Feel terrible!

lisawood78

~Chameleon~ wrote: »

This thread is getting silly now!

Actually, I agree and will gracefully withdraw.

Hope the Op is ok and can come to some action (or not) that they are happy with

zaksmum

Sadly, I'd have to say my dog would probably do the same. Cats have a way of appearing when you've scanned the horizon to check there aren't any, before letting the dog off lead. My dog can spot a cat a mile away and be within attacking distance in a millisecond...my nerves are shredded with him.

Fortunately the cats round here don't suffer fool dogs gladly, and my dog's had more than one cat claw embedded in his muzzle.

So he has started to learn some respect - but I can't keep him on his lead forever, so I'm glad he's learning that cat claws hurt!

~Chameleon~

I once had a rottie who was not 'cat friendly' when we acquired her and we had 8 cats in the household! She soon learned to respect them though, cat claws are sharp and hurt!

Despite eventually tolerating "her" family of cats she would still chase off any that might dare to wander into the garden, although that was few and far between considering the number of resident felines

zaksmum

The trouble is...this is what dogs do. God knows why they instinctively have to dislike cats, but they do.

Lucy's much more laid back and will make a token effort at chasing a cat, but she's too old and fond of her grub to have any chance at all of catching one, except in her dreams!

But Jack gives me nightmares. Screaming NO!! LEAVE IT!!! usually does stop him in his tracks...but only if I see the cat in time.

And don't even get me started about rabbits... and squirrels in the park being fed nuts by cute 4 year olds..."Mum, why's that funny lady just said the F word at that black dog?"

I'm surprised I haven't had a full nervous breakdown!

demystified

Personally if it was me I'd put up some kind of netting or something of the kind along the boundary fence to prevent next doors cat from jumping on/over the fence that side, in the interests of good neighbourly relations. I wouldn't bother about the other sides of the garden that aren't bordering your neighbour, if the cat makes its way in via several neighbouring gardens then you can't reasonably be held responsible for that.

The fact is if the neighbour wants to keep her cat safe she needs to cat proof her garden to stop them escaping, its her responsibility I would say.

As a cat owner I wouldn't hold neighbours responsible for what happened to my cat in their gardens, unless the neighbour had deliberately trapped or encouraged my cat for the purpose of setting the dogs on him, that would be different. I think the OP's neighbour understands that hence the lack of acrimony over this and personally I think the OP should be applauded for trying to rescue the situation and feeling bad about what happened.

krlyr wrote: »

Many dogs could jump fencing, or dig out of it, or chew/break their way through it. Do all dog owners need to have 10' tall, solid concrete fencing that's sunk 10' down into the ground too to deem their garden secure?

10 foot fence or not, legally you are responsible for your dogs actions if they escape, shrugging your shoulders and saying "well it ain't my fault, innit?" won't cut it with the judge.

valkirn

LisaW123 wrote: »

A cat is unlikely to do much harm to other creatures, with the exception of perhaps birds or mice. A great dane could easily cause serious injury to or kill a cat, other small animals and even small children.

Yes I have read your post. You need to control your dog.

Dont you believe it ive seen a cat attack a dog before and the dog come off worse.

astramax151

This dog obviously cannot be trusted with cats + will attack again (yes, even their "own" cats) Not sure about the cats right to roam etc, so won't comment on that, but the dog pulled the cat off the fence + in my opinion (befores everyone gets on their high horses!) is a danger to cats. How you deal with it is your own business, you have to live with the neighbours + the consequences of any incidents.

As a slightly related fact, we are plagued with loose dogs/stupid owners round here. We have an old, lazy cat who doesn't stray far but has often been chased by loose dogs whilst sitting in our garden. Numerous dogs have forced our back gate open whilst chasing our cat. The last one was a GSD which pulled his owner over, chased our cat + then got in our back garden + tried to attack out terrified rabbit (luckily the cat got back in on the act + clawed the dog in the eye) every time this happens we always hear how it's not their fault that they can't have their dog on a lead in a public place, he's usually so well behaved + how dear Foofoo wouldn't hurt a fly! I should mention that I have had dogs (+ cats, together) for all my life + love both dearly, I just don't love some of the owners quite so much!!

Bromley86

This dog obviously cannot be trusted with cats + will attack again (yes, even their "own" cats)

What do you base that on? Because there's anecdotal evidence above (Chameleon) that indicates you might be mistaken.

astramax151

Bromley86 wrote: »

What do you base that on? Because there's anecdotal evidence above (Chameleon) that indicates you might be mistaken.

Previous experience, granted this dog may not attack again, but I certainly wouldn't trust it.

Bromley86

Come on, little more info please.