My dog was bitten- can I claim vet costs?

Orbie

My daughter was walking our small dog on a lead in Scotland when he was attacked by 3 large off lead dogs. His harness had a thick padded collar which saved his life. Overnight stay in vet hospital, surgery to stitch deep bites and chest drains inserted. I found the owner who apologised and said he would pay. I gave him vet report and invoice from vet but have heard nothing. The police are going to speak to him. I said I wanted his dogs muzzled and for him to pay bill which is not far off £1000. The guy is still letting them off lead. Can I make a claim for costs and how do I go about this? Thanks 

onwards&upwards

Yes, you can use money claim online.  Your vet's report and the crime number from the police are evidence. 

Orbie

Thanks onwards&upwards

pphillips

You need to tell the owner he is going to be sued first, this should be done by a letter before action.

onwards&upwards said:

Yes, you can use money claim online.  Your vet's report and the crime number from the police are evidence. 

sheramber

For information the police cannot make the owner do anything.  They can  suggest action that an owner may take to avoid further action being taken against them.
You can read about Dog Control Orders  here
http://www.bhsscotland.org.uk/uploads/5/4/5/3/5453271/control_of_dogs__scotland_act_2010_guidance_17_feb_2011_final.pdf

 
  

sanjana01

Yes, you should do complain and can do online.

Orbie

Thanks, the police have visited dogs owner but unfortunately they tried to contact me when I was at work and I’m still waiting to hear if he accepted responsibility of if he denied his dogs attacked. I have noticed that he only takes 2 dogs out now so I don’t know what has happened to the third one 

renegadefm

To be honest its lucky it wasent a young child. I'm surprised the police didnt put the dogs to sleep. 

waamo

pphillips said:

You need to tell the owner he is going to be sued first, this should be done by a letter before action.

onwards&upwards said:

Yes, you can use money claim online.  Your vet's report and the crime number from the police are evidence. 

There is no requirement to send a letter before action in Scotland.

sheramber

renegadefm said:

To be honest its lucky it wasent a young child. I'm surprised the police didnt put the dogs to sleep. 

The police cannot' put a dog to sleep'.
Only the court can require a dog to b put to sleep and it will be done by a vet.
    

[Deleted User]

onwards&upwards said:

Yes, you can use money claim online.  Your vet's report and the crime number from the police are evidence. 

Money Claim Online is only for England & Wales.