would contact as many officials as possible in your city. Your neighbor could be held responsible for removing all contaminated dirt etc. that is affecting your property. If all fails-contact a local tv station to get someone out to view and televise this issue. Lawyer, city officials, county officials, police, enviromentalists, spca or local vets -even for more contacts. These people must be held accountable for creating a deadly habitat, not only for you but themselves and any other people living in that area. Good Luck!
YOU get to put drainage in place. Dig a vertical posthole deep as you can, multiple would be good, fill with round gravel or rocks and pipe it to that. Don't need to get a lawyer or authorities on this, just fix it yourself and save grief and money. You need exercise, right?
To all those wonderful people who helped me out, I contacted my Local Environmental Protection Agency who FWD the email onto Animal Management with my local Council. Their response was:'we shall be there next week & speak with the home owner & advise her of her obligations to comply with Local Law. We shall return in a further two weeks time to check what action has been put in place.
Hi Good Neighbour :-)
First, thank you for sharing your good news!
Am so happy to know you have stood your ground and did not cave in to your neighbour by spending your time, money and effort to clean up a problem they are causing and responsible for :-) Bravo!
Am also pleased to hear you contacted your local EPA as soon as you received advice here and that the EPA moved so quickly to pass the complaint on to your local Animal Management who are also moving quickly on this issue :-)
Please keep us posted on the progress :-)
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