The neighbors dogs.

Question
My husband and I have lived at our new house for a year.  The neighbor has a lab and a boxer who apparently are used to coming over to our 2 acre yard and pooping and generally messing around.  This is almost a daily event. They bark at me when I'm outside and come toward me, growling.  When I am gardening and stand up suddenly, surprising them, they can be threatening, growling and walking toward me stiff-legged, with their hair raised on their backs.   If I yell at them they do eventually turn toward home.  I have tried making friends with them by offering dog treats and talking gently to them, but I have also yelled a lot, too.  Of course the real problem is their owner.  He just opens the door and lets them out. I went over to him once when he could see the dogs barking at me.  he just said, "Oh they're all show, they won't hurt you."  Then he turned and went inside.  He goes inside whenever he sees me now.  I am afraid to go knock on his door because of the dogs.  Other neighbors have told me they have had similar trouble and are afraid of the dogs.  They have called the police. If I call the police or the SPCA, what will happen to the dogs?  I know if they do bite me they will be destroyed.  Doesn't he realize that?   Should I try to make friends with these dogs or bust their owner?  I am afraid they will be destroyed if I complain.

Answer
Ok, hopefully this may explain some stuff.

It depends on the county and state you live in if they destroy the dog immediatly.  

I personally would call the ASPCA if they are consistantly in your yard and you have spoken with your neighbor about this.  Putting up a fence may be an option.

The shelter will make a trip to the house, say many ppl have complained about the animals and they will recieve a warning. If they do not comply, they will take the animals away. Yes, your neighbor may hate you after that, but its better than you or a kid being bitten.

Call the shelter and ask:) thats what they are there for and they may tell you that you are not the first to complain.