If they happened during the day, it is highly doubtful that an owl is the culprit, although not impossible. There are a few species of owl, such as the northern hawk owl, that are diurnal rather than nocturnal.

If the pets disappeared during the night, there are many other predators that should be considered – coyotes, dog packs, wild cats, people.

Best solution is not to allow your animals to be outside – day OR night – unsupervised. If they must stay outside for any length of time, make sure they are in a secure kennel or pen – with the fencing sunk down at least a foot to prevent a predator from digging under the fence, and some sort of roofing to keep hawks and owls and high jumping or climbing animals from entering the pen. And it would not be a bad idea to put a lock on the gate, to keep human predators out.

If you think your animals need more protection from nightime predators, try this: http://www.niteguard.com/

But it is no substitute for proper supervision of all pets.

Even if you just get some cheap plywood to put over the top of the pen and secure it down, it’s better than nothing and will protect them while you’re gone.

Plus, can you imagine the guilt your neighbor will feel if one of your pets is killed while in her care? You need to do everything you can to secure that pen so the unthinkable doesn’t happen.

Good luck!

If it can be proven that this owl is causing damage in the neighborhood, you can get a permit to shoot it from the Fish and Wildlife agency. Don’t shoot it without a permit, or you can get fined and/or arrested.