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How to Kill a Stray Dog
The Center For Disease Control estimates that dogs
bite 4.5 million Americans each year and that one in
five dog bites result in serious injuries requiring
medical attention.
Whether you live in an urban or suburban area, there
is a chance that at some point in your life you
either have or will encounter a stray dog.
An unknown dog can pose a potential health
and safety risk to everything that it comes into
contact with.
Stray dogs carry disease and most unlicensed
animals do not have the required immunizations.
Dogs can carry several varieties of worms
from hookworms to tapeworms, as well as diseases as
fatal as rabies.
Studies show that 97% of humans that contract
rabies come from dog bites.
Aside from your physical wellbeing, your home and
belongings are at risk if this menace wanders into
the neighborhood.
Rabid dogs especially are notorious for the
destruction of personal property including but not
limited to patio sets, tires and children’s toys.
In order to maintain the safety and security of you
and your loved ones, it is important that you are
aware of the different tools at your disposable for
killing a stray dog.
By outlining the method as well as how to
carry it out, you will be able to make the most
informed decision that works for you.
Traps
Using a trap is relatively inexpensive way to kill a
stray dog, especially if that dog has been a
nuisance on an ongoing basis.
The most popular trap available is called a Conibear
trap. As
the name indicates, this trap is generally used to
trap bears but due to the sizes it is available in
as well as the cost (as little as five dollars,
depending on where you live) it is used regularly to
kill stray dogs as well.
The downside of using a trap is that if other
animals (or worse, a person) wander into it, it can
cause severe injury or even death.
When placing a trap, ensure that you place it on
your personal property where the stray dog will
wander into it and not near a high-traffic area for
children.
Traps are very easy to set up and do not
require any maintenance.
You can even bait your trap with a rawhide
bone to lure the animal into it.
Guns
This method works best if you already have access to
a gun.
You’ll want to ensure that the laws where you live
allow for you to use a firearm on your personal
property in order to keep intruders out.
Before discharging your firearm, make sure
that the area is clear of people and other animals
and try to get a clear shot, preferably when the
animal is not moving.
Poison
This option comes last on the list, as it is
arguably the least desirable. There are a number of
poisons available (some of which, you might already
have in your own kitchen cabinet) to rid yourself of
the pesky beast.
Depending on the size of the dog, baker’s chocolate
contains something called methylxanthines, which can
be fatal in larger doses.
As little as an ounce of chocolate could be
enough to kill a small stray dog.
Antifreeze is a common household item that can also
be used to kill a stray dog.
Used in the radiator of cars, this substance
has a sweet smell to it and might entice a
dehydrated animal to ingest it.
If you decide to use poison, bear in mind that it
can kill not only the targeted animal, but also
other domesticated (cats, for instance) and wild
animals (squirrels or birds).
What’s worse, placed in the inappropriate
location, a human child could mistake it for a treat
and ingest it, causing death.
Poison can also affect the surrounding
environment it is placed in, seeping into the ground
and infecting the natural ecosystem.
It is important to add, however, that there may be
circumstances under which you do not want to kill
the stray dog and simply want it removed.
Calling your local animal control can easily
remedy that problem.
If the animal is presenting an immediate
problem, try blocking off the area or staying inside
your house until help arrives.
Live traps are also available (although
expensive) and can contain the animal while you
contact the appropriate authorities.
Remember, making an informed decision about the best
way to eliminate a stray dog is just as important as
the method you use.
Exercising caution and protecting your family
should always be your primary objective.
