Fence Issues (shocker I know)

ThisIsWeird

eddddy said:

As others say, the neighbour probably has no legal duty to replace the fence panel.

So your options might include:

• Buy a new fence panel and fix it into their fence. (But technically, you shouldn't fix anything to their fence without their consent.)

• Put up a temporary fence/barrier across the gap in the fence to keep your children in, and their dog out. (e.g. a length of chicken wire attached to 2 stakes.)

• Use one of the "intact but not perfect condition" panels that you are replacing from your other fence as a temporary / semi-permanent way of filling the gap 

Since their dog comes on to the OP's land, I think they do have an actionable duty to secure the boundary.
But, almost certainly simpler to go for one of your options.

ThisIsWeird

[Deleted User] said:

You don't have a relationship to spoil and life's too short to let the situation bother you.

I would just replace the panels and not even attempt to engage with the neighbour.

If they protest, tell them that they're getting the fence repaired foc but they're welcome to contribute if they want?

Worst case scenario is that they complain about you fixing their fence - 'cos they're dysfunctional idiots - in which case you may need to remove your panel.
But then you'll know their full calibre, so it's straight onto enforcement-time regarding their s***** dog.

EmilyAsh88

Thanks so much everyone. We are going to replace the panel, less hassle all round I suspect. 

I absolutely would never dream of letting my kids charge off onto her land which is why I've taken the safest approach of not even really letting them have free run of the garden which has been a shame. It's unfortunate she hasn't felt the same way about her dog but there we go!

ThisIsWeird

Overall, the best first move - good luck  

(Just remember for situations like this - evidence evidence evidence.)

Martin_the_Unjust

Plant some gooseberry bushes in the gap!

Albermarle

EmilyAsh88 said:

Thanks so much everyone. We are going to replace the panel, less hassle all round I suspect. 

I absolutely would never dream of letting my kids charge off onto her land which is why I've taken the safest approach of not even really letting them have free run of the garden which has been a shame. It's unfortunate she hasn't felt the same way about her dog but there we go!

They only cost £30 in Wickes for a standard fence panel, so not really worth worrying about too much.

Brie

I'd go for replacing them yourself as others have suggested.  Clean up your garden and dump that in their bin if you can.  Put a note through their door to say you are doing this to prevent their dog or children being injured in your garden but it's a one off and doesn't change their ownership of the boundary.