This is in a residential area with small backyards. He is shooting into our property line and the dead animals are landing in our yard. All my neighbors have dogs and this is obviously a huge danger to them. He has already killed a couple birds and a lot of squirrels (including a dove which some species are apparently protected in TX and there's strict guidelines for hunting them during off-seasons couldn't figure out what the species of the dove was though). he uses bird feeders to lure them into his backyard then shoots them all, it's actually deranged this isn't hunting, this a residential area. A couple nights ago a cat was really screaming loudly and he was the only house with lights on because it was like 3 am in the middle of the week. We tried to find the cat to save it after hearing it slam against a fence, but couldn't find it. Very well could have been someone's missing cat or a stray from the area. We have already called the police and animal control but it doesn't seem like they have escalated it or anything. Anyone have anybody in local government that I can contact to get this resolved? It's a danger not only to pets and local wildlife but also to small children in the area.
If you are in the city limits, call the Game Warden and I guarantee the GW will pay them a visit.
Game wardens DO NOT fuck around. This is the way. Upvoting so OP can see
I would start with the police non-emergency number and go from there.
Local PD and Texas Parks and Wildlife
Definitely police! That’s animal cruelty and definitely against the law!! Please call now or dm me with details and I’ll call!
I'm available
A BB gun in collin county is considered a firearm. Call 911
McKinney Police Non-emergency is 972-547-2700.
You might also get advice from SPCA of Texas.
On top of all the other ideas, get security cameras
Sounds like a fun neighbor! Below might be an option - maybe they could at least give some guidance or maybe they would come check it out. It might be dove season but sounds like plenty that could potentially get him in enough trouble to stop, like: firing within 600 ft of residential housing, the projectile crossing property lines, and baiting. Good luck!
“For violations currently in progress, call 800 792-GAME (4263) - 24/7 TEXT: To send an anonymous tip via text message to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, text the keyword TXOGT and your tip to 847411.”
Look up his name on truepeoplesearch or Collin Cad. Search their name and find out if they have any felonies. If they do, they'd be in serious, jailtime worthy, trouble for using a firearm. Then, report it to the police. Or, even better, get a video, b4 you report it. Then, that problem is gone forever. You'll still have an asshole neighbor though and he'll probably get much worse if he finds out you reported him.
Wtf!! You need to call non -emergency
AND animal control he needs a good talking to, what a POS!!!!! That’s animal cruelty and against the law especially if inside the city limits. He sounds like a psycho.
Fox squirrels (the common ones around here) are fair game, have no season, and can be killed year-round IF it’s done to prevent property damage. Obviously this doesn’t address the discharge of a firearm in city limits, but BB guns are a special case.
Anyway, I’m not commenting on the birds or the cat, just saying squirrels are literally tree rats and sometimes they gotta go if they are chewing holes in your house/attic/cars. Contrary to popular belief, they cannot be safely relocated, ESPECIALLY in the winter.
[McKinney Code of Ordinances,Chapter 70]
It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge any BB gun, pellet gun, gun, pistol, rifle, firearm, or bow and arrow of any kind within the city limits, except:
(1) Within a properly secured and permitted indoor or outdoor firearms range, constructed and maintained in accordance with applicable National Rifle Association specifications and standards and any standards prescribed by city ordinance;
(2) Upon a shooting range owned and operated by a governmental entity; or
(3) By any authorized person participating in a wildlife management program to mitigate wildlife hazards near the McKinney National Airport or the McKinney Landfill.
Thousands of dollars to fix squirrel damage over and over, or the (extremely remote) possibility of a $100 ticket for discharging a pellet gun in city limits.
I know which one I’ll choose. 🎯
PROTIP: Don’t kill squirrels in Spring or late Summer. North Texas Fox squirrels can produce 2 litters a year and you REALLY don’t want to let a litter die in your attic because you offed momma before they could feed themselves. It takes months for the smell to dissipate. Male Fox squirrels can be taken any time as they do not assist in raising the young. They’re also pretty easy to spot as they have huge 🥜(no pun intended).
PROTIP2: Don’t toss dead squirrels in your trashcan. Bobcats, coyotes, raccoons, opossums, hawks, crows, and owls will ALL happily eat the squirrel you leave them, and you’re helping grow the population of predators that keep the squirrel population in check naturally.
I’m guilty.
I shoot squirrels
Bastards made a mess of my attic.
I keep a BB gun by the back door and shoot them if they are on the ground.
Criminal Penalties and Civil Value Recovery
If you violate fish and wildlife laws, you may:
be fined for misdemeanors
(Class C - $25-$500
Class B - $200-$2,000
Class A - $500-$4,000;
be fined for state jail felonies ($1,500-$10,000 and/or up to 2 years in jail);
face automatic suspension or revocation of licenses for up to five years; and forfeit hunting gear, including firearms, used to commit a violation.
Civil Restitution
In addition to the criminal penalty for hunting and fishing violations, the department will seek the civil recovery value for the loss or damage to wildlife resources. Failure to pay the civil recovery value will result in the department’s refusal to issue a future license, tag, or permit. Hunting or fishing after failing or refusing to pay civil restitution is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by a $500 - $4,000 fine; punishment in jail (not to exceed one year); or both. For questions call (512) 389-4630.
Update??