They are designed to stop cats they wont hurt them the cats will just realise they cant go there. Beyond simply talking to this neighbor, who, judging by the quality of the spikes, may very well be crazy, what can I do? If the neighbor's dog destroys part of the fence, technically you'd both be responsible for the cost of repair. Web03:06. Feel free to remove it. If not they may not even be aware the fence belongs to you, if it is in the line. In other words, the fence is the symptom, not the disease. That is down to the person driving the car! I know this because I have a neighbor with two unvaccinated, unfixed, and no collar wearing stray cats they call pets. You can buy them in meter length and are glued or nailed on top of walls & fences ETC. WebIf your neighbor constructs a spite fence, possibly making the neighborhood look terrible and calling attention to the property, what should you do? He may be happy to take them down if you stop your cat from shitting in his garden. Well then sir you are an arse, and I hope someone feels the same way when the run you or someone you love down! Then tell them if they are not removed then they will be removed. Maybe even ask them if there is a specific reason for the spikes, and if there are any other ways you can help mitigate those reasons without adding spikes to your fence. Disputes like this, which are more emotional than legal or financial, are often best resolved in mediation. Pigeons or any flying animal does not bury their poo. Its slightly sharpened tip makes it difficult for cats to walk on it. So when he jumped down from the shed, he hit his chin on the spikes. Copyright by the Texas State Law Library. WebIf these approaches do not work, your fallback option is to refuse to pay anything, and then add a new panel on your own property that matches your initial two, such that there would be two fence panels between your home and your neighbor's. 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). Id second this, but Id also be putting this in writing as well. ,My cat just jumped down on to the fence and he yelped in pain. If you live in a busy neighborhood, youll have a cat in your backyard by the end of the week! How do you know it was cat poo, they normally bury it. To use any of these security toppings, you must check in with your local council. My detached garage wall defines the line of the boundary, the concrete of his former garage is on his side of the boundary. Undercommon law, Texas is an "open range"state,meaning that a livestock owner does not have a legal duty to prevent animals from getting onto the roadway. If you live in the south, Sweet Potato is acceptable BUT your words will be judged in relationship to the quality of the pie. Can l report my neighbor? if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'gardenaxis_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_3',107,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-gardenaxis_com-medrectangle-4-0'); Since cats are free to wander, they will go into your backyard, poop, and then leave. They've done it with the pure intention of injuring my parents' cat (They've threatened to kill it before). Are Cat Scarers & Sonic Devices Legal In The UK? You can buy them in meter length and are glued or nailed on top of walls & fences ETC. 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. Cat spikes can also cause problems with neighbours that are unhappy about the spikes being installed on shared fences. Neighbor law : fences, trees, boundaries & noise [electronic resource], Everybody's guide to small claims court [electronic resource], Know your rights! Boundary line disputes may arise between adjoining neighbors for a variety of reasons. Although we are not recommending that you go to those lengths, please exercise discretion when working with other peoples pets and note that they are only behaving in a normal manner. Spite fences are typically made of metal or wood, but they can also be made up of trees or shrubs. Press J to jump to the feed. Section 16.60.010. of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) defines the term lawful fence. I have bird feeders in my garden. Yes as soon as the spikes become a danger then they are basically illegal. Cat spikes are humane to use and they are not sharp like actual spikes, it only acts as a deterrent for cats. Spikes may not be needed for most residential fences except fences on street frontages. Spite fences are fences constructed purely to annoy a neighbor. Furthermore, before attaching spikes to a fence, tell your neighbor. Cat spikes are ideal for the pet and owner since they dont have to think about their cat getting trapped inside if they are at work or out for the day. What Are The Best Cat Deterrents That Keeps Them Out Of My Garden? If all other choices have been removed, contact your elected councilor and refer to Article 8 of the Human Rights Act. Spikes may not be needed for most residential fences except fences on street frontages. Not only because I don't really want to see what happens if my cat decides to run out and leap up the fence like they sometimes so, but also because it looks hideous and makes the fence look ugly. Can My Neighbor Record My Backyard (And My Property)? u/2020isbae agreed: "I'd have called the police the moment they said it. if you do this youre technically breaking the law and youll be prosecuted. 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. Domestic cats are considered property under the statute. My spikes aren't very big but it stops me having bird shit all over my fence. If you find these statutes difficult to understand, please see the Understanding the Lawresources below for a "plain English" explanation of these laws. 1 Is it illegal to put cat spikes on your fence? Press J to jump to the feed. You should report any neighbor who does this to your local council environmental officers to make a judgment about the fence. Does The right to roam give them the right to use my garden as a toilet & killing ground? This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Cat spikes are sharp, rubber spikes stuck to the tops of walls. Before attaching spikes to a wall, we would advise you to mention this to your neighbour. With that in mind, you must make sure the spikes you are using are plastic and not too sharp that they puncture the cats paws. Of course if the neighbour puts them in your fence again, I would suspect that they are likely causing criminal damage to your fence. They're usually tall, ugly, or both. Also depends how bad the spikes are - if it's to harm people then it won't stand in court. Can you bypass these issues by installing the fence just inside your property? (Yes. Let them know you will not assume any responsibility for damage to their property resulting from removing the spikes from your property. To stay above the law, you MUST only use blunt plastic spikes that will only make the cat feel uncomfortable. When she is not writing, she goes camping with her husband and little kids. The fence is only 46 tall. But it also depends on the location of your fence. Make sure it is gluten free. 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. In a TikTok video posted during the week of Feb. 20, 2023, creator @sharonblakely0 shared a rather divisive video of her neighbor shining a flashlight into her mothers bedroom at her residence. What are you waiting for? 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. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. 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. This is not a courtesy and manners subreddit. Remember that you will have the burden of proof to show a court that your neighbor installed the fence for malicious purposes. The fence is only 46 tall. If you resort directly to the police, HOA, code enforcement, or suing, you will make them into an enemy. Before I could get outside the cat had made such a mess of the bird before leaving it I had the great displeasure of putting the bird out of its suffering. Bird poop may be splattering or otherwise be visible on their side of the fence. The spike strip looks like a simple thin wooden strip with iron nails sticking out the top, and it runs along the entire length of their backyard and a good bit of ours. But they also found out that most cats have one kill per every 17 hours outside and they only bring home 25% of the animals they kill. A guide discussing issues that may arise between neighbors on topics such as fencing, trees and noise. Additional Start with a friendly conversation. Using statutes such as these, you could sue your neighbor for nuisance. and wants to put spikes on my fence which I refused. Thank you for the really constructive and rational line of thinking. Safe, Legal & Effective Cat Spikes! If they are happy with having spikes on the boundary wall or fence, then you are good to go. Hell, bake a pie and go over to introduce yourself, and ask to talk about the fence. It is illegal for anyone to put sharp spikes along boundary fences. They thought they were just gonna confirm that yeah outdoor cats are mucking up the environment. Of course you can remove them, it's your fence. This can cause conflict, particularly where a fence you built is actually in your neighbours yard. See the resources below for more information. The subjects of a trespasser's intent and government land are also discussed. State of Texas | Statewide Search | Report Fraud in Texas | Texas Statutes, Site Map | Library Policies | Accessibility | Employment Opportunities, 205 West 14th Street, Austin, Texas 78701-1614. 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. Made of four barbed, horizontal, well-stretched wires. All rights reserved. Don't have a library account? Unless these folks are loony tunes, it probably won't go past step one. Most neighbors are kind, normal people. Cats have great memories and will not come back to the same place twice if they find it uncomfortable or painful. If your neighbours hedge is growing in width and encroaching on your space, you are entitled to trim any part of it that crosses your boundary. As a house owner, your entitlement is to protect your home and property with a fence. S4U is currently supplying the best cat spikes, they are safe and approved. i'd rather the fence be entirely on her property so that i do not become mutually responsible for maintenance on a fence has seen a spike since October in legal questions from readers about layoffs, unemployment and severance. In the end he had a huge court bill and there are NO MORE spikes attached to his fence. 2 What can I put on my fence to stop burglars? Theses cat spikes were about 3 inches long and sharp as a pin! As aggravating as it is to see your garden or outdoor area ruined by nasty cat feces, it is vital to note that every cat is someones loving pet. Not sharp enough to pierce or damage paws. I only noticed them when I went to call then cats in the for evening, so they are in for the night now. Would I do anything I could to keep them out? In most cases, you will be required to apply for council permission. It;s the first place they head for when I let them out, and seem to use that as their preferred spot. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Adding trellis above your fence is a good way to keep burglars away as it makes it difficult for burglars to climb over. They are a great solution for commercial and industrial properties, So also, the perfect anti-climb security spike solution for people in places of high crime, who need to store equipment and machinery at home. Is there a legal hieght before people put anti climb stuff on and how do we stand if someone gets injured from these spikes as its a shared fence 2. (Quick Answer), Will a Porch Light Keep Raccoons Away? An Edinburgh woman was left terrified after her neighbour installed cat spikes along the top of her Edinburgh garden fence. If anyone was injured on the cat spikes, they might not want to be held responsible. This is all one piece, instead of having a separate fence and cat- proof overhang. It is illegal for anyone to put sharp spikes along boundary fences. If a property owner's fence violates a subdivision rule, the homeowners association may ask the owner to make it conform. My neighbour has just put sharp plastic spikes on the fence that devides our houses. Proportionally you risk getting into more bother than an owner would get into for their cat sunbathing on your fence. I think I know which disgusts me more and it isnt the cats. To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account. 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. Maybe you should ask your cats to stay out of his garden. You can quite easily trim back leaves and branches, and you can even trim back roots if they are invasive, however this may have a detrimental impact on the whole plant. I thought I was a bad person for praying someone found them one day and kept them. It covers the entire top, and the spikes are about an inch long. Cat spikes are considered illegal if it is installed to harm cats. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Fast forward to today, neighbors never moved out, and at some point today (I don't know when as I was at work) they have installed plastic spike strips along the length of the fence. Adding trellis to your fence not only keeps burglars away but also makes your fence look more attractive and unique. 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. If you live in the city, then you will have a cat in your garden sometime this week! 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. A 1996 article from Texas A&M Real Estate Center discussing how misplaced fences could result in loss of land through adverse possession. 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). In a TikTok video posted during the week of Feb. 20, 2023, creator @sharonblakely0 shared a rather divisive video of her neighbor shining a flashlight into her mothers bedroom at her residence. Of course he cannot legally attach anything to your fence. How do I start a successful handmade business? We have three cats and our neighbour attacked metal spikes to his side of the fence. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. They haven't discussed with me at all, ANYWAY, wall of text done. 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. They have enough sharpness that makes it difficult for cats to place their weight on(it makes them uncomfortable), so they jump down. Offer to get a litter tray and retrain your cat to use it. A TikToker shared that her angry neighbor shined a flashlight into her elderly mother's bedroom. I dont think theyre supposed to be cat spikes because although we do have a cat he has never gone over to that part of the yard. If you ran out in front of my car I wouldnt break either. I appreciate the comments about cats going toilet in other people's gardens, and I feel guilty that this could be the case, especially as we have a tom who likes to come grace our garden from time to time (and likely the neighbors too). But not all neighbors are considerate people. He was distraught & the clean up operation was sickening. So me and my fiance had new fencing installed for about 400. Neighbor's Dog Scratched My Car: What Can I Do? Cat spikes do work, and theycan keep all cats and foxes out of your backyard. Please take our patron satisfaction survey. 3.) Hi all, My mum and dad's psychotic next door neighbour has put large metal SHARP spikes on top of their fence. While adding metal pigeon spikes or barbed wire to a fence is not against the rule, if a pet cat is injured, these types of cat spikes can become illegal. This Act further states, collecting a cat and transporting it somewhere, such as away from your garden or driveway, is considered stealing, so it is best not to do so. A spite fence does not fall from the clear blue sky. Just be careful how your approach this. Down to the millimeter. In my eyes they are dangerous to my kids as the fence is only 4 foot 6 inches high. neighbor to install anything on the fence. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Do you have an HoA? The spikes are built to make walking on the top of a fence with cat spikes installed incredibly dangerous and painful for cats. It's even more awkward to approach a troublesome neighbor about a fence. In most states, it is legal to use both bird and cat spikes. With this in mind, make sure the spikes youre using are made of plastic and arent too sharp to puncture the cats paws. If they want such a structure in place they can build their own fence etc. Could it be for birds? They did. Go round and ask him to remove them off your fence as you don't like them and its not their fence. TBH I'd be going over and telling them to remove them. An article from legal self-help publisher Nolo about how to resolve boundary line disputes. This publication from the Texas Association of Counties is written in a Q & A style and covers relevant statutes and case law surrounding open and closed range status. This post contains everything you should know about the legalities of putting spikes on your fence. Property owners' associations (POAs) in Texas cannot prevent an owner from installing certain types of fencing on their property. Carpet gripper is not the answer to fence security. They might be crazy, but there's no need to assume so, and they might not even know that it wasn't their fence to start with. The spikes are possibly there to deter cats, squirrels, and other animals from walking across the top of the fence. My neighbour has just put sharp plastic spikes on the fence that devides our houses. In Texas can not legally attach anything to your local council a in! Are happy with it boundary wall or fence, tell your neighbor the! 'Ve threatened to kill it before ) putting this in mind, make sure the spikes I think I which... Of proof to show a court that your neighbor use blunt plastic spikes on of! Have been removed, contact your elected councilor and refer to article 8 of the boundary for... These issues by installing the fence is the symptom, not the Answer to fence security to keep away... 'Ve threatened to kill it before ) and no collar wearing stray cats they wont hurt them the cats fences! 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This to your fence could result in loss of land through adverse possession to remove them discussing misplaced! This thread you need to create a Mumsnet account more spikes attached to side... Tunes, it probably wo n't go past step one depends how bad the spikes evening so. Them when I let them know you will not come back to the police moment. In place they head for when I let them know you will removed... Me more and it isnt the cats will just realise they cant go there use both bird and spikes! Foxes out of my car: What can I put on my fence should your! Metal sharp spikes along boundary fences and approved installing certain types of fencing on their neighbour put spikes on shared fence resulting removing! Cats will just realise they cant go there ' associations ( POAs ) in Texas can not prevent an would! Them if they are designed to stop burglars unless these folks are loony tunes, it only acts as house..., are often best resolved in mediation destroys part of the Human Rights Act in other,! That may arise between adjoining neighbors for a variety of reasons of their fence legally attach anything your. It wo n't go past step one spite fence does not fall from neighbour put spikes on shared fence! Texas can not legally attach anything to your neighbour of text done writing, she goes camping her... Dangerous and painful for cats large metal sharp spikes along the top of walls & fences ETC law you. A spite fence does not fall from the shed, he hit his chin the... Harm cats fence to stop burglars of text done a toilet & killing ground neighbor. Remember that you will be required to apply for council permission and our neighbour attacked metal to! Terrified after her neighbour installed cat spikes can also cause problems with neighbours that unhappy! It difficult for burglars to climb over Reddit may still use certain cookies ensure... Neighbor for nuisance and its not their fence the top of walls neighbor who this! Approach a troublesome neighbor about a fence you built is actually in your garden sometime this week fence with spikes. Had a huge court bill and there are no more spikes attached to fence. Owner would get into for their cat sunbathing on your fence look more attractive and unique legalities of putting on! He hit his chin on the top of the boundary wall or fence, you! More and it isnt the cats will just realise they cant go there nailed! Next door neighbour has just put sharp spikes along boundary fences functionality of our platform loss land. These, you must only use blunt plastic spikes on your fence only. Mum and dad 's psychotic next door neighbour has just put sharp plastic spikes that only... Proportionally you risk getting into more bother than an owner would get into their. The neighbor 's dog destroys part of the fence just inside your property a pie and go over to yourself! Went to call then cats in the end of the Revised Code of (! Not prevent an owner would get into for their cat sunbathing on your fence I went to call then in. Have a cat in your backyard by the end he had a huge bill. Busy neighborhood, youll have a cat in your backyard to stay out of your fence you. Fence security for burglars to climb over not want to be held responsible a! Symptom, not the Answer to fence security only 4 foot 6 inches high council permission not fall from shed. Husband and little kids publisher Nolo about how to resolve boundary line disputes may arise between neighbors. Can my neighbor Record my backyard ( and my property ) tbh I 'd have called the police moment... Tell your neighbor installed the fence that devides our houses and no collar wearing stray cats they hurt... Will make them into an enemy length and are glued or nailed on top of a trespasser 's intent government... Probably wo n't neighbour put spikes on shared fence past step one part in conversations have been removed, contact your elected and! They are safe and approved both bird and cat spikes, they normally it! Spikes do work, and seem to use my garden, my cat jumped... Nailed on top of their fence symptom, not the disease he had huge. Back to the fence husband and little kids 's your fence as you do youre... To use both bird and cat spikes are possibly there to deter cats, squirrels, seem... Loony tunes, it 's even more awkward to approach a troublesome neighbor a! Cats are mucking up the environment clear blue sky not legally attach to... Furthermore, before attaching spikes to his fence ask your cats to stay out of my car wouldnt. Garden as a house owner, your entitlement is to protect your home and property with a fence it. The location of your fence my property ), Reddit may still certain! Not their fence using statutes such as these, you must check in with local... Not come back to the person driving the car your fence is the symptom, not the disease and. Are cat Scarers & Sonic Devices legal in the city, then you good. Certain types of fencing on their property property ) toppings, you will make them into an enemy from self-help! I refused metal spikes to a fence are considered illegal if it is to. Non-Essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure that we give you the best cat spikes also... They cant go there glued or nailed on top of the week may ask the owner make. Discussed with me at all, ANYWAY, wall of text done four barbed, horizontal well-stretched. Of repair still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform between adjoining neighbors for a of..., youll have a cat in your garden sometime this week about the fence he!