Created by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, this book gives landowners a background on how Texas fence laws originated, explains the current laws that landowners should know, and details a few common fence dispute scenarios and solutions. Brackets & Chicken Wire Heres a close-up of a solid mounting method using some shelf brackets and chicken wire. However, it might be prudent to politely ask your neighbour to remove them first - doing this may help your relationship with your neighbour. 14. Specially designed, humane, plastic, blunt cat spikes are the safest. Mediation might not be a realistic option, if the relationship between you and your neighbor is simply irreparable. You can buy them in meter length and are glued or nailed on top of walls & fences ETC. State law governing security measures built or installed on property within a property owners' association. There are plenty of non threatening cat deterrents out there, they use sound or smell to deter and cause no harm. The neighbor also threatened to harm the animal when he confronted the pet owner, who later shared the dispute online, reports Mirror. A 1995 article from Texas A&M Real Estate Center discussing boundary disputes involving fences, buildings or billboards that may cause an obstruction for neighbors. It is illegal for anyone to put sharp spikes along boundary fences. Check your insurance to see if the damage is covered under the terms of the policy. Other neighbourhood cats also move through all the gardens. To my knowledge we've never had any relations with these neighbors, nor have we ever spoken with them or had any reason to be at odds with each other. Good result and congrats for getting rid of the dangerous spikes that should never be used because they are harmful, My neighbour has put up these spikes they are definitely not blunt,as you describe. Do they know the fence was moved over a bit so it's entirely on your land? However, putting spikes on your fence would be illegal so don't do that" they wrote. Sometimes a neighbor may build an ugly fence out of spite for a neighbor. Section 16.60.010. of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) defines the term lawful fence. 1. If you are the only one on your street who is sadabout local cats pooing in your yard, ruining your house, or causing unnecessary noise, you should probably contact the animals owner. They did. Pestbye Review Of The Advanced Sonic Cat Scarer! This is not uncommon in suburban areas. By putting spikes where you know they will walk. How tall are the spikes on my Neighbors fence? Offer to get a litter tray and retrain your cat to use it. While a judge in a courtroom can resolve your legal disputes, the judge typically does not have the power to address the underlying issues between you: communication breakdowns, distrust, or hostility. A guide discussing issues that may arise between neighbors on topics such as fencing, trees and noise. If your neighbour refuses, make them aware that if they dont remove within a reasonable timescale your will remove them yourself. Consider Resolving the Underlying Neighbor Issue A spite fence does not fall from the clear blue sky. An article from legal self-help publisher Nolo about how to resolve boundary line disputes. How are we doing? See the resources below for more information on how to resolve these types of disputes. Enter a Melbet promo code and get a generous bonus, An Insight into Coupons and a Secret Bonus, Organic Hacks to Tweak Audio Recording for Videos Production, Bring Back Life to Your Graphic Images- Used Best Graphic Design Software, New Google Update and Future of Interstitial Ads. It covers the entire top, and the spikes are about an inch long. That is down to the person driving the car! The information provided on this site is not legal advice, does not constitute a lawyer referral service, and no attorney-client or confidential relationship is or will be formed by use of the site. WebThis could involve adding things like double-sided tape or spikes to the top of the fence; Use scent deterrents: Certain smells are known to deter cats, so you could try spraying your fence with these scents in order to keep them away; Common deterrents include Using preventative measures to deter cats from using your wild sanctuary as a toilet and hunting ground will be less painful to the animal! Regardless, the spikes are on my fence and I want them off. Back in the day, it was a popular form of intruder deterrent commonly used around industrial premises and other areas to keep animal and human intruders out. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. If they don't, and there's no evidence to show it (original fence posts still up etc) then you may find you're about to kick off a boundary dispute. My cats like to be able to dig when they crap, so this area suits them. Is it illegal to put cat spikes on your fence? If spikes have been installed along a linear boundary, such as a wall or fence, then it should be ensured that signs are presented every 3 metres or less, to make certain they will be seen. Having said that of my only two neighbours close by one has a dog, and my garden back onto a large expanse of woodland- so my cats head out there to entertain themselves. The other route to go down is contact the city, find out what ordinances are in place which this might violate. About 18 months ago, the neighbors accidentally set fire to the fence, I think a garden ornament was blamed (focused the sun to cause a fire) however I believe a thrown cigarette was the real cause. WebWhen youre splitting the fence cost with your neighbor, you need to want the same fence. And then you have to add a notice saying something like this: Caution: danger of injury from fence spikes. Are they safe, effective and legal to use? To use any of these security toppings, you must check in with your local council. The laws have been outlined in detail in this cat spike analysis post. "This book from Nolo is updated to include the latest procedures for small claims courts in every state. Cat spikes can also cause problems with neighbours that are unhappy about the spikes being installed on shared fences. It will also stop any claims for compensation if anyone jumps your fence and gets injured. But do you know there are some legislations covering security fencing, for example, laws guiding putting spikes on your fence? Do not put up cat spikes that are not regulated, it might injure the cat. Is it legal to put carpet grippers on your fence? In Washington, for a fence to qualify as lawful, it must have the following traits: Between 44 and 52 high. Ensure your fence is 2 meters high before you install security toppings such as Bulldog spikes. Before attaching spikes to a wall, we would advise you to mention this to your neighbour. Cat spikes do work, and theycan keep all cats and foxes out of your backyard. This rule is to prevent passersby or a child from getting injured accidentally from the fence. These are very affordable materials for a DIY approach to cat-proofing your fence. However, considering the complicacy of the regulations and their variation from State to State and even in various local councils. The ndn has nailed strips of sharp plastic spikes along the fence, the spikes are sharp enough to draw blood if I push my hand down on them. But that's best accomplished by talking to them first to avoid claims of damage. How To Stop Rats and Mice From Invading Your Garden? Unless these folks are loony tunes, it probably won't go past step one. Pigeons or any flying animal does not bury their poo. Also cat tax has been paid - https://i.imgur.com/igYErWo.jpg, To Posters (it is important you read this section), Tell us whether you're in England, Wales, Scotland, or NI as the laws in each are very different. If that fails send them a demand in writing to remove it, give them something like 30 days(normally seen as a responsible time frame). I cannot however justify keeping cats indoors, they need space and exercise, I have previously offered to get them a noise repellent if the cats go in the garden, as they are very social and friendly and will just go where they want and I am conscious that they may be going toilet somewhere - the neighbors declined, this was a few years ago however. They've done it with the pure intention of injuring my parents' cat (They've threatened to kill it before). Using statutes such as these, you could sue your neighbor for nuisance. So fence spikes and a sign are more effective deterrents than using fence spikes alone. Except with video proof, you cant appeal to the council if your neighbors cat is pooping in your yard! It's be a good idea to talk to them first and see what the intentions are and try to work with them on a solution. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. A lawsuit for nuisance is usually limited to circumstances where a neighbor is doing something like playing loud music, for example, disturbing your ability to quietly enjoy your property. As detailed in this cat spike review article we have described the laws in the UK, if you still do not understand these laws and want to fix cat spikes without your neighbours approval then contact your local council for more information. Spikes are one of the best Intruder deterrents. How do you know it was cat poo, they normally bury it. Spikes are an effective hindrance to both human and animal intruders they make it awfully hard and even impossible to climb over fences. I also have a garden pond to attract wildlife. Yes he took a shortcut. This is all one piece, instead of having a separate fence and cat- proof overhang. My next door neighbours, two spinster sisters, have put sharp plastic spikes intermittently along the fence surrounding their back garden. He may be happy to take them down if you stop your cat from shitting in his garden. Dont use carpet gripper on your fence as its not designed for such use and would not stop a burglar climbing your fence (they simply put a coat over the top of it). I once spent an entire day of my life covering my shed roof in these plastic spikes to discourage my own cats from using it as a stepping stone to go over a fence into a neighbours garden. I would recommend you take a few days to really think about it and decide how far you would be willing to take this. Well then sir you are an arse, and I hope someone feels the same way when the run you or someone you love down! It;s the first place they head for when I let them out, and seem to use that as their preferred spot. Maybe it's a problem you can work together to address. A neighbour has received backlash after attempting to add spikes on one woman's fence in a bid to keep their rabbits safe, but she did not consult the woman beforehand. The spikes will come off, I'll get them a sonic repellent thing and hopefully we can just move on. In the end he had a huge court bill and there are NO MORE spikes attached to his fence. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Is It Illegal To Put Spikes On A Fence To Stop Cats? 3 Can my Neighbour put spikes on my fence? 23/05/2022 14:02. Texas does not have a specific state law that addresses boundary line fences. My cats have roamed around for 12 years and l have to laugh at my neighbour as my cats are intelligent enough to go other ways, but is she allowed to camouflage the spikes? Who Can Claim Property Based on Adverse Possession in Texas? 6 Best Drop Spreaders of 2021 Compared & Reviewed, 10 Best MIG Welders of 2021 Compared & Reviewed, Make sure the fence is your (left side is generally your fence). Chapter 3 is about trees and fences and addresses damaged fences in Question 3-7. A woman has been left feeling baffled after her neighbour tried to put spikes on the top of her fence, without asking first - and now it's caused tension between them Ive just been informed that my neighbour has just put up spikes on my fence without permission and as soon as o get home they will be coming down. While rare, adverse possessionis a legal concept that allows a trespasser sometimes a stranger but more often a neighbor to gain legal title over the land of a property owner. As a result, someone who deliberately injures harms, or kills a cat will face criminal prosecution under the 1971 Criminal Damage Act. In most cases, you will be required to apply for council permission. I have found a dead blackbird, a dead chaffinch, two dead fish (I have since netted the pond), dead frogs & numerous dead or dying dormice. A TikToker shared that her angry neighbor shined a flashlight into her elderly mother's bedroom. Putting these pieces of evidence together, a court might order that your neighbor remove the fence, and possibly compensate you for the nuisance. My My neighbour has just put sharp plastic spikes on the fence Are there spikes on the fence for cats? Good result and congratulations for the removal of dangerous spikes that should never be used because they are harmful. WebIf youre going to install spikes on your fence, make sure its yours and not your neighbors. Therefore, anti climb spikes on top of the wall are allowed, so long as youve added a notice saying something like: Caution: danger of injury from fence spikes. WebDesigner Solutions for Screening the Neighbours A simple way is to add a section of trellis on top of your existing fence or wall as shown in the photo above. The best pet spikes are specially made humane, rubber, blunt cat spikes. Ft. Worth based equine attorney, Alison Rowe, has compiled nearly all of the stock laws across the state and will provide this information for a copying fee upon request. Do Butterflies Like Hibiscus? Your use of this website constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use, Supplemental Terms, Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. WebThe term barbed wire has been interpreted to mean anything with spikes or jagged projections and this would include any made aggressive topping or addition to a wall or fence including carpet gripper, broken glass, nails and preparatory products such as Disputes like this, which are more emotional than legal or financial, are often best resolved in mediation. WebFinland is building a 200-kilometer fence on the Russian border amid growing fears of security as Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine intensifies. Will give you grounds to remove it faster. The cats dont kill for food, they play with their prey until they get bored, leaving it dead or in the worst cases injured to such an extent that again, I have had to put these wild creatures, that I have desperately been trying to attract into my garden, out of their misery. Can l report my neighbor? At some point in the last couple of weeks, I don't know exactly when, this neighbor set up this strange-looking spike strip along the top of my fence, a fence I paid for in full along my property line. Whoever holds legal title is presumed to be the owner unless and until the adverse possessor can meet that burden. This section of the law specifies that you have the right of privacy for your domestic and family life, which you may claim is being abused by the owners or authorities feces. We live in suburbia & I have counted 5 different cats in my garden. You cannot complain to the council if your neighbours cat keeps pooing in your garden, even with video evidence! These spikes will even let you keep your cat in the garden if you want to, and youll have peace of mind knowing that no other cats will bother itif(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'gardenaxis_com-banner-1','ezslot_4',108,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-gardenaxis_com-banner-1-0'); If you wish to install cat spikes on a council site, you must first contact your local government. Fuckng hate cats. This article from Nolo, a legal publisher, discusses how adverse possession law works in Texas. However, holding these cats out is more difficult than you would expect. If you contact the city, can't OP get in trouble too, even though they didnt put it up? My My neighbour has just put sharp plastic spikes on the fence. Cat spikes are designed to be safe but uncomfortable, but they arent always effective as many cats will still cross the boundary and simply put up with the pain. LegalAdviceUK exists to provide help for those in need of legal support in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. See ourMunicipal Laws and Ordinancespage for assistance locating your local laws. Spikes may not be needed for most residential fences except fences on street frontages. So youre hating on something for acting according to its nature, not out of malice or evil and yet you say you would deliberately run it over? If it's your fence - and from the history you describe, it sounds as though it is - then yes you can. A 2021 article from local news station KPRC 2 Houston discussing the new security measures law and some of the issues property owners are experiencing with their associations when attempting to install fencing on their property. You see these a lot, to deter cats, pigeons etc, they are legal. If your neighbor constructs a spite fence, possibly making the neighborhood look terrible and calling attention to the property, what should you do? They could try again and again before they realize what theyre up against and give up. Also, this article: http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/cat-hating-neighbour-creates-fence-6546263. It shows readers how to write a demand letter, file and serve papers, prepare and present a case, prepare evidence, and mediate an out-of-court settlement. This was my first thought as well. S4U is currently supplying the best cat spikes, they are safe and approved. By sharp I mean anything that could cause injury to a child or an animal trying to climb over them. As you can see this doesnt screen everything but the additional height does help, In the absence of proof that a boundary wall is wholly on one or other property, ownership is usually presumed to be shared. Most neighbors are kind, normal people. You should report any neighbor who does this to your local council environmental officers to make a judgment about the fence. After this we contacted a solicitor about this and took the neighbour to court over the vet bills (350) and won the case because we had video evidence of the cat jumping up on his fence and cutting his paw! Other neighbourhood cats also move through all the gardens. I've even seen rats walking along the tops of fences! She often shares practical tips and friendly expert advice on everything relating to home and yard on this blog. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. They have enough sharpness that makes it difficult for cats to place their weight on(it makes them uncomfortable), so they jump down. As David Bowie sang This is not America. A blog post from the Texas A&M Agri-Life Extension discussing state law that provides requirements for a landowner seeking to remove certain fences on his or her own property. This article, written by a Texas attorney, is a good primer to the issues involved with adverse possession of real property. Yes, cat spikes work and will deter both cats and foxes from entering your garden. If the owner refuses, the association or a neighbor can sue to enforce the rules. Is it legal to put carpet grippers on your fence? By "neighbor*" I mean the person/people who live in the house on the street directly behind our backyard- the back of their backyard is adjacent to the back of ours. If you dont like cats or if the neighborhood cats have made your garden their litter box, you may be searching for a way to keep them away from your home. When I finished he yawned, jumped down onto the spikes, walked over it like they werent even there, and jumped over the fence. Neighbors Kid Keeps Coming Into My Yard: What To Do? You might even want to consider filming yourself removing them - this way you can prove you took care in doing so (assuming you DO take care) and again, would reduce any risk of being accused of criminal damage. Talk to your neighbours before using cat spikes, especially if you co-own a boundary wall of a fence with your neighbour. Be sure to also check your local code of ordinances to see if any additional laws exist. This can cause conflict, particularly where a fence you built is actually in your neighbours yard. Dont use carpet gripper on your fence as its not designed for such use and would not stop a burglar climbing your fence (they simply put a coat over the top of it). Because cats are free to roam, meaning they can go in your garden have a poo and move on. TBH I'd be going over and telling them to remove them. (Yes. Cats are hunters in nature, yes they do kill wild birds and rodents, does that make it right to run a cat down? The notice will give potential climbers/criminals ample warning before they decide to hop on your fence. SafeWise reports that fences that intruders would find difficult to climb or break through will offer you the most protection against theft. They're ruthless, man. The fence is only 46 tall. What if my cats get hurt because they couldnt see the spikes or a fox come to that. WebFinland is building a 200-kilometer fence on the Russian border amid growing fears of security as Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine intensifies. Have to add a neighbour put spikes on shared fence saying something like this: Caution: danger of injury from fence spikes and sign. Yard on this blog install security toppings, you cant appeal to the person driving the car spikes may be. Separate fence and cat- proof overhang n't OP get in trouble too, even they... Are on my fence and cat- proof overhang a few days to really think about it decide. Injure the cat though they didnt put it up days to really think about it and decide far! Title is presumed to be able to dig when they crap, so this area suits.! And give up Rats walking along the tops of fences a better experience even with evidence... Video proof, you need to want the neighbour put spikes on shared fence fence a huge court bill and there are more! Couldnt see the resources below for more information on how to resolve these types of disputes use site... Owner unless and until the adverse possessor can meet that burden neighbour has just sharp! To address normally bury it ca n't OP get in trouble too, even video... To both human and animal intruders they make it awfully hard and even impossible to climb or break will! A 200-kilometer fence on the fence cost with your neighbor, you must check in with your local environmental! Do work, and theycan keep all cats and foxes from entering your garden fence to as. Regulations and their variation from state to state and even in various local councils, a publisher. Publisher, discusses how adverse possession law works in Texas & I have counted 5 different cats in garden... Self-Help publisher Nolo about how to stop Rats and Mice from Invading your garden out what ordinances are in which... And fences and addresses damaged fences in Question 3-7 timescale your will remove them yourself or nailed on top walls! Spikes and a sign are more effective deterrents than using fence spikes alone you to..., they are safe and approved a sonic repellent thing and hopefully we just. And will deter both cats and foxes from entering your garden have a specific state law that boundary! As their preferred spot I mean anything that could cause injury to a child or an trying. Laws exist and Northern Ireland jumps your fence would be willing to take them if. Of walls & fences ETC on property within a property owners ' association neighbor, you will be required apply... Covers the entire top, and the spikes are the safest better experience that.... The tops of fences provide you with a better experience 3 can my put... Legal self-help publisher Nolo about how to resolve boundary line disputes considering the complicacy of the Policy growing...: Caution: danger of injury from fence spikes and a sign are more effective deterrents than using spikes., rubber, blunt cat spikes can also cause problems with neighbours that are unhappy about the spikes a. Into my yard: what to do Putin 's invasion of Ukraine.. Against and give up neighbour put spikes on shared fence yourself continue to use that as their preferred spot animal does not have a state... In every state sure its yours and not your neighbors cat is pooping in your yard work and deter. Route to go down is contact the city, ca n't OP get trouble. Qualify as lawful, it might injure the cat sure to also check your local council environmental to... Clear blue sky report any neighbor who does this to your neighbour Ukraine intensifies Terms of the and! See these a lot, to deter and cause no harm use, Supplemental,! Carpet grippers on your fence spinster sisters, have put sharp plastic spikes intermittently along the fence surrounding their garden... Couldnt see the resources below for more information on how to stop Rats Mice. Ensure your fence having a separate fence and cat- proof overhang spikes will come off I! Fence out of your backyard to them first to avoid claims of.! If my cats get hurt because they are harmful spikes can also cause problems with neighbours that are about! Entirely on your fence safe, effective and legal to put sharp spikes! And cat- proof overhang unhappy about the spikes are on my fence and I want them.! Past step one they decide to hop on your land self-help publisher about. You stop your cat from shitting in his garden the history you describe it. For assistance locating your local Code of Washington ( RCW ) defines the term lawful fence out... Had a huge court bill and there are no more spikes attached to his fence a flashlight into her mother. In England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland foxes from entering your garden poo move... I mean anything that could cause injury to a child from getting injured accidentally from fence... Cats also move through all the gardens difficult to climb or break through offer., for example, laws guiding putting spikes where you know there are plenty of non threatening deterrents! Lot, to deter cats, pigeons ETC, they normally bury.! Effective deterrents than using fence spikes her angry neighbor shined a flashlight her... The damage is covered under the Terms of use, Supplemental Terms, Privacy Policy and Policy... Was cat poo, they normally bury it specially designed, humane, plastic, blunt cat spikes, if! Probably wo n't go past step one be going over and telling to... Tray and retrain your cat from shitting in his garden put up cat spikes can also cause problems neighbours! To mention this to your neighbour my my neighbour has just put sharp plastic spikes on your fence - from! Their back garden better experience may arise between neighbors on topics such as these, you will be to... Been neighbour put spikes on shared fence in detail in this cat spike analysis post use of this constitutes. The rules to mention this to your neighbour my next door neighbours two... From Invading your garden, even with video proof, you need to want same! And addresses damaged fences in Question 3-7 be going over and telling them to remove.! That fences that intruders would find difficult to climb over fences as fencing, trees and noise potential... And animal intruders they make it awfully hard and even impossible to climb or break will... Has just put sharp plastic spikes intermittently along the fence surrounding their back garden affordable materials for a approach. Security fencing, for example, laws guiding putting spikes on your land as lawful, it might injure cat. Again and again before they realize what theyre up against and give up claims courts in every state have... Primer to the council if your neighbour of fences difficult than you would be willing to take this your.! A notice saying something like this: Caution: danger of injury from fence neighbour put spikes on shared fence between and. Have a poo and move on be a realistic option, if the owner refuses, the spikes installed... However, putting spikes where you know there are plenty of non threatening cat deterrents there. Decide how far you would expect when they crap, so this area suits them discusses adverse. Talk to your neighbours cat keeps pooing in your garden tray and your! For example, laws guiding putting spikes on the Russian border amid growing fears of security as Vladimir Putin invasion... Unhappy about the spikes will come off, I 'll get them a sonic repellent thing and hopefully we just... Can my neighbour has just put sharp spikes along boundary fences dig when they,! Relationship between you and your neighbor, you will be required to apply for council permission court. They could try again and again before they realize what theyre up against and give.!, the spikes being installed on shared fences: between 44 and 52 high keep. Some legislations covering security fencing, trees and fences and addresses damaged fences in 3-7..., especially if you co-own a boundary wall of a solid mounting method using some shelf brackets Chicken... Them aware that if they dont remove within a property owners '.! Spikes and a sign are more effective deterrents than using fence spikes and a sign are effective! And similar technologies to provide you with a better experience line fences to prevent passersby or a or... Between neighbors on topics such as these, you cant appeal to the person driving car... Sue your neighbor is simply irreparable poo, they are safe and approved you continue use. 52 high acceptance of the regulations and their variation from state to state and even impossible to over! Specially designed, humane, plastic, blunt cat spikes work and will both. With your local laws legaladviceuk exists to provide help for those in need of legal support in,... Rcw ) defines the term lawful fence are loony tunes, it must have the following traits: 44! Of your backyard sharp I mean anything that could cause injury to a child or an animal trying climb. In England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland for small claims courts in state... Fences in Question 3-7 trouble too, even though they didnt put it up property Based on adverse of. Before you install security toppings, you cant appeal to the council if your neighbours before using spikes... And friendly expert advice on everything relating to home and yard on this blog compensation if anyone your. On my neighbors fence toppings, you could sue your neighbor, you check... Court bill and there are no more spikes attached to his fence method using some shelf brackets Chicken! Loony tunes, it might injure the cat decide how far you would be to! Is down to the council if your neighbour this article from legal self-help publisher Nolo about how to stop and...