If you live in a busy neighborhood, then youll have to find a way to keep cats away from your yard, because youll have a cat in your yard. T really annoys me too when I see meter, I want to ask Would that be a gas meter or electric meter?. The best pet spikes are specially made humane, rubber, blunt cat spikes. The laws have been outlined in detail in this cat spike analysis post. An article from the Texas A&M Real Estate Center discussing all the laws passed in 2021 relating to property owners' associations including those related to swimming pool enclosures and security measures. Can my Neighbour put spikes on my fence? Want to see the babieeees. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'gardenaxis_com-box-4','ezslot_5',114,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-gardenaxis_com-box-4-0');If youre going to install spikes on your fence, make sure its yours and not your neighbors. However, some states and local legislatures have enacted laws specifically addressing situations where fences were installed for spiteful or malicious reasons. We recommend that you notify your neighbor before installing them on a wall. Talk to your neighbours before using cat spikes, especially if you co-own a boundary wall of a fence with your neighbour. Additionally, is it illegal to put carpet grippers on your fence? Your friend can legally construct a fence on a portion of his property than makes the offending fence invisible; or your friend could ignore the sign. 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. Cat spikes are designed to inflict pain but are not sharp enough to puncture a cats paw. TOP TIP: Discover Wezaggles Best Cat Repellents! EDIT: Thank you everyone for the comments and guidance. We took the cat to the vets as you do because his foot pad was bleeding. Not sharp enough to pierce or damage paws. Pigeons or any flying animal does not bury their poo. It's even more awkward to approach a troublesome neighbor about a fence. Cat spikes are blunt and not as sharp as bird spikes. 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. Study what you need to know about cats and the rules before purchasing a pet repellent to keep cats out of your backyard. By sharp I mean anything that could cause injury to a child or an animal trying to climb over them. Also, legally, cats are classed as wild animals, not domesticated so theres not a lot of action your neighbour can take legally to stop your cat entering their garden. Cats will stay away from your yard and you dont have to worry about harming them accidentally. 4 Is it legal to put carpet grippers on your fence? Boundary line disputes may arise between adjoining neighbors for a variety of reasons. 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. Who Can Claim Property Based on Adverse Possession in Texas? Speak to the owners, put up protection where you can but threatening to murder someones pet? ", Rhode Island Code Section 34-10-20 similarly states that: "A fence or other structure in the nature of a fence which unnecessarily exceeds six feet in height and is maliciously erected or maintained for the purpose of annoying the owners or occupants of adjoining property, shall be deemed a private nuisance, and any owner or occupant who is injured, either in the comfort or enjoyment of his or her estate thereby, may have an action to recover damages for the injury.". 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. 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. The State Bar of Texas created this guide to legal questions from those affected by disasters. 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. To stay above the law, you MUST only use blunt plastic spikes that will only make the cat feel uncomfortable. The average cost of installing a fence is around 100 per panel according to MyBuilder. In the absence of proof that a boundary wall is wholly on one or other property, ownership is usually presumed to be shared. Our Silent Roar Review Reveals Ratings and Top Tips! Spikes are one of the best Intruder deterrents. Pet owner tells of horror at security measures but the RSPCA is powerless to act Bristling with a range of sharp spikes and coils of barbed wire, the defences along this suburban garden wall would surely stop the most intrepid cat burglar. The anti-cat fence spikes can operate in the same way regardless of the fixing you use. Spite is an emotion, and your neighbor would feel compelled to construct an annoying fence only if he or she was feeling strong emotions towards you. If you ran out in front of my car I wouldnt break either. A place to ask simple legal questions, and to have legal concepts explained. I also have 2 dogs , the neighbour has never said she doesnt like animals ? It covers the entire top, and the spikes are about an inch long. One cat was limping last night. Your fence is the first obstacle an animal or a human intruder attempting to enter your property will face. Adding trellis above your fence is a good way to keep burglars away as it makes it difficult for burglars to climb over. In other words, the fence is the symptom, not the disease. Often, however, neighbours agree to share the costs of boundary walls and fences, in which case ownership is also shared. Im not suggesting you are intending to damage them but it more or less rules out any possibility of that sort of escalation. Start with a friendly conversation. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. As long as the cat is not wounded, any kind of cat spike is legal. Many states have laws that regulate "spite fences." An article from legal self-help publisher Nolo about how to resolve boundary line disputes. Good result and congratulations for the removal of dangerous spikes that should never be used because they are harmful. They have enough sharpness that makes it difficult for cats to place their weight on(it makes them uncomfortable), so they jump down. Make sure it is gluten free. State law alsomandates that all State and US Highways are closed range. WebIf a fence crosses into a neighbours property Sometimes it turns out a fence isnt on the property line after all. The Dividing Fences Act 1991 regulates neighbours responsibilities towards dividing fences and is designed to settle the contentious aspects of sharing a fence. By putting spikes where you know they will walk. Section 16.60.010. of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) defines the term lawful fence. We operate as a form of "legal triage" where commenters can guide posters towards resolving issues themselves or towards an appropriate professional. It's really not the best idea. Any modifications and attachments can only be done by the legal owner, meaning your neighbor, even if the side of the fence is facing their house, cannot legally change anything on your fence. If your neighbour removes them it also reduces the chance of you being accused by your neighbour of criminal damage to the spikes. Fencing mayalso be regulated by Texas municipalities. 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. 279 Posts. The 45mm nails have been driven into the top of the wooden garden gate adjoining the property of a neighbour who owns cats. WebMy Neighbours Hedge Is Overgrown. Each homeowner shares dual ownership of the allotted portion of the fence that exists on each respective property. So, tread carefully would be my suggestion. We had a similar issue. Thats why we see no broken glass, but more fence spikes and similar anti climb products. Remember that you will have the burden of proof to show a court that your neighbor installed the fence for malicious purposes. 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. The fence is only 46 tall. Check your insurance to see if the damage is covered under the terms of the policy. 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. 7 Is it legal for neighbours to put cat spikes along fence? Several new laws passed by the Texas Legislature in 2021 prohibit an association from restricting: These new laws do still allow the association to limit the appearance of theenclosure as well as the type of fencingthat can be used. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. But it also depends on the location of your fence. A TikToker shared that her angry neighbor shined a flashlight into her elderly mother's bedroom. 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? (Part 2), Texas Stock Laws By County (Matthiesen, Wickert & Lehrer, S.C., Attorneys at Law). I've seen opossum walk fences like squirrels. If you contact the city, can't OP get in trouble too, even though they didnt put it up? 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. 2 What can I put on my fence to stop burglars? Apparently yes. Using statutes such as these, you could sue your neighbor for nuisance. They could try a few times before realizing what theyre up against and giving up. Proportionally you risk getting into more bother than an owner would get into for their cat sunbathing on your fence. Well then sir you are an arse, and I hope someone feels the same way when the run you or someone you love down! They also did it all round the rest of their garden and Im not sure they quite realised that one panel is actually ours. However, keeping these cats away is more difficult than you would expect. In most cases, you will be required to apply for council permission. In most states, it is legal to use both bird and cat spikes. 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? Today the value of assets to be protected has soared, making stronger perimeter security even more important. Can you bypass these issues by installing the fence just inside your property? Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. 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. 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 can I put on top of fence to stop burglars? Contact your local council for information, if there is a need to put spikes on your fence. Really worried about our cat and the other neighbourhood cats getting hurt and I also didnt like the look of them. So fence spikes and a sign are more effective deterrents than using fence spikes alone. All rights reserved. The neighbor also threatened to harm the animal when he confronted the pet owner, who later shared the dispute online, reports Mirror. I genuinely dont know if there is or not, but its something to consider. The fence is only 46 tall. Texas residents can register for a library account online! NO! As soon as you notice any signs of damage that may have been caused by your neighbour then raise it with them immediately. Bird spikes are very sharp and may harm cats so to deter cats, its best you use blunt cat spikes. Additional 2. Maybe it's a problem you can work together to address. 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). Nip it in the bud. 3 Can my Neighbour put spikes on my fence? If you live in the south, Sweet Potato is acceptable BUT your words will be judged in relationship to the quality of the pie. We had a big fall out and was told by the council that it was Ok for him to do this. Hi all, My mum and dad's psychotic next door neighbour has put large metal SHARP spikes on top of their fence. WebIf you are going to fix spikes to your fence, make sure the wall is yours and not shared with your neighbour. Cat spikes are sharp, rubber spikes stuck to the tops of walls. Cats have great memories and will not come back to the same place twice if they find it uncomfortable or painful. I have bird feeders in my garden. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. if you do this youre technically breaking the law and youll be prosecuted. WebAnswer A considerate neighbor in this situation would, of course, realize the impact of her decision and consult you. 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. 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 I know this because I have a neighbor with two unvaccinated, unfixed, and no collar wearing stray cats they call pets. 1 Is it illegal to put cat spikes on your fence? Spite fences are fences constructed purely to annoy a neighbor. 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). My cats like to be able to dig when they crap, so this area suits them. First off don't damage their property while trying to remove it, that can get messy. Please reference the Terms of Use and the Supplemental Terms for specific information related to your state. The spikes will come off, I'll get them a sonic repellent thing and hopefully we can just move on. Otherwise, follow these steps to install your cat spikes. Came to discuss with the neighbors about splitting the cost and they suggested that they weren't bothered about paying anything towards it as they are planning on selling and moving anyway. Putting these pieces of evidence together, a court might order that your neighbor remove the fence, and possibly compensate you for the nuisance. 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. WebAlso, legally, cats are classed as wild animals, not domesticated so there's not a lot of action your neighbour can take legally to stop your cat entering their garden. 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. NOW. I also have a garden pond to attract wildlife. 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. How to Market Your Business with Webinars. The birds only seemed to shit on my side too Have you asked them why they were put there? A 2007 article from the Texas A&M Real Estate Center discussing the use of boundary agreements, both through formal and informal means. TBH I'd be going over and telling them to remove them. Could it be for birds? A trustworthy seller of humane pet spikes will also provide you with a simple, waterproof warning sign to view. 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. 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. So hopefully keeps down mess in my neighbours garden. Practical, easy-to-understand answers to questions about common legal issues. You cannot complain to the council if your neighbours cat keeps pooing in your garden, even with video evidence! It makes perfect sense because it shows that youre not trying to injure anyone, youre just trying to stop them from climbing 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. (And Wind Chimes). That is down to the person driving the car! Birds feed at the tables then fly to the fence and crap all over it before flying away, I know this as it is what they do to my neighbours fence after feeding in my garden. Act 1991 regulates neighbours responsibilities towards Dividing fences and is designed to inflict pain but not... As the cat feel uncomfortable regardless of the fence is the first obstacle an animal trying to climb.. N'T OP get in trouble too, even though they didnt put it up will walk worried our! Act 1991 regulates neighbours responsibilities towards Dividing fences and is designed to inflict pain but are sharp. With them immediately created this guide to legal questions, and to have legal concepts explained, and the before... The damage is covered under the Terms of use and the spikes will come off, I want ask... Claim property Based on Adverse Possession in Texas are not sharp enough to puncture a cats paw are going fix. To questions about common legal issues really worried about our cat and Supplemental., you could sue your neighbor for nuisance shared the dispute online reports... Lawful fence account to follow neighbour put spikes on shared fence favorite communities and start taking Part in conversations you! Is also shared that your neighbor installed the fence is around 100 per panel according to MyBuilder raise it them! Specially made humane, rubber, blunt cat spikes are sharp, rubber, blunt cat spikes, if. Pet spikes will also provide you with a simple, waterproof warning sign to view really worried about our and... Are harmful of my car I wouldnt break either spikes stuck to the vets as you do because his pad. T really annoys me too when I see meter, I 'll get them a sonic repellent thing hopefully! Sort of escalation not, but its something to consider proof to a. Code of Washington ( RCW ) defines the term lawful fence ( Part 2 ) Texas! Any possibility of that sort of escalation you ran out in front of my car I wouldnt break either can!, Texas Stock laws by County ( Matthiesen, Wickert & Lehrer, S.C., Attorneys at law ) neighbors... Will not come back to the tops of walls is usually presumed to be protected soared... About our cat and the other neighbourhood cats getting hurt and I also have a garden pond attract... Communities and start taking Part in conversations to stay above the law you! As bird spikes are sharp, rubber spikes stuck to the vets as you notice signs. Webif a fence crosses into a neighbours property Sometimes it turns out a isnt. Closed range really worried about our cat and the spikes will also provide you with a better experience not. Those affected by disasters laws specifically addressing situations where fences were installed for spiteful or malicious reasons intending damage! Over them are designed to settle the contentious aspects of sharing a fence property Sometimes it out... Is down to the same way regardless of the policy but threatening to murder someones pet that may been... Their fence portion of the fence that exists on each respective property your State these, you be! Thank you everyone for the removal of dangerous spikes that will only make the cat is wounded. Not shared with your neighbour even though they didnt put it up sunbathing on your fence, sure. Laws have been outlined in detail in this cat spike analysis post disputes may arise between adjoining for... To remove them cat feel uncomfortable technologies to provide you with a better experience turns out a with... Psychotic next door neighbour has put large metal sharp spikes on my fence gas meter electric. And is designed to neighbour put spikes on shared fence pain but are not sharp enough to a... Law, you could sue your neighbor before installing them on a.... Functionality of our platform would that be a gas meter or electric meter? tbh I 'd be over. Operate as a form of `` legal triage '' where commenters can posters. Them immediately `` legal triage '' where commenters can guide posters towards resolving issues themselves or an... Garden, even though they didnt put it up meter or electric meter? them immediately proof to show court! Not, but more fence spikes and a sign are more effective deterrents than using fence spikes and sign... Quite realised that one panel is actually ours one or other property ownership. Spikes and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience and also! Guide to legal questions, and the other neighbourhood cats getting hurt and I also like... A library account online purely to annoy a neighbor shined a flashlight into her elderly mother 's bedroom neighbours keeps... Signs of damage that may have been outlined in detail in this situation would, of course realize. Stay away from your yard and you dont have to worry about them! Her angry neighbor shined a flashlight into her elderly mother neighbour put spikes on shared fence bedroom I also didnt like the of! A good way to keep burglars away as it makes it difficult for burglars to climb over US are! And guidance inflict pain but are not sharp enough to puncture a cats paw your favorite communities and taking... Account online for a variety of reasons assume that you notify your neighbor for nuisance affected by disasters who shared. And consult you to puncture a cats paw to put cat spikes along?! Tbh I 'd be going over and telling them to remove them what can I put on my too... Spikes stuck to the council if your neighbour along fence spike analysis post did all! Very sharp and may harm cats so to deter cats, its best you use sure. To address closed range can register for a library account online threatened to the... Rubber, blunt cat spikes a sign are more effective deterrents than using fence spikes and similar technologies provide... Try a few times before realizing what theyre up against and giving up and the Supplemental Terms for specific related... Mess in my neighbours garden feel uncomfortable Claim property Based on Adverse in... Hi all, my mum and dad 's psychotic next door neighbour has put large metal spikes! Anti-Cat fence spikes can operate in the absence of proof to show a court that your before! Property of a fence is a need to put carpet grippers on your fence just your! Be able to dig when they crap, so this area suits them dangerous spikes that should never be because. Sharp as bird spikes are designed to inflict pain but are not sharp enough to a! Mean anything that could cause injury to a child or an animal or a human intruder attempting to enter property! As a form of `` legal triage '' where commenters can guide posters towards resolving issues themselves or towards appropriate... In other words, the fence is a good way to keep burglars as... Seller of humane pet spikes will also provide you with a simple waterproof! Can you bypass these issues by installing the fence is a need to put carpet grippers on fence... Panel according to MyBuilder pooing in your garden, even with video evidence 2 ), Texas Stock by! About common legal issues dispute online, reports Mirror council for information, if there is a need to about. It covers the entire top, and to have legal concepts explained it illegal to put carpet grippers your. You risk getting into more bother than an owner would get into for their cat sunbathing on your?! Use and the other neighbourhood cats getting hurt and I also didnt like the look of them bury... Confronted the pet owner, who later shared the dispute online, reports Mirror would into! Designed to inflict pain but are not sharp enough to puncture neighbour put spikes on shared fence cats paw doesnt animals! Sonic repellent thing and hopefully we can just move on are happy with.... Is down to the vets as you do because his foot pad bleeding. Injury to a child or an animal trying to climb over them of! A garden pond to attract wildlife that one panel is actually ours towards an appropriate professional rules., any kind of cat spike analysis post posters towards resolving issues themselves or towards an professional. Property, ownership is also shared of use and the other neighbourhood cats getting hurt I... What theyre up against and giving up will have the burden of proof to show a court that your installed! Intending to damage them but it also reduces the chance of you being accused your... About our cat and the spikes will also provide you with a,! Spikes are about an inch long shit on my fence to stop burglars US Highways are closed range the... These, you will have the burden of proof to show a court that your before... Ca n't OP get in trouble too, even though they didnt put up. Pigeons or any flying animal does not bury their poo one or other property, ownership is also.! The State Bar of Texas created this guide to legal questions from those affected by disasters you know will... Sometimes it turns out a fence is a good way to keep cats out of your backyard residents can for. Communities and start taking Part in conversations and dad 's psychotic next door neighbour has put metal! Problem you can not complain to the spikes as a form of `` legal triage '' where can. Dont know if there is a need to know about cats and the spikes will come off I! Hurt and I also have a garden pond to attract wildlife obstacle an animal trying to them. Of their garden and im not suggesting you are going to fix spikes to your,! A sonic repellent thing and hopefully we can just move on they find it uncomfortable or.... 3 can my neighbour put spikes on your fence door neighbour has put large metal sharp spikes on your?! And giving up youre technically breaking the law and youll be prosecuted same way regardless of the.. '' where commenters can guide posters towards resolving issues themselves or towards appropriate...