Vet Bill and other costs.

adewolves

Our dog escaped last night and was found by a lady who took him to the vets, there's nothing wrong with him, she now wants paying for this plus petrol costs flea and worming treatment and food, he doesn't have fleas or need worming, are we liable for these costs has we never gave her permission or asked her to do this, as there is no way we can afford it and the kids are in bits?

Tiglath

Was this done on the vet's advice and does she have evidence she's paid the bill? I'd speak to the vet to find out what's going on.

adewolves

I don't think so no, she said she just did it as a responsible dog owner, she even wants money because she bathed him. Is she allowed to withold the dog as we are the owners? If she wants to take me to court for the costs then so be it, I just want our dog back.

krlyr

I can't see a court ruling you to pay costs for treatment you didn't ask for or authorise. Infact, the lady was very silly to do this - if your dog had only just been treated for fleas or worms by you, an overdose with a second dosage could have had nasty effects and I bet a court would rule her to pay costs for damage to your "property" (that's what a dog is in the eyes of the law)
It'd be a bit like someone finding your bike dumped somewhere, taking it to have a tyre fixed, greasing the chain and putting a new bill on it then telling you to collect it and pay them for all the parts.

Does she still have the dog? Is she refusing to return him? If so, I would be going to the police and seeing if they will help you recover the dog, as she is basically holding your property ransom.

Somewhere like Doglaw may offer some advice but I would probably go to your local police station and see if they will help first - I can't see it being an overly complicated case if you can prove it's your dog.

rising_from_the_ashes

What! Honestly, if I found a lost dog, I'd certainly not worm/flea treat / bath etc on the first night I'd found it....... I wouldn't pay.

~Chameleon~

Did she tell the vet the dog did not belong to her? It's highly unusual to treat an animal without the owner's consent unless in an emergency situation. Treating for fleas/worms IS NOT an emergency!

krlyr

Oh, and by law the finder of a stray dog must by law either return it to the owner or hand it to the Local Authority for the area in which is was found (unless the DW gives them permission to hold it until claimed)

http://www.endangereddogs.com/DogLaw_StrayDogs.htm
http://www.lawontheweb.co.uk/Animal_Law/Stray_Dog_Law

I would be wary about threatening the finder on this basis though incase they make the dog 'disappear', I think this is definately a case for your local police to step in. Emphasise to them that the finder is holding stolen property, incase they decide that it's something too petty to get involved with.

[Deleted User]

LOL. Seriously, she wants a fee for bathing your dog?

Sure she doesnt make a habit of this? could be a nice little sideline - pick up dogs off the street, wash them, charge the owners money.

I'd definitely be asking to see the vet bill.

I'd say if vet treatment was urgent then fair enough but if she took to vets off her own back and didn't tell the vet it wasn't her dog its tough luck.

aileth

Is she withholding the dog from you?! So much for being a responsible dog owner. I wonder how she'd feel with the boot on the other foot.

adewolves

Thanks for all your replies you've really put my mind at rest.:beer:

krlyr

Let us know how you get on