[Paul R.]

In my state, if the dog is on my property and has harmed my animals, it is toast. Doubly so if it is trying to return later. Same if the dog is on my property and displays aggression toward any person. This dog was damned several times over.

I have talked to the owner. I had left note, demanded compensation, she called me today, and we agreed on a bit under half. It should at least cover the direct costs of raising the chicks to adulthood.

[OKSooner]

I'm not asking you to justify your situation to me. I'm no one important and frankly I haven't gone to the trouble to check your profile for your state. It wouldn't matter anyway because I don't know the law in your state and all I know about your situation is what you've described here, which I am inclined to accept at face value.

I'm merely offering a modest suggestion that you have your ducks in a row legally for any situation you might expect. I wouldn't want you to be surprised by anything.