jmn04
New User
Hi, need some advice please..
A friends two dogs were both on their leads returning to their property in the dark when just a few feet from the
front door they saw the neighbours cat sat on the grass. There is a boundary running along the front lawn but no fencing.
The small patch of grass is shared and despite it being dark we believe the cat was technically on its own land.
The 2 properties front doors are no more than 7ft apart and the grass square in question measures 5ft wide by 8ft deep max! Perhaps irrelevant but trying to indicate how close the properties are.
Due to the dark my friend was unable to see the cat and due to the dogs reactions thought perhaps it was a hedgehog.
A short few seconds attack followed which resulted in the dogs being pulled away once their owner realised what was happening.
Nevertheless, the cat needed vet treatment for stitches and although it had a dislocated foot/knee joint - not leg - we cannot be 100% this injury was sustained in the attack - it could well be the reason the dogs on this occasion were able to actually catch the cat! They have been neighbours for 1 year and this is the 1st incident.
The cat ran away, my friend put the dogs inside the property and alerted the neighbours as to what has happened, both parties then searched for the cat together. Upon its return the injuries were assessed and a trip to the vets deemed appropriate by the cat owners.
My friend, out of good faith and feeling somewhat responsible, immediately offered to pay them for the initial vet bill of £600, which they have accepted. My friend has been informed further costs are expected to be similar as the cat was returned to the vet on Boxing day.
It should be made clear these are not dangerous dogs and I believe my friend was in control of both when the attack happened. She was able to pull them back away from the cat almost immediately despite their strength and they obeyed.
It is my understanding the neighbours fully expect her to pay the remainder of the bill - they have stated they choose not to insure their pets.
They have also stated they intend to seek advice on the appropriate course of action - quite what that means I am not sure at this point.
1. Should my friend be concerned over losing her dogs?
2. Should my friend pay the remainder of the bill despite already paying at least half.
3. Should my friend speak to a solicitor?
4. I am of the opinion this is a 50/50 case. Dogs chase cats, fact of life!, cats chase birds, mice, other small animals and have been ****t1ng in her garden since kittens.
Had their cat injured the dog too (eye scram) would they also be liable. Their cat is let outside to roam free and they have to accept responsibility for whatever could happen, no??
Advice thoughts appreciated..
Thanks
A friends two dogs were both on their leads returning to their property in the dark when just a few feet from the
front door they saw the neighbours cat sat on the grass. There is a boundary running along the front lawn but no fencing.
The small patch of grass is shared and despite it being dark we believe the cat was technically on its own land.
The 2 properties front doors are no more than 7ft apart and the grass square in question measures 5ft wide by 8ft deep max! Perhaps irrelevant but trying to indicate how close the properties are.
Due to the dark my friend was unable to see the cat and due to the dogs reactions thought perhaps it was a hedgehog.
A short few seconds attack followed which resulted in the dogs being pulled away once their owner realised what was happening.
Nevertheless, the cat needed vet treatment for stitches and although it had a dislocated foot/knee joint - not leg - we cannot be 100% this injury was sustained in the attack - it could well be the reason the dogs on this occasion were able to actually catch the cat! They have been neighbours for 1 year and this is the 1st incident.
The cat ran away, my friend put the dogs inside the property and alerted the neighbours as to what has happened, both parties then searched for the cat together. Upon its return the injuries were assessed and a trip to the vets deemed appropriate by the cat owners.
My friend, out of good faith and feeling somewhat responsible, immediately offered to pay them for the initial vet bill of £600, which they have accepted. My friend has been informed further costs are expected to be similar as the cat was returned to the vet on Boxing day.
It should be made clear these are not dangerous dogs and I believe my friend was in control of both when the attack happened. She was able to pull them back away from the cat almost immediately despite their strength and they obeyed.
It is my understanding the neighbours fully expect her to pay the remainder of the bill - they have stated they choose not to insure their pets.
They have also stated they intend to seek advice on the appropriate course of action - quite what that means I am not sure at this point.
1. Should my friend be concerned over losing her dogs?
2. Should my friend pay the remainder of the bill despite already paying at least half.
3. Should my friend speak to a solicitor?
4. I am of the opinion this is a 50/50 case. Dogs chase cats, fact of life!, cats chase birds, mice, other small animals and have been ****t1ng in her garden since kittens.
Had their cat injured the dog too (eye scram) would they also be liable. Their cat is let outside to roam free and they have to accept responsibility for whatever could happen, no??
Advice thoughts appreciated..
Thanks
..no inciting fights!!!
