Christmascinnamoncookie
Fais pas chier!
Useful post, hopefully.
https://www.canineprinciples.com/bl...gg4lnUIUVwtiNKeoy0yIM8K-yqrfkaFmg5rGM2GEfkEnw
https://www.canineprinciples.com/bl...gg4lnUIUVwtiNKeoy0yIM8K-yqrfkaFmg5rGM2GEfkEnw
Advice on what to do if your dog bites someone
- Thread starter Christmascinnamoncookie
- Start date
SilverLinings
Well-Known Member
That is a nice clear explanation of what to do, and what will/may happen afterwards.
It is good that it mentions the importance of insurance, but it is a shame that people (in general, not most of the posters on here) are not more widely aware that dog bites aren't the only way an owner may be liable for an injury (and sued), so even if an owner doesn't want to insure for vet's fees they should have 3rd party insurance. For example the owner of a loose dog that knocks someone over, or causes a car accident, can also be liable for damages. A man who lived next door to my parents years ago lost quite a bit of money when he was walking his retriever, and the dog ran up to a lady in the park and knocked her over (it ran past too close and banged into her). The lady's arm was broken so she successfully sued for loss of earnings, and the owner didn't have insurance so had to pay himself. It wasn't a dog that anyone would typically label as 'dangerous', but it was young and boisterous and the owner looked away for an instant.
It is good that it mentions the importance of insurance, but it is a shame that people (in general, not most of the posters on here) are not more widely aware that dog bites aren't the only way an owner may be liable for an injury (and sued), so even if an owner doesn't want to insure for vet's fees they should have 3rd party insurance. For example the owner of a loose dog that knocks someone over, or causes a car accident, can also be liable for damages. A man who lived next door to my parents years ago lost quite a bit of money when he was walking his retriever, and the dog ran up to a lady in the park and knocked her over (it ran past too close and banged into her). The lady's arm was broken so she successfully sued for loss of earnings, and the owner didn't have insurance so had to pay himself. It wasn't a dog that anyone would typically label as 'dangerous', but it was young and boisterous and the owner looked away for an instant.
Christmascinnamoncookie
Fais pas chier!
The public liability (plus her dbs) was a lot to do with why I employed my new dogwalker. She’s fully insured. I think you’re right, SilverLinings, people have public liability for horses who might run riot/escape onto a road, but not many might think of having it for dogs.
SilverLinings
Well-Known Member
I know of at least on dog walker locally who doesn't have insurance, which is frankly terrifying. She even states it on her FB page as a reason why she is cheaper than others in the area! I think far too many people think that if their dog accidentally causes harm (by anything other than biting) then it is an 'accident' and/or the animal's fault, so they won't be held responsible. I suppose it's the same thinking that leads some owners to think that their untrained dog's general acts of undesirable behaviour is nothing to do with them (or HE'S JUST BEING FRIENDLY!) 
Christmascinnamoncookie
Fais pas chier!
I know of at least on dog walker locally who doesn't have insurance, which is frankly terrifying. She even states it on her FB page as a reason why she is cheaper than others in the area! I think far too many people think that if their dog accidentally causes harm (by anything other than biting) then it is an 'accident' and/or the animal's fault, so they won't be held responsible. I suppose it's the same thinking that leads some owners to think that their untrained dog's general acts of undesirable behaviour is nothing to do with them (or HE'S JUST BEING FRIENDLY!)
She sounds crackers!