Slaughtering another’s hen if it causes damage

Question

Question: Nowadays the custom of keeping hens is very widespread. Some people do not keep them, and the neighbours’ hens, coming in and out of their houses, trouble and disturb them. The owners of the hens, even after being told, do not keep proper watch over their hens. In such a case, what is the ruling on killing those hens that are found causing damage to one’s house or to the animals’ fodder? Is there compensation or not? Who will be the guilty party according to the Shari‘a?

Answer

The owner of the hens should be told: “Your hens come into our house and cause damage; make arrangements to guard them, otherwise we will slaughter them.” If he still does not make arrangements, then any hen that comes into the house and causes damage should be slaughtered and given to its owner.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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