Freedom of pets?

[Frisk]

What control do I have over someones pet(s) that have strayed onto my property? Are you allowed to use force? I don't really mind if they are just walking by, but when they start using my backyard as a bathroom it's kinda a different story.

[K_teela]

If you're really considering force as a last resort, a decent deterrent (for a larger animal like a dog) could be using a sling shot with sugar cubes as ammo. Just aim for the body, the sugar cube will break up on impact and as such will not really do any damage to the animal...but they'll learn to stay away.
If it's a cat, you can buy sensors that will spray/make loud sudden noises/light up etc to try and scare them away.

First thing you should try though is talk to the owner if you know where the animal comes from.

[kgcayenne]

Leave dead fish lying about out so that they can roll around in it and the owner will decide it's a better idea to keep them inside.

[Bsuds]

What control do I have over someones pet(s) that have strayed onto my property? Are you allowed to use force? I don't really mind if they are just walking by, but when they start using my backyard as a bathroom it's kinda a different story.

Keep a hose handy and spray them. The owner not the dog...lol

If it's a cat then trap them and take to the SPCA.

[JLives]

Do you know who they belong too? Is there any way you could just talk to them about it?

[Bunnyhop]

Could try a motion sensor sprinkler, once your outside water is on again. That's about as much force as I'd be comfortable recommending.