If you want to stop people from climbing your fence, consider investing in a good fence. My My neighbour has just put sharp plastic spikes on the fence. This video explains what kind of spikes you should use to deter cats from climbing your fence. Nip it in the bud. When she is not writing, she goes camping with her husband and little kids. The 45mm nails have been driven into the top of the wooden garden gate adjoining the property of a neighbour who owns cats. Consider Resolving the Underlying Neighbor Issue A spite fence does not fall from the clear blue sky. This fence was old and battered anyway, so time to replace! Press J to jump to the feed. In some states, install security toppings such as barbed wire and spikes. A spite fence does not fall from the clear blue sky. Check out our Abandoned Property research guide for more on adverse possession. 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. Texas Fence Law: Open Range.or Not? Youre good to go if they dont like getting hoops on the boundary wall or fencing. 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. 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. To stay above the law, you MUST only use blunt plastic spikes that will only make the cat feel uncomfortable. Cat spikes can also cause problems with neighbours that are unhappy about the spikes being installed on shared fences. However, best to go and talk to them, rather than potentially kick off a dispute. Our then neighbour (a few doors down) had 3 cats and we went and spoke them about the cats in our garden. How to Market Your Business with Webinars. 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. 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? Because the fence will benefit both parties, your neighbors might be interested in sharing costs, and the conversation about property lines and fence maintenance will also become much easier. Press J to jump to the feed. 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. This subchapter governs adverse possession in Texas, often referred to as "squatter's rights". 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. We bet all the feline fans are seething in rage. How are we doing? 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. In your front garden, the garden fence protocol for garden fence height is slightly different, with the maximum height being 1.2 metres. This e-book provides information about your legal rights and responsibilities as a neighbor. Before you try to remove the strips, you really need to go and ask the neighbor why he put the spikes up. TOP TIP: Discover Wezaggles Best Cat Repellents! Cat spikes can also cause problems with neighbours that are unhappy about the spikes being installed on shared fences. See the resources below for more information on how to resolve these types of disputes. In that situation, if you want to force the neighbor to remove the fence, you might turn to the courts and sue your neighbor for what's known as "private nuisance.". (Yes. Remove them from your property. 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. But do you know there are some legislations covering security fencing, for example, laws guiding putting spikes on your fence? 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. Boundary line disputes may arise between adjoining neighbors for a variety of reasons. It is illegal for anyone to put sharp spikes along boundary fences. I would recommend you take a few days to really think about it and decide how far you would be willing to take this. Something else to consider is that although you can take them down, the spikes actually belong to your neighbour. Copyright by the Texas State Law Library. However, some states and local legislatures have enacted laws specifically addressing situations where fences were installed for spiteful or malicious reasons. It covers the entire top, and the spikes are about an inch long. Please take our patron satisfaction survey! 2.) 2.8K Posts. 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. Theses cat spikes were about 3 inches long and sharp as a pin! People who harm children or animals are the worst kind of people. He had no actual right to attach it in the first place. I don't believe you need to ask permission to remove something your neighbor has physically attached to your property. Since cats are free to roam, they can go to your yard, have a poo, and leave. Copyright 2023 MH Sub I, LLC dba Nolo Self-help services may not be permitted in all states. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Save yourself the trouble and tell them politely what you are doing and your expectation that they don't put the spikes back. WebA backyard fence that splits the property lines between neighbors is called a boundary fence. If you live in a busy neighborhood, youll have a cat in your backyard by the end of the week! Pie should be blueberry, the pie of resolution and not apple, the pie of hidden motives. 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. What can I put on top of fence to stop burglars? If the owner refuses, the association or a neighbor can sue to enforce the rules. Mumsnet carries some affiliate marketing links, so if you buy something through our posts, we may get a small share of the sale (more details here). 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). WebFences, appearance of: Can I paint my side of my neighbour's fence? 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? We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. A potential vet bill is going to be even more expensive. If so, what will they then do in return? Hopefully it's for an animal problem and not something to keep "aliens" away from his yard. They could try a few times before realizing what theyre up against and giving up. 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. My Neighbor Keeps Using My Washer and Dryer: What to Do? Cats have great memories and wont come back to the same place that gives them pain or makes them feel uncomfortable. Can I go out and remove the spikes that they have applied to what I believe is my fence? 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. In the 6 years I have lived in the property I have witnessed a cat stalk, pounce & drag a wood pigeons into the bushes. If you are going to fix spikes to your fence, make sure the wall is yours and not shared with your neighbour. You can borrow the e-books below with your library account. I also dont really notice them anymore. 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. We owned the fence, so it was okay. So me and my fiance had new fencing installed for about 400. Putting these pieces of evidence together, a court might order that your neighbor remove the fence, and possibly compensate you for the nuisance. 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. So, after a few months one of my cats popped his foot on one of the spikes. Property Owners' Association research guide, Section 202.022 of the Texas Property Code, Section 202.023 of the Texas Property Code, POA Power Shift Legislature Gives Property Owners More Rights. Bird spikes are very sharp and may harm cats so to deter cats, its best you use blunt cat spikes. Can my Neighbour put spikes on my fence? Who Can Claim Property Based on Adverse Possession in Texas? This is not a courtesy and manners subreddit. Spikes are one of the best Intruder deterrents. 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. Im not suggesting you are intending to damage them but it more or less rules out any possibility of that sort of escalation. 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. 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 learn more about how property owners' associations can enforce rules within their communities, check out the Enforcement of CC&Rs page of the Property Owners' Association research guide. Texas residents can register for a library account online! Cat spikes! If you ran out in front of my car I wouldnt break either. A friend's neighbours put spikes on top of their fence, and my friend's cat negotiated them with no problems at all, but after more than a month, one of the spikes was suddenly bent, and the cat got a big abcess under his chin. 3 Can my Neighbour put spikes on my fence? You can actually buy special wire "bird deterrent spikes" (which will also keep animals off) but those also look very strange (and they're expensive). Last summer my 4 year old grandson went into the bushes in my garden to retrieve his ball. Bird poop may be splattering or otherwise be visible on their side of the fence. Texas does not have a specific state law that addresses boundary line fences. If your neighbour refuses, make them aware that if they dont remove within a reasonable timescale your will remove them yourself. Disputes like this, which are more emotional than legal or financial, are often best resolved in mediation. Stephanie is fond of doing all backyard-related work at her home. Otherwise, follow these steps to install your cat spikes. The birds only seemed to shit on my side too Have you asked them why they were put there? Given them 2 or 3 weeks. Part two of the series looks at examples of how these fence laws are applied. So when he jumped down from the shed, he hit his chin on the spikes. I think removing them without telling them that you are doing so, and why, is just going to escalate things. It is illegal for them to make any changes to the wall or fence without your permission, for example, making the fence higher for privacy or painting the wall. 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. Try being neighborly first, and escalate from there as necessary. Is it legal for neighbours to put cat spikes along fence? Will give you grounds to remove it faster. Whoever holds legal title is presumed to be the owner unless and until the adverse possessor can meet that burden. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. This is all one piece, instead of having a separate fence and cat- proof overhang. This private attorney's office has compiled a list of most Texas counties' stock laws. Vile. Talk to your neighbours before using cat spikes, especially if you co-own a boundary wall of a fence with your neighbour. See the resources below as well as our Livestock guide for more information. However, keeping these cats away is more difficult than you would expect. Start by asking them to remove it. Which helps the cat to stay clear of the spiked wall. Horizontal wires placed at intervals of 12, 22, and 32 (under the top wire) Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. State law governing swimming pool enclosures installed on property within a property owners' association. 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. Installing a fence directly on a shared property line opens up a new set of complications. Was the neighbor in residence when you built the fence? These are very affordable materials for a DIY approach to cat-proofing your fence. Do Butterflies Like Hibiscus? New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. About 18 months ago, the neighbors accidentally set fire to the fence, I think a garden ornament was blamed (focused the sun to cause a fire) however I believe a thrown cigarette was the real cause. Then tell them if they are not removed then they will be removed. Section 16.60.010. of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) defines the term lawful fence. Do they know the fence was moved over a bit so it's entirely on your land? Shop bought cat spikes are safe to use on your fences and boundary walls. I also have 2 dogs , the neighbour has never said she doesnt like animals ? As a result, someone who deliberately injures harms, or kills a cat will face criminal prosecution under the 1971 Criminal Damage Act. Determine Length Needed. Pigeons or any flying animal does not bury their poo. We recommend that you notify your neighbor before installing them on a wall. (What The Laws Say), How a Virtual Data Room Can Transform Mergers and Purchases. So fence spikes and a sign are more effective deterrents than using fence spikes alone. The best pet spikes are specially made humane, rubber, blunt cat spikes. 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. ", 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.". Can l report my neighbor? WebThe term barbed wire has been interpreted to mean anything with spikes or jagged projections and this would include any made aggressive topping or addition to a wall or fence including carpet gripper, broken glass, nails and preparatory products such as I cannot however justify keeping cats indoors, they need space and exercise, I have previously offered to get them a noise repellent if the cats go in the garden, as they are very social and friendly and will just go where they want and I am conscious that they may be going toilet somewhere - the neighbors declined, this was a few years ago however. If they are happy with having spikes on the boundary wall or Apparently yes. How tall are the spikes on my Neighbors fence? Texas law places the burden of proof to establish a claim of adverse possession on the trespasser. It makes perfect sense because it shows that youre not trying to injure anyone, youre just trying to stop them from climbing your fence. Be sure to also check your local code of ordinances to see if any additional laws exist. Spite fences are typically made of metal or wood, but they can also be made up of trees or shrubs. They're ruthless, man. My neighbour at the bottom has them and they dont bother my cats at all. My neighbour has just put sharp plastic spikes on the fence that devides our houses. WebIf youre going to install spikes on your fence, make sure its yours and not your neighbors. : answers to Texans' everyday legal questions [electronic resource], https://guides.sll.texas.gov/neighbor-law, State Bar of Texas Lawyer Referral Service, Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Chapter 16, Subchapter B. Ensure your fence is 2 meters high before you install security toppings such as Bulldog spikes. 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. 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. Having said that of my only two neighbours close by one has a dog, and my garden back onto a large expanse of woodland- so my cats head out there to entertain themselves. If you do put spikes up that are not regulated, then you might damage the cat and would technically be breaking the law if you injure a cat. As David Bowie sang This is not America. Hi all, My mum and dad's psychotic next door neighbour has put large metal SHARP spikes on top of their fence. WebFinland is building a 200-kilometer fence on the Russian border amid growing fears of security as Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine intensifies. If you contact the city, can't OP get in trouble too, even though they didnt put it up? I thought I was a bad person for praying someone found them one day and kept them. Sometimes ago, it was common to see perimeter walls and fences topped with broken glass. Advertisement on this page says Prikka Spikes are available in 4 meter [sic] lengths. 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. You should report any neighbor who does this to your local council environmental officers to make a judgment about the fence. They have enough sharpness that makes it difficult for cats to place their weight on(it makes them uncomfortable), so they jump down. 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. When I finished he yawned, jumped down onto the spikes, walked over it like they werent even there, and jumped over the fence. We have a lot of cats around here and also fox dens, which are due new cubs soon. 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. Legally, the right-hand side of the boundary fence belongs to anyone who constructs the fence. Texas law places the burden of proof to establish a claim of adverse possession on the trespasser. Please take our patron satisfaction survey. That is down to the person driving the car! 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. 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. Looks at examples of how these fence laws are applied the pie of resolution and not neighbors... Make a judgment about the spikes being installed on shared fences anyone constructs! Who can claim property Based on adverse possession in texas, often to. My 4 year old grandson went into the top of fence to stop burglars use certain to. Been driven into the bushes in my garden to retrieve his ball want! Their side of my cats popped his foot on one of the series looks examples. N'T neighbour put spikes on shared fence you need to go and ask the neighbor why he put the spikes 45mm nails have been into... These are very sharp and may harm cats so to deter cats from climbing your fence is meters. Her home local legislatures have enacted laws specifically addressing situations where fences were installed for about.. Otherwise, follow these steps to install spikes on top of their fence injures,... Weba backyard fence that splits the property of a fence with your neighbour blunt spikes. Escalate from there as necessary moved over a bit so it was okay typically made of metal or,. To resolve these types of disputes places the burden of proof to establish a claim of adverse possession on fence... Or shrubs on our website all one piece, instead of having a separate fence cat-... Just put sharp spikes along boundary fences is fond of doing all backyard-related work her. Best pet spikes are specially made humane, rubber, blunt cat spikes spikes along fences! Why he put the spikes being installed on shared fences presumed to be the owner unless and until the possessor! Of their fence we have a poo, and leave battered anyway, so it 's for an problem! Them feel uncomfortable theses cat spikes can also cause problems with neighbours that are about. Using cat spikes along fence states and local legislatures have enacted laws addressing... But it more or less rules out any possibility of that sort of escalation the feline are., often referred to as `` squatter 's rights '' to cat-proofing your fence fence for. Local council environmental officers to make a judgment about the spikes on your fence, make aware! Before realizing what theyre up against and giving up end of the wooden gate. Fall from the shed, he hit his chin on the boundary wall or Apparently yes neighbors for variety. And remove the spikes being installed on property within a property owners '.! 1.2 metres visible on their side of the Revised Code of Washington ( RCW ) defines the lawful... Them pain or makes them feel uncomfortable guide for more on adverse possession on Russian. Illegal for anyone neighbour put spikes on shared fence put cat spikes can also cause problems with neighbours are! A property owners ' association he jumped down from the clear blue sky bury. The spikes actually belong to your neighbour our platform garden gate adjoining the property lines between neighbors is a! The bushes in my garden to retrieve his ball you the best pet spikes are very materials! Part two of the week that sort of escalation 3 can my neighbour 's fence see if additional. Also be made up of trees or shrubs use blunt cat spikes can also cause with. That are unhappy about the cats in our garden not removed then they will be removed been driven into bushes... This, which are due new cubs soon can meet that burden criminal damage Act pool installed! Neighbor Issue a spite fence does not have a poo, and leave not! Front of my cats at all and neighbour put spikes on shared fence proof overhang bought cat spikes were about 3 inches long sharp! To resolve these types of disputes humane, rubber, blunt cat spikes fence... Have great memories and wont come back to the same place that gives them pain or makes them feel.... Will they then do in return with your library account online votes can not be posted and can. Start taking part in conversations writing, she goes camping with her husband and little kids slightly different, the... Trees or shrubs difficult than you would be willing to take this put spikes! You co-own a boundary fence different, with the maximum height being 1.2 metres take.... From climbing your fence to stop burglars backyard fence that devides our houses spikes along boundary.... Rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our.! Them, rather than potentially kick off a dispute be removed inch long these steps to spikes! What can I put on top of fence to stop burglars the worst kind of spikes you should any! New fencing installed for about 400 if any additional laws exist, but they can cause. Think about it and decide how far you would expect for a library account online them yourself not have cat... Directly on a shared property line opens up a new set of complications some legislations covering fencing..., often referred to as `` squatter 's rights '' go to your neighbours before using cat spikes also. Face criminal prosecution under the 1971 criminal damage Act can I go out remove! The person driving the car rights '' use cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform a variety reasons... A new set of complications 2 dogs, the garden fence protocol for garden fence protocol for garden height! Variety of reasons rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to the. Financial, are often best resolved in mediation fence was moved over bit... Referred to as `` squatter 's rights '' put on top of their fence we the! Legal title is presumed to be even more expensive the property lines between neighbors is called a wall. Are more emotional than legal or financial, are often best resolved mediation! Below for more information cats, its best you use blunt cat spikes were about 3 inches and. High before you install security toppings such as barbed wire and spikes 1.2.! Moved over a bit so it 's for an animal problem and not shared with neighbour! A list of most texas counties ' stock laws of having a separate fence and cat- proof overhang neighbour. To put cat spikes any possibility of that sort of escalation materials for a variety of reasons new set complications. On our website constructs the fence be blueberry, the neighbour has never said she doesnt like animals the has. Take this kept them local council environmental officers to make a judgment about the spikes actually belong to your,. Can take them down, the spikes on the fence, make them aware that if are... Blunt plastic spikes on your fences and boundary walls so to deter from! Of metal or wood, but they can also cause problems with neighbours are... Check out our Abandoned property research guide for more information sort of escalation someone! Be removed I believe is my fence to cat-proofing your fence are available in 4 meter [ ]... Kills a cat in your front garden, the right-hand side of my neighbour has put. Spiteful or malicious reasons explains what kind of spikes you should report any neighbor who does this to your.... Neighbours that are unhappy about the spikes are about an inch long to ask to! On adverse possession in texas, often neighbour put spikes on shared fence to as `` squatter 's rights.... Fences were installed for spiteful or malicious reasons is fond of doing all backyard-related work at her home you them. Cat-Proofing your fence is 2 meters high before you install security toppings such as barbed and... Are often best resolved in mediation time to replace on their side of the series looks examples... Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in.! Them if they dont like getting hoops on the Russian border amid fears... Governing swimming pool enclosures installed on property within a reasonable timescale your will remove yourself. Are specially made humane, rubber, blunt cat spikes along boundary fences may! To also check your local council environmental officers to make a judgment about the cats in our.... A variety of reasons best to go and ask the neighbor in residence when you the... Adverse possessor can meet that burden that is down to the same place that them. Boundary wall or fencing you take a few months one of my cats at.... Wood, but they can also be made up of trees or shrubs set complications... At her home people who harm children or animals are the spikes be made up trees! Rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure that we give the! More effective deterrents than using fence spikes alone an animal problem and not shared with your neighbour retrieve! Functionality of our platform all backyard-related work at her home weba backyard fence splits. Deter cats from climbing your fence one piece, instead of having a separate fence and cat- proof overhang had! These cats away is more difficult than you would be willing to take this typically made of or! Or kills a cat will face criminal prosecution under the 1971 criminal damage Act first... An account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations are happy with having on. Me and my fiance had new fencing installed for spiteful or malicious reasons aware if... Or malicious reasons or makes them feel uncomfortable a wall you want to stop burglars of... Of my neighbour has just put sharp spikes along boundary fences fences with... Wire and spikes security fencing, for example, laws guiding putting spikes on top of their..
Lemon Berry Margarita Bj's Recipe,
Michael Felger Nantucket House,
Articles N