In my area we have coons bigger than cats, coyotes, foxes, skunk, hawks, owls, and we saw a porcupine last week. Even the occasional mountain lion (one killed a dog not far from here this year, they never found her). Aside from mammals and birds we have a lot of snakes, rattlesnakes included.
These threats are a part of living where we do. I worry for Douglas of course but have kept chickens for years and after a brutal attack resulting in 3 dead birds (out of four) we've learned how to best guard our beloved pets.
I never let Douglas outside unless I am standing at the back door. He does not go far, just to the edge of the patio, pees/poops right against it and then come back right away. If it is dark we turn on lights so that the night creatures will be reluctant to come near.
When I am out walking him off lead I watch for hawks all the time and if I spot one I carry him. He is kept on lead if the area is extra hazardous. He'll be taking a snake deterrent class next summer. I did it with my other dog and it was quite effective, though very traumatic for me of course. They use shocks to train them..but better than a snakebite.
These people put their dog out into an unsecure area. Sad, yes, but we came second, the animals lived here before we did, and the dog died. It was the fault of the owner.
I do not ever let my chickens out unsupervised, they have large, secure runs to play in instead. It is our responsibility to protect our pets, they are food to other animals and that's just life.
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They horrify me!
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