Real life MMD: Our dog ruined the neighbour's curtains - should we pay?

kazbaa13

I realise that the curtains may be expensive, but where were the 'temporary dog owners' when the curtains were being destroyed? Any dog owner has to be on their guard around October/November as even seasoned dogs can become frightened, especially if they are in a new/strange place. It was foolish of both parties to do this at this time of the year so really a 50/50 split sounds fair and perhaps neither of them deserves the privilige of owning a dog as neither of them were thinking of the dogs' welfare!

slig

baazii wrote: »

My only thought on reading this was: what kind of dog has to be kept in a cage indoors??? Just as well the neighbours didn't leave their child nearby perhaps.

AFAIK it's not uncommmon to keep a dog in a cage whilst you are out or overnight - it certainly doesn't mean the dog is dangerous or anything like that http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crate_training.

A.Jones

norniron2011 wrote: »

Legally, you may be liable. If YOU trashed your neighbours curtains, would YOU be liable? Of course you would. You are also liable for the actions of your Dog, and a court (if it got that far) would probably rule in your neighbour's favour.

I disagree that a court would find in their favour based on the evidence given. The neighbours asked to look after the dog, then neglected it while leaving it close to expensive curtains. So they invited it into their house and then left it alone.

gaz0987

tell them to !!!!!! off!!

shortbird

Forgive me if someone has already suggested this (as I haven't read all the posts)...
do you have pet insurance? The excess is usually only up to £100 and dogs are usually covered for third party damage???

EssexboySi

Offer to pay for half the replacement cost. and give the dog some love :-)

XRAT

Perhaps you ought to offer them your dog in lieu of payment.

XRAT

robynprincess wrote: »

Who's dog is it? Yours. Doesn't matter what else happens imo, your dog = your responsibility.

If it were my dog, I would pay - and I wouldn't need asking either!

If I allow my parents take their grandchildren to the park, I expect them to act responsibly and ensure everyone crosses the road safely.
They are trustworthy adults, and I expect them to assume responsibility while they 'take charge.'
The same applies to pets. Ownership passes temporarily to those entrusted with taking responsibility.

If your dog had swallowed a curtain hook due to your neighbours neglect of the animal, would they be offering to pay a £1000 vet bill to have it removed?

jude1952

The cost of the curtains is irrelevant, as is the cause of the dog's distress.

Dogs react badly to all sorts of situations - being left alone in unfamiliar surroundings is one. As the neighbours had clearly accepted responsibility for looking after your pet, then they are solely at fault in respect of the damage to the curtains by leaving him in a position where he could do damage to anything at all. Frankly, they are at fault for leaving an animal at a time when he was vulnerable to upset at the noise from fireworks, and they should be thoroughly ashamed of this. Have they apologised for putting him through this ordeal?

Had you had a prior agreement to make good any damage, then you should pay for the curtains whether they cost £10 or £1000. Assuming you didn't then you have no liability.

You on the other hand thought you could get away with boarding your precious dog cheaply while you went and left him. If you are going to leave your dog, then you should make sure he gets proper care - regardless of the cost.

jamespir

yes its your dog your fault