I've not read one post here since I posted mine. I'm just sorry I started all of this mess.
You didn't do anything wrong. I get mad at some of these threads because my neighbors dogs cause me problems. I often threaten to shoot them but haven't yet. I would love to just talk to the neighbors and resolve the issue but their attitude is like the OP's.
I'm between a rock and a hard place. I hate to kill animals for just doing what animals do but I shouldn't have to put up with endless aggravation either.