Dog on dog attack - advice please

gettingready

A friend was out with dogs and the smallest/oldest one was attacked very badly by 2 dogs being walked by someone else.

Not much skin was broken but serious internal injuries to stomach muscles that required surgery, the dog is still at the vets.

Owner of the 2 dogs that attacked said it never happened before (all 3 dogs were off lead - friend's dog and the 2 dogs that attacked), gave his number and offered to pay the vet bill if the vet was needed.

As I mentioned, at the time not much was visible, the extend of injuries was only discovered while friend got the dog to the vets.

Fast forward 48 hours, dog was operated on, hope to recover and friend send photos of the dog and info to the owner of the 2 other dogs. He never replied at all (number is correct as friend called him there and then immediately after the attack to check the given number was correct).

Friend's dog is insured but that may be needed for whatever else later on so ideally the owner of the attacking dogs should pay the vet bill as he promised immediately after the attack. But he is ignoring messages.

What can/should be done?

Friend did not report this to the Police - should this be reported? Friend worries about the dogs being PTS as aggressive so did not want to report.

Vet seems to feel it should be reported.

Any advice please?

Thanks a lot

sheramber

A dog on dog attack should be reported to the dog warden , not the police.

The dog warden may have had other reports about the dog- don't just accept the owner's claim that it was the first time.

Dog wardens vary in how they deal with cases like this. Ours was very good at 'having a word' with the owner of an offending dog and advising on controlling their dog, such as muzzling and keeping on the lead.

If your friend claims from her insurance they may pursue the other owner for payment, depending on the cost.

She will still be out of pocket for the excess.

Your friend could sue the other owner directly but there is no guarantee that they would pay or have the means to pay.

fairy_lights

How long ago was it that your friend tried to contact the owner of the other dogs? He may be at work or otherwise occupied and not able to reply, I wouldn't assume he's deliberately ignoring her.

gettingready

Thanks both.

The incident happened on Monday.

Fried had no reply to messages since then and sorry but it takes a few seconds to reply to an sms/whatsup message even if it is just to acknowledge it.

gettingready

The little old dog is back at home recovering from surgery where parts f her stomach muscles had to be removed and others stitched back together.

Still no reply from the owner of the 2 dogs that have done so much damage.

No idea what to advise - if it was your dog, what would YOU do?

Froglet

I would send a very strong worded letter,detailing what happened and the promises made to pay the vets bill,which I would photo copy and include.I would also add that unless the bill is paid within 14 days I would report the incident to the police,saying that this dog could attack a child next,and I would be taking them to court for all the costs,having seeked legal advice.

Does you friend have any photographic evidence or witnesses to the attack and the promises made.If so,I would mention that too.If she doesn't have his address,then send it by text,but perhaps she could make some enquiries to try and find out.

gettingready

Thanks Froglet. There was no witneses but vet report and photos of the dog while at the vet.

Friend did not really want to report as in her head that would potentially cause harm to the 2 dogs but I am trying to convince otherwise as those 2 dogs may simply kill another dog next time.

We do not have postal details of the owner but found his FB so know the name and place of work (owns his company). Still no reply/aknowledgement of the messages sent on Monday deapite read marks on Whatsap.

Thanks for your input x

fairy_lights

gettingready wrote: »

We do not have postal details of the owner but found his FB so know the name and place of work (owns his company). Still no reply/aknowledgement of the messages sent on Monday deapite read marks on Whatsap.

I would give him until tomorrow to reply to the messages (maybe message him on facebook too, because then you can see if the message has been read) and if he hasn't been in touch pass his details on to the dog warden.

gettingready

There are read receipts on Whatsap so we know he read msg before.

I was not aware but my friend called her daughter when it happened as she could not carry the injured dog and walk her 2 GS on leads at the same time (they were both on leads all the time) and daughter did mot witness the attack as such but did witness the conversation and offer of vet bill payment. Daughter is an adult

MataNui

I wouldnt take this persons word for it that its never happened before. Thats very, very unlikely to be true.

The police should take interest if you choose to report it (which i would do anyway) as having dogs dangerously out of control is an offense and that is what they were.

Also if it was an assistance dog they attacked rather than your old pooch then that is punishable by a prison sentence of up to 3 years.

You can pursue them through the courts for the costs so if you are thinking of going down that route reporting it to the police would be a good idea.

Frugalista

Froglet wrote: »

I would report the incident to the police,saying that this dog could attack a child next

Wrong, wrong, wrong!!!.:mad: Whilst I have every sympathy with the OP's friend, this was a dog on dog attack, nothing more. There is absolutely no evidence that the dog is a danger to children. This sort of hysterical ranting is making dog ownership harder and harder for everyone.