OP (36m) and his wife (34f) recently bought a house with a big backyard and an orchard. The previous owners were loved by the neighborhood for letting kids play in the yard. When OP’s parents moved to a retirement home, they gave OP their two well-behaved dogs. The dogs play in the yard during the day, and OP cleans up after them. The kids in the neighborhood love the dogs, and some older ones even walk them. But a lady got angry when her child came home with dog poop on his hands. She threatened to press charges unless OP got rid of the dogs. OP refused, and now the gates are locked, and kids aren’t allowed in the yard anymore. Some neighbors are upset, but OP doesn’t want to risk it and asks Redditors for their opinion.
Scroll down below to read the story in OP’s own words.
via Reddit
1. OP wonders if they’re wrong for not allowing kids to play in their yard anymore.
2. OP and his wife bought a house with a large backyard and an orchard. Previous owners, a childless elderly couple, built treehouses and bridges for kids.
3. OP’s neighbor asked to let her kids play in the backyard. They agreed but clarified they wouldn’t supervise, and injuries wouldn’t be their responsibility.
4. OP’s neighbor was appreciative, bringing treats. Soon, a dozen kids visited weekly, some supervised. They were well-behaved, so OP didn’t mind.
5. OP’s parents moved to a retirement home, offering their two dogs. OP and their wife gladly accepted, seeing it as a chance to learn about dog ownership.
6. OP’s dogs relax in the yard or porch. Weekly, they clean up after them. Kids love them, and some walk them. Signs remind to keep gates closed.
7. Two weeks ago, a stranger confronted OP’s wife about dog feces on her child’s hands, threatening to stop their kids from coming over and press charges.
8. OP’s wife confronted the woman, refusing to comply with her demands. When the woman returned with a petition, they told her to leave and barred kids from their yard.
9. OP’s neighbors pleaded for reconsideration, but fearing risks and lacking time for supervision, they kept the gates locked. Now, they face criticism. Are they wrong?
via Reddit
Now that you have read the story, it’s time for you to see what Redditors had to say about this. Read till the end to see what are other people’s opinions on this. Don’t forget to share your own opinion at the end of this article.
10. Absolutely NTA. Your property, your rules.
11. It’s your right to prioritize safety on your property.
12. Protecting your space and privacy is crucial is important for everyone.
13. You’re not obligated to accommodate uninvited guests, especially when your boundaries are disrespected.
14. Your decision to prioritize safety and peace of mind is completely valid. NTA.
15. Everyone’s on OP’s side in this story.
16. Nobody gets to say a thing apart from OP.
17. It’s unfair for others to pressure you into compromising your boundaries. NTA.
18. You’re not in the wrong for enforcing your boundaries. NTA.
19. Your decision to prioritize safety and peace of mind is completely justified. NTA.
20. Your neighbors need to understand and respect your decision to protect your property and privacy.
via Reddit
What are your thoughts on this story? What would you do, or how would you react if you were in OP’s position? You know that your feedback means a lot to us; therefore, we want you to share your thoughts in the comment section below. For more such articles, keep visiting Defused. Have a nice day!
