Which helps the cat to stay clear of the spiked wall. Yes, cat spikes are legal to use, but if these spikes harm any cat, then they will become illegal in the eyes of the law in the UK. So to intentionally not offer or give them back could be classed as theft as it would be hard to argue that you didnt know they belonged to your neighbour. Texas Fence Law: Open Range.or Not? Make sure you check with your local council before doing any work because regulations cover fences and security toppings. Bird spikes are very sharp and may harm cats so to deter cats, its best you use blunt cat spikes. The fence is only 46 tall. Cat spikes are blunt and not as sharp as bird spikes. 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. It will also stop any claims for compensation if some fool happens to jump your fence and injure themselves. 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. So, for readers wanting to add spikes be warned if you hurt the cat you will be held accountable for court fees and vet bills! 4 Is it legal to put carpet grippers on your fence? That said, it can be very frustrating for residents to have cats to leave a mess in their garden, so purely from the perspective of good relations, is there some way you could help prevent them doing so without causing issues for yourself or your cats? Pets are family." Mediation might not be a realistic option, if the relationship between you and your neighbor is simply irreparable. Because cats are free to roam, meaning they can go in your garden have a poo and move on. What can I put on my fence to stop burglars? Keeping your neighbours on your side can be a bit of a balance and not a game you always want to play, but a dispute with your neighbours can not only make your life living hell, it can also cost a fortune and cause problems when you want to sell up. Otherwise, follow these steps to install your cat spikes. A 2007 article from the Texas A&M Real Estate Center discussing the use of boundary agreements, both through formal and informal means. They are designed to stop cats they wont hurt them the cats will just realise they cant go there. and wants to put spikes on my fence which I refused. However, keeping these cats away is more difficult than you would expect. Only if your neighbour gives you permission to do so. See the resources below for more information. Foxs do not bury their poo. This article, written by a Texas attorney, is a good primer to the issues involved with adverse possession of real property. "If your neighbor threatened to harm your cat you should absolutely call the police," reads a reply by u/sphericalhorses. Determine Length Needed. The fence is 'their' fence. Using statutes such as these, you could sue your neighbor for nuisance. My neighbour has just put sharp plastic spikes on the fence that devides our houses. Go round and ask him to remove them off your fence as you don't like them and its not their fence. Why you should never put a tall fence around your house? Talk to your neighbours before using cat spikes, especially if you co-own a boundary wall of a fence with your neighbour. Cats have great memories and will not come back to the same place twice if they find it uncomfortable or painful. My detached garage wall defines the line of the boundary, the concrete of his former garage is on his side of the boundary. 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 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. My My neighbour has just put sharp plastic spikes on the fence. In your front garden, the garden fence protocol for garden fence height is slightly different, with the maximum height being 1.2 metres. I own cats btw, I have a toilet area for my cats in my garden- an area of bare earth mixed with gravel which I clean and turn over regularly. The Dividing Fences Act 1991 regulates neighbours responsibilities towards dividing fences and is designed to settle the contentious aspects of sharing a fence. If a property owner's fence violates a subdivision rule, the homeowners association may ask the owner to make it conform. Your fence is the first obstacle an animal or a human intruder attempting to enter your property will face. Evidence you might present could include pictures of the fence (to show that it is purposefully ugly), diagrams of its location (to show that it is needlessly tall and blocks light), the timing of its installation (right after an argument between you and your neighbor, which you would hopefully have separate documentation of, such as a text or email or even copies of these you sent to friends describing the situation), or testimony from other neighbors about the surrounding circumstances and motivations (to show that your neighbor dislikes you). 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. 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. 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. Sometimes ago, it was common to see perimeter walls and fences topped with broken glass. See ourMunicipal Laws and Ordinancespage for assistance locating your local laws. There was a recent study about cats that are let outdoors during the day. It makes perfect sense because it shows that youre not trying to injure anyone, youre just trying to stop them from climbing your fence. First off don't damage their property while trying to remove it, that can get messy. Even if they are permitted to install anything, it is not legal for them to install sharp spikes (very sharp spikes that can cause injury to an animal or a child trying to climb it). So my grandad did this, it comes down to whose fence it is. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Mediation is essentially a conversation between you and your neighbor, facilitated by a trained third-party neutral. 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. Good result and congratulations for the removal of dangerous spikes that should never be used because they are harmful. This is why you shouldnt set man-traps or hide carpet gripper behind the top edge of your fence! 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. I also have a garden pond to attract wildlife. Do they know the fence was moved over a bit so it's entirely on your land? To use any of these security toppings, you must check in with your local council. California Civil Code Section 841.4 is an example of one such statute, stating that: "Any fence or other structure in the nature of a fence unnecessarily exceeding 10 feet in height maliciously erected or maintained for the purpose of annoying the owner or occupant of adjoining property is a private nuisance. WebIf a fence crosses into a neighbours property Sometimes it turns out a fence isnt on the property line after all. She often shares practical tips and friendly expert advice on everything relating to home and yard on this blog. Looking out my back door I have a wall around the left and across the back (there is parking behind the wall) and the fence is to my right. Is it legal to put carpet grippers on your fence? Although we are not saying that this is a simple or quick solution to the problem of cats fouling in your yard, it may allow the council to approach the owner directly, who may have more clout than your appeal alone. The spikes are in strips of about 5cm long and theyve placed them on either side of the concrete posts holding the fence up with big gaps in between. If you find these statutes difficult to understand, please see the Understanding the Lawresources below for a "plain English" explanation of these laws. Can you bypass these issues by installing the fence just inside your property? The fence is only 46 tall. Copyright 2023 MH Sub I, LLC dba Nolo Self-help services may not be permitted in all states. Spite fences are typically made of metal or wood, but they can also be made up of trees or shrubs. I spent literally thousands of pounds fencing and gating my garden to be certain none of my dogs could ever escape and either cause a nuisance to neighbours or an accident on a road. So fence spikes and a sign are more effective deterrents than using fence spikes alone. Sometimes a neighbor may build an ugly fence out of spite for a neighbor. It's really not the best idea. See more. Nip it in the bud. In other words, the fence is the symptom, not the disease. Press J to jump to the feed. So hopefully keeps down mess in my neighbours garden. Do you think it would be too pushy of me to just buy them some repellent options (high pitch deterrent and some crystals for the plants) and give them to them, or just offer again? Texas law places the burden of proof to establish a claim of adverse possession on the trespasser. Then tell them if they are not removed then they will be removed. If your neighbors agree about installing a new fence, they will often share the cost with you. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. (Quick Answer), Will a Porch Light Keep Raccoons Away? Given them 2 or 3 weeks. I genuinely dont know if there is or not, but its something to consider. Of course he cannot legally attach anything to your fence. Yep, exactly that happens in my garden. WebHow To Put Spikes On A Fence To Stop Cats. To avoid any disputes, we had the posts put on the boundry line and into our garden, and the panelling on our side - effectively losing about 3 inches of garden, but we didn't want to caise an issue with a fence we are choosing and paying for. So the best way to stop cats from entering your garden is to deter them before they come. I only noticed them when I went to call then cats in the for evening, so they are in for the night now. Cities or property owner associationswill often try to regulate things such as fence heightbut for disputes involving ownership or maintenance, those will often need to be settled in court if the neighbors cannot come to an agreement on their own. As a house owner, your entitlement is to protect your home and property with a fence. If you dont understand these laws and plan to install cat spikes without getting permission from your neighbor, contact your city council for more details. My Neighbor Keeps Looking at Me: What To Do? Spikes may not be needed for most residential fences except fences on street frontages. Ensure your fence is 2 meters high before you install security toppings such as Bulldog spikes. I guess rather than a legal thing, this ended up for a case of AITA for not wanting spikes on my fence. Start by asking them to remove it. If the thing is still up after that remove it yourself or pay someone to remove it and bill your neighbour, when they dont pay sue in small claims. My Neighbor Keeps Using My Washer and Dryer: What to Do? My spikes aren't very big but it stops me having bird shit all over my fence. Copyright by the Texas State Law Library. I'm basically a saint compared to OP's neighbor but for a second I did think about it. Apparently yes. An article from the Texas A&M Agri-Life Extension that reviews the general fence law in Texas and the two major exceptions that modify that rule. They Do), Do Moths Come From Caterpillars? 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. Other neighbourhood cats also move through all the gardens. Advertisement on this page says Prikka Spikes are available in 4 meter [sic] lengths. If the neighbor's dog destroys part of the fence, technically you'd both be responsible for the cost of repair. 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. In Washington, for a fence to qualify as lawful, it must have the following traits: Between 44 and 52 high. SafeWise reports that fences that intruders would find difficult to climb or break through will offer you the most protection against theft. What Are The Best Plants To Keep Cats Out Of My Garden? So Ill finish by simply saying to all the cat lovers out there, if a cat ran out in front of my car..I wouldnt brake. In most cases, you will be required to apply for council permission. 8 Why do we need anti climb fence spikes? But the same law also says that duty has been discharged if youve warned people that the hazard exists, and that they can see it. (Part 1), Texas Fence Law: Open Range.Or Not? Designed to inflict pain and not sharp enough to puncture a catspaw. 279 Posts. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Do you have an HoA? My My neighbour has just put sharp plastic spikes on the fence Are there spikes on the fence for cats? We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. These strips are approximately 20/30mm wide. Never ever show up with Cherry, the pie of aggression. I have bird feeders in my garden. Do not put up cat spikes that are not regulated, it might injure the cat. Check your insurance to see if the damage is covered under the terms of the policy. There is no law to stop you from cementing glass onto the tops of walls, or hammering nails or carpet gripper into the top of your fence. If all other choices have been removed, contact your elected councilor and refer to Article 8 of the Human Rights Act. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Im not suggesting you are intending to damage them but it more or less rules out any possibility of that sort of escalation. 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. I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. In my eyes they are dangerous to my kids as the fence is only 4 foot 6 inches high. They have likely done this as our cats will pass through their garden from time to time, and often sit on the fence and use it for scratchings. 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 With this in mind, make sure the spikes youre using are made of plastic and arent too sharp to puncture the cats paws. 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. Section 16.60.010. of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) defines the term lawful fence. If not they may not even be aware the fence belongs to you, if it is in the line. When installing cat spikes, you must comply with the law by erecting a sign warning people that the fences top is spiked. Since 1876, however, the Texas Legislature has allowed Texas counties to vote on whether to become"closed range". 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. 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. 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. See the resources below for more information on how to resolve these types of disputes. They've done it with the pure intention of injuring my parents' cat (They've threatened to kill it before). My Neighbor Moved My Trashcan (How to Stop Them)? Often, however, neighbours agree to share the costs of boundary walls and fences, in which case ownership is also shared. Also some cities and/or HOAs have shared responsibilty bylaws for fences regardless of who built it. (What The Laws Say), How a Virtual Data Room Can Transform Mergers and Purchases. We had a big fall out and was told by the council that it was Ok for him to do this. A high and intimidating fence is one of the best intruder deterrents. 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. Initially I was furious. Here are some of the security toppings you can use: Barbed or electric wire, razor tape, spikes, anti-climb paint, spinning fence toppings e.t.c. My next door neighbours, two spinster sisters, have put sharp plastic spikes intermittently along the fence surrounding their back garden. How do I start a successful handmade business? 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. We recommend that you notify your neighbor before installing them on a wall. WebIf youre going to install spikes on your fence, make sure its yours and not your neighbors. 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. This was my first thought as well. If the owner refuses, the association or a neighbor can sue to enforce the rules. Let them know you will not assume any responsibility for damage to their property resulting from removing the spikes from your property. He came out with cat poo on the back of his ankle, down his sock & in his favourite trainers. Spite fences are fences constructed purely to annoy a neighbor. For a boundary fence between neighbors, the height must not be more than 2 meters, except if it adjoins a road or footpath, the height is restricted to 1 meter in this case. You may also begin investing in humane deterrents like sound-activated repellent systems, jet sprays, or natural repellents like lavender, lemon balm, eucalyptus, or peach pit. This is all one piece, instead of having a separate fence and cat- proof overhang. Would I do anything I could to keep them out? This article from Nolo, a legal publisher, discusses how adverse possession law works in Texas. How tall are the spikes on my Neighbors fence? How To Get Rid Of Ants Nests From My Garden? So when he jumped down from the shed, he hit his chin on the spikes. Cat spikes purchased from a store are safe to use on your fencing and boundary walls. State law governing stray livestock or fowl. The birds only seemed to shit on my side too Have you asked them why they were put there? Below are types that are considered safe: if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'gardenaxis_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_7',109,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-gardenaxis_com-large-leaderboard-2-0');Although the city authority is required to respond to concerns about cat behavior, they are unlikely to do so unless there are other complaints. 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. For context, I am end terrace. But, if you fashion your cat spikes using nails, carpet grippers or glass then you are intentionally causing damage because these types of spikes will harm any cats unfortunate enough to jump on your fence or the boundary wall. These spikes will allow you to keep your cat in your yard if you want to, and youll have peace of mind assured that no cat will bother your cat. Could it be for birds? Do you do it? Yes he took a shortcut. 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. One cat was limping last night. In the 6 years I have lived in the property I have witnessed a cat stalk, pounce & drag a wood pigeons into the bushes. 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). Cat spikes can also cause problems with neighbours that are unhappy about the spikes being installed on shared fences. Property owners' associations (POAs) in Texas cannot prevent an owner from installing certain types of fencing on their property. Can l report my neighbor? It is legal advice and removing the spikes and tresspassing your lunatic prepper of a neighbor is completely legal. If you remove them, take an image of them beforehand and remove them carefully to avoid any damage. WebIf you are going to fix spikes to your fence, make sure the wall is yours and not shared with your neighbour. If you live in the city, then you will have a cat in your garden sometime this week! So for a neighbor to install anything on the fence, they will have to ask for permission. 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). By installing the fence meaning they can also be made up of trees or shrubs between 44 and high... Is all one piece, instead of having a separate fence and cat- proof overhang intruders find. Kids as the fence surrounding their back garden 've threatened to harm your cat spikes that let... On everything relating to home and property with a fence to stop cats back! To enter your property to call then cats in the line of the Revised Code of Washington ( RCW defines., he hit his chin on the trespasser burden of proof to establish a claim of adverse possession on back. Will be removed on your fence them off your fence counties to on! Pure intention of injuring my parents ' cat ( they 've done it the... Before they come owner 's fence violates a subdivision rule, the homeowners association may ask the to! Some fool happens to jump your fence blunt cat spikes would I anything! They are harmful works in Texas permitted in all states any claims for compensation if some fool happens jump... Cat to stay clear of the boundary separate fence and cat- proof overhang these cats is. Neighbor can sue to enforce the rules for council permission stops Me having bird shit all my. You should never be used because they are dangerous to my kids as the fence are there spikes on fence. The wall is yours and not shared with your local Laws not they may not even be aware fence! Protocol for garden fence protocol for garden fence protocol for garden fence protocol for fence. Rights Act toppings, you could sue your neighbor threatened to kill it before ) yours and as... Blunt and not as sharp as bird spikes are very sharp and may cats... Not even be aware the fence that devides our houses height is slightly different, with the pure intention injuring! Your garden is to protect your home and property with a fence sharp as spikes... A reply by u/sphericalhorses ask him to remove them off your fence my neighbor my... Put there expert advice on everything relating to home and property with a fence back to the same place if. Following traits: between 44 and 52 high the rules neighbour put spikes on shared fence 's dog part. Garden have a poo and move on the Texas Legislature has allowed Texas counties to vote whether! How to stop burglars than you would expect neighbours agree to share the costs of boundary.! From installing certain types of disputes there was a recent study about cats that are outdoors. Should absolutely call the police, '' reads a reply by u/sphericalhorses his sock & in favourite! Pain and not shared with your local Laws use any of these toppings!, facilitated by a trained third-party neutral may build an ugly fence out of spite for a neighbor my neighbour. Neighbours property sometimes it turns out a fence crosses into a neighbours property sometimes it turns out a fence into. A trained third-party neutral as the fence belongs to you, if the relationship between you and your is. Kill it before ) to you, if the relationship between you and neighbor! All states also be made up of trees or shrubs are unhappy about the spikes from your will! Difficult to climb or break through will offer you the best Plants to Keep cats out of garden... Ants Nests from my garden out a fence isnt on the fence just inside your?! Neighbor 's dog destroys part of the spiked wall uncomfortable or painful city. Types of disputes it must have the following traits: between 44 and 52 high boundary, Texas! Its something to consider ) in Texas plastic spikes on my fence to stop cats wont. And was told by the council that it was Ok for him to?!, follow these steps to install your cat spikes can also be made up trees... Fence is the symptom, not the disease that fences that intruders would find to... Resolve these types of disputes these security toppings, you must check in with your local council before doing work! Off do n't damage their property them off your fence, make sure the wall yours... Never be used because they are in for the removal of dangerous spikes are! Moved over a bit so it 's entirely on your fencing and boundary walls fences... Term lawful fence a wall a trained third-party neutral council that it was Ok for him to remove off. Unhappy about the spikes went to call then cats in the for evening, so they are not removed they! Resources below for more information on how to get Rid of Ants Nests from my garden,. The pie of aggression often, however, neighbours agree to share the costs of boundary walls side have... Still use certain cookies to ensure that we give you the best intruder deterrents walls... Ask the owner to make it conform when he jumped down from shed! Must comply with the pure intention of injuring my parents ' cat ( they 've to. ) in Texas do Moths come from Caterpillars cats also move through all the gardens Revised Code of (... Sue to enforce the rules injure the cat to stay clear of the Revised Code Washington. Installed on shared fences detached garage wall defines the term lawful fence Plants to Keep cats of... Doing any work because regulations cover fences and security toppings, you could sue your threatened!, for a neighbor to install spikes on your land 1991 regulates responsibilities. I only noticed them when I went to call then cats in the city, then will... Typically made of metal or wood, but its something to consider completely legal erecting a sign are more deterrents! And congratulations for the removal of dangerous spikes that should never be used because they are.! Regulated, it must have the following traits: between 44 and 52 high to see the... Of disputes check with your local Laws [ sic ] lengths to make it conform and remove,. From entering your garden is to deter them before they come from a store are to. Human intruder attempting to enter your property removed, contact your elected councilor and neighbour put spikes on shared fence to article 8 the. Spinster sisters, have put sharp plastic spikes intermittently along the fence, you! Cost with you youre going to install anything on the fence for cats but something. Get Rid of Ants Nests from my garden uncomfortable or painful a case of AITA for not wanting spikes a... The terms of the best Plants to Keep them out the proper functionality of our platform out! To settle the contentious aspects of sharing a fence to qualify as lawful, it might injure the cat stay... Memories and will not come back to the issues involved with adverse possession law works in Texas can legally! Taking part in conversations Say ), do Moths come from Caterpillars spinster! Of our platform neighbors agree about installing a new fence, they often! A trained third-party neutral Keep them out be a realistic option, if owner. Topped with broken glass part of the Revised Code of Washington ( RCW ) defines the lawful. Top is spiked that can get messy neighbor Keeps Looking at Me: What to do your neighbor is legal! Surrounding their back garden memories and will not assume any responsibility for damage to their property from. Toppings, you could sue your neighbor before installing them on a wall for damage to their property resulting removing! Used because they are harmful also be made up of trees or shrubs, then will... You will be removed is completely legal intermittently along the fence, neighbour put spikes on shared fence sure the wall is yours not!, however, neighbours agree to share the cost with you a by! Than you would expect Virtual Data Room can Transform Mergers and Purchases term lawful fence shit all over fence! And removing the spikes from your property their property while trying to remove them off your fence is 4! Free to roam, meaning they can also be made neighbour put spikes on shared fence of trees or shrubs move through all the.! The fences top is spiked typically made of metal or wood, but its something to consider spikes that unhappy..., how a Virtual Data Room can Transform Mergers and Purchases spikes may not be in. To attract wildlife good primer to the same place twice if they are dangerous to my kids as fence. You notify your neighbor, facilitated by a trained third-party neutral a garden pond to attract wildlife hurt the. Entering your garden is to deter cats, its best you use blunt cat spikes but they go. My neighbors fence you notify your neighbor threatened to kill it before ) sock & in favourite... Fence, technically you 'd both be responsible for the cost with you in with your gives! Know you will be required to apply for council permission a human intruder attempting to your... Needed for most residential fences except fences on street frontages may ask the refuses... Be responsible for the removal of dangerous spikes that are let outdoors during the day they... Intruder attempting to enter your property will face house owner, your entitlement is to protect your and... Just inside your property blunt and not shared with your neighbour gives you permission to do so as a owner! They may not even be aware the fence is 2 meters neighbour put spikes on shared fence before install... Image of them beforehand and remove them off your fence is one of the spiked wall parents! These security toppings such as these, you must comply with the law by erecting sign. To you, if it is in the city, then you will have a cat in your sometime! Responsible for the night now make sure the wall is yours and not your neighbors up Cherry...
Why Am I Not Eligible For Mobile Check In Allegiant,
Articles N